WO2005074382A2

WO2005074382A2 - Modified field flashlight device and auxiliary field module therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2005074382A2
Application number: PCT/IL2005/000162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arnaldo Faerman; Yehezkel Henkin
Original assignee: Arnaldo Faerman; Yehezkel Henkin
Priority date: 2004-02-09
Filing date: 2005-02-09
Publication date: 2005-08-18
Also published as: WO2005074382A3; IL160291A0

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a supplementary retrofit electro-optic module (10) for attachment to a flashlight, so as to facilitate attachment or insertion of a plurality of auxiliary devices to the flashlight thereby extending the functionality of the firearm. The deficiencies of devices disclosed in the prior art are overcome by providing an extension that attaches to an existing conventional flashlight thereby permitting increased capacity and that fits in pre-existing mounts sized for the original flashlight. An axial electrical conductor (43) is provided therein to make electrical connection between the battery (22) in the flashlight body and the devices in the extension body, and between the devices in the extension body and the lamp in the flashlight body (26). A tactical flashlight is obtained with no wasted parts, and which provides the user with the simultaneous use of different accessories.

Description

MODIFIED FIELD FLASHLIGHT DEVICE AND AUXILIARY FIELD MODULE THEREFOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to field flashlights and to the use of portable electro- optical devices in light military applications.

DEFINITION Throughout the present specification and claims, the term "field flashlight" is used to denote any flashlight that is liable to be attached to a rifle or other firearm for use in field applications, whether military, law enforcement, hunting, or other applications in which it may be sought to use various tactical and other accessories, including electro-optic, electromagnetic, and mechanical.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of firearms, including handguns, shotguns, carbines, sub-machineguns, rifles, and others, have been in use for many years. The need to be able to effectively see a target and aim a weapon in the direction of the target is well recognized. Auxiliary devices to facilitate illuminating a target or aiming a weapon, especially under low light conditions, are known. Examples of known auxiliary devices include scopes, illuminators, lasers, aiming lights and combined illuminator/laser units. For convenience, these (and other) devices are generally referred to herein as auxiliary devices. In many ways the firearm itself has become a platform for auxiliary devices, which may cost more than the firearm itself. Many patents relate to these auxiliary devices and related mounting systems. One very popular and widely owned auxiliary device is a field flashlight for night use. There are commercially available a large number of flashlights of many different configurations to suit different purposes. Field flashlights are produced in a wide variety of sizes using a wide range of battery sizes. The method of operating field flashlights, that is, turning them on and off also varies greatly. Some field flashlights, for example, are operated by pressing, flipping, sliding or twisting an on-off switch mounted in the body of the field flashlight. Others are operated by rotating the head of the field flashlight (from which the light beam emerges) relative to the body. Still others have their activation switches located at the distal end. Generally the base of the field flashlight is removed for insertion and removal of the batteries and the head is removed for bulb replacement; others work both ways, or may have more than one battery compartment or bulb. Such field flashlights are extremely popular because of their convenient size, ruggedness, durability and reasonable brightness. They are sold in very large quantities. While many field flashlights are used for general purposes, some are particularly well suited for use in connection with firearms, generally called combat field flashlights. For example, a number of mounting systems enable versions of field flashlights to be mounted under or alongside a gun barrel so as to illuminate targets in the weapon bore-sight when activated. Combat flashlights typically contain a white light illuminator, power source, back- plate rocker/ pressure switch activation device, a plastic or aluminum housing, and a weapon connection/adapter rail, said weapon connection/adapter rail in some cases as a separate unit. Recently a combination known as a laser aiming module, or tactical light, has become popular. With the advent of rugged low power lasers, it is becoming increasingly possible and practical to attach a small laser to various types of firearms, including handguns. Tactical lights, typically, comprise the abovementioned combat flashlight components as well as 3 new functions notably Infrared (IR) illuminator, IR laser, and visible laser; internal boresight adjusters to zero the lasers to the barrel; a mode-selector switch to select amongst the functions or function combinations; and a circuit board to modulate power so each function receives the power needed. These are generally intended for police and military night work, although there are also daytime uses and/or civilian uses as well. The theory of use is elegantly simple. When the firearm sighting-laser is activated, a spot of light is projected onto a target, providing an indication of the impact point of a firearm projectile. Even the most inexperienced firearm user can immediately hit an intended target with an extremely high degree of accuracy by simply pointing the firearm so that the laser spot rests on the target. A firearm sighting-laser may generate a spot of light that is either visible or non- visible to the human eye. In some applications, such as military applications, it is preferred that the laser spot be visible to the firearm user alone. In these applications a laser is selected that cannot be seen by an unaided observer. Infrared wavelength lasers are an example of this specialized form of sighting laser. While perfectly visible to a user equipped with an infrared scope, the laser spot of the sighting laser is otherwise invisible. Since the firearm projectile typically follows a generally flattened parabolic trajectory, while the laser beam propagates in an essentially straight line, the laser beam normally intersects the impact point of the projectile only within a prescribed range of preselected distances. If the intended range for use of the firearm is varied substantially, for example, by selecting targets at 50 yards instead of 10 yards, the laser beam must be realigned to accurately intersect the changed impact point of the firearm projectile. To accommodate realignment of the laser beam, various alignment techniques are employed to orient the laser beam with respect to one or more points along the trajectory of the firearm projectile. While many of the available field flashlights provide adequate light beams, these do not provide the functions mentioned hereinabove and other important functions. In view of the fact that very large numbers of such field flashlights already exist, it is desirable that the means for providing other functions be retrofitable to such existing field flashlights. Owners of such field flashlights (and/or mounts therefore) may readily upgrade their field flashlights to gain additional functions. Certain upgrade combinations have been patented. Referring to US 6,443,587, entitled "Combination Flashlight and Audio Recorder Assembly." The assembly includes a housing having a hollow interior, and defining a handle for being gripped by a user. A light is contained within the assembly housing, and is adapted for being activated by the user to project light outwardly from the assembly housing to a selected area. An audio recorder is also contained within the assembly housing. The audio recorder includes a microphone for receiving sound messages delivered by the user and a memory medium to store the sound messages for subsequent playback by the user. Referring now to US 6,139,165 entitled "Combination Flashlight Or Nightstick/Baton Rescue Punch Assembly", there is disclosed a flashlight or nightstick/baton assembly in which the end cap of the assembly has been removed and replaced with a punch assembly having a threaded base replacing the end cap and a head cap secured to the base and slidably moveable with respect to the base, the head cap enclosing a biasing means and a punch means, the punch means being receptive and reactive to the slidable movement of the head cap in relationship to the base for engagement with tempered glass and automatically resetting after such engagement. Referring now to US 5,363,285 entitled "A Side Handled Baton And Flashlight Assembly" which discloses a side handle baton and flashlight assembly as well as a kit for converting a conventional flashlight into a side handle baton and flashlight assembly. A conventional flashlight having an elongated handle section adapted to hold a plurality of dry cell batteries is separated from a conventional lamp section having a bulb assembly therein. An electrical contact assembly is provided for installation in an end of the handle section. A spacer is provided to connect the handle section to the lamp section. The spacer has an elongated tubular body with an electrically conductive insert therein. The insert has a first electrical contact at one end and a second electrical contact at the other end. A pair of conductive wires extends from the first contact to the second contact. The first electrical contact in the insert is in contact with the lightbulb assembly and the second electrical contact in the insert is in contact with the contact assembly in handle section. A side handle is provided for attachment the spacer, perpendicular to the handle. A selection of interchangeable tips is provided to attach to the striking end of the handle section. Referring now to US 5,287,255, entitled "A Combination Flashlight-Baton" there is disclosed a combination flashlight-baton having a head assembly connected at one end of a flashlight barrel which houses a substantially parabolic reflector, a planar lens, a lamp bulb receptacle, and a lamp bulb. A battery source of power is contained within the barrel and a switch on the barrel energizes the lamp bulb. A baton assembly carried in the tail end of the flashlight barrel has telescoping tubular members movable between a retracted position substantially within the barrel and an extended position extending outwardly therefrom. The innermost tubular telescoping member has a small mass at the distal end. With the baton retracted, the combination flashlight-baton can be carried, stored, and used as a conventional flashlight. To extend the baton, the user holds the flashlight by the handle with the tail end pointing away and sharply snaps the wrist forward in a slinging action and the telescoping members are extended outwardly due to centrifugal force. The telescoping members are maintained in the extended position by frictional engagement and are released by holding the flashlight-baton vertically above a hard surface and bringing it sharply down in the vertical position to strike the distal end of the baton assembly on the hard surface. An adapter fitting or outer baton member carrying the baton assembly allows a conventional flashlight to incorporate a baton without modification of the existing flashlight components and may be provided as a conversion kit for existing flashlights. Referring now to US 4,479,171 entitled "A Side Arm Baton And Flashlight", there is disclosed a combination of a side-handle baton and a flashlight in which the light bulb and reflector are located in the short end of the baton, remote from the battery which can be a rechargeable dry cell battery pack is located intermediate the length of the elongated club portion of the baton, centrally positioned to preserve the balance of the baton. The flashlight switch is located in the end of the side-handle which, preferably, has an enlarged bulbous end for gripping purposes. In preferred embodiments the side-handle includes a central, rotatable sleeve with an interchangeable extension block to permit adjustment of the side-handle to varied hand widths. Referring now to US 5,091,803 entitled "Magnifying Attachment for Flashlight with Dark Field Illumination" there is disclosed a magnifying attachment for a flashlight body includes an eyepiece viewing portion which when rotated to a 90 degree 'open' position provides for dark field illumination of a gem specimen. The attachment includes a split resilient band which may be easily slipped over the end of the flashlight with the band including a folded back tab terminating in a hook which provides a half bearing into which the rotational axis of the eyepiece viewing portion may be permanently placed and retained on the flashlight. A depression or detent notch is formed on the flashlight body to retain the attachment. Referring now to US 4,244,011 entitled "Rechargeable Flashlight", a rechargeable flashlight is disclosed having the charging unit self-contained in the flashlight housing. A rechargeable cell or cells has its opposite end surfaces making respective abutting contact with adjacent partition members extending transversely and integrally attached to the housing of the flashlight, providing immobilization of the cell(s). A standard two-cell flashlight is retrofitted to house a single rechargeable cell and self-contained tethered charger. Referring now to US 5,842,300 entitled "Retrofitable Laser And Recoil System For A Firearm", there is disclosed a retrofitable laser system (10) utilizing miniaturized components which are insertable into a pistol barrel (24B) of a pistol (24) which emits a laser module light pulse (12C) when a pistol firing trigger (24F) activates a pistol firing pin (24E). The pistol (24) further comprises a pistol housing (24A) and a pistol ammunition chamber (24D). The retro fittable laser system (10) comprises a laser module (12) which comprises at least one laser module pin (12A). The laser module (12) further comprises a laser module diode (12E) having a laser module diode driver circuit (12EA) electronically connected to the at least one laser module pin (12A). The laser module (12) further comprises a laser module graded index optics (12D) integrally associated with the laser module diode (12E). The retrofittable laser system (10) further comprises a processor module (14) which comprises at least one module pin receptacle which is complimentary to the at least one laser module pin (12A) forming an electrical connection when inserted therein and at least one processor module pin. The retrofittable laser system (10) further comprises a piezo module (16) which comprises at least one piezo module pin receptacle (16B) which is complimentary to the at least one processor module pin forming an electrical connection when inserted therein and at least one piezo module pin (16A) and a piezo module switch (16D) which is activatable when hit by the pistol firing pin (24E). The retrofittable laser system (10) further comprises a power module (18) which comprises at least one power module electronic connector pin receptacle which is complimentary to the at least one piezo module pin (16A)forming an electrical connection when inserted therein. Referring now to US 6,283,609 entitled "Tactical Flashlight", the flashlight disclosed is comprised generally of a flashlight chassis which houses energy cells, a flashlight head which houses a beam adjustment assembly, and an end-cap which houses a switch assembly. The beam adjustment assembly and the switch assembly utilize printed circuit boards to support the lamp bulb and switch, respectively. The beam adjustment assembly mounts inside the flashlight head and can only be accessed and adjusted by removing the outer lens- retaining ring that secures the assembly within the head. Once accessed, the bulb support of the assembly can be rotated relative to the reflector of the assembly to adjust the light focal length of the flashlight. The adjustment assembly is also provided with a shock absorber that supports the light bulb. In one embodiment, the end-cap is provided with threads to permit the flashlight to be axially attached to an expandable baton. This embodiment also incorporates a side-mounted switch to enhance manipulation and use of the combination flashlight/expandable baton device. In another embodiment, the endcap has an end-mounted switch to permit full extension of the flashlight. In each embodiment, a multi-function, low noise, push-button switch is utilized. The switch mounts on the printed circuit board, and is provided with primary and secondary circuits to guard against switch failure. The switch is protected by a cover integrally formed of an O-ring. Referring now to US 5,758,448 entitled "Laser System Mounting Device", there is disclosed a mounting system which attaches directly to a square or round trigger guard of a firearm. A separate trigger guard mount assembly includes a base having a groove formed therein for receiving a forward portion of a trigger guard of the firearm. A trigger guard mount clamp for attaches the trigger guard mount base to the forward portion of a trigger guard. A screw-operated clamp removably attaches a light housing assembly to the trigger guard mount assembly where the light housing contains a laser light source or a light bulb. A dovetail is formed on the trigger guard mount base to engage a dovetailed slot on the light housing, where the dovetailed slot is adjustable in width for releasably capturing the dovetail of the trigger guard mount base. The trigger guard mount assembly also includes set screws for fixing the trigger guard mount assembly in position on the forward portion of the trigger guard of the firearm. One or more shims are contained within the groove of the trigger guard mounting assembly. The shims have various thicknesses to compensate for the widths of the trigger guard of the various firearms. The trigger guard mount base and the trigger guard mount clamp are held together with a self-tapping screw. Referring now to US 5,581,898, entitled "Modular Sighting Laser for a Firearm" there is disclosed a compact and rugged sighting laser adapted to be mounted on the trigger guard of a firearm such as a handgun. The sighting laser includes a mounting block having a slot adapted to engage the trigger guard, and a housing configured to engage the mounting block. The mounting block includes a hardened retention pin disposed at one end of the block adjacent the slot, and the housing includes a rearward extending plate with a groove configured to receive this pin. The housing further defines first and second bores generally parallel to one another and oriented toward a forward end of the housing. A laser module is disposed in an ellipsoidally shaped casing that fits within the first housing bore, while a battery for the laser fits within the second bore. Threaded screws disposed at a forward end of the housing at right angles to one another press against one end of the ellipsoidal casing in order to provide orientation of the laser with respect to a target point of the firearm. A pair of activation switches are further disposed on opposing sides of the firearm to permit ambidextrous activation of the laser assembly. The switches may also be provided with extended bars to further facilitate one-fingered activation of the laser assembly. Referring now to US 5,622,000, entitled "Laser Sighting System For Firearm Fore Handgrip Assembly" there is disclosed a laser sighting system mounted entirely in a fore handgrip assembly of a firearm also having a pistol handgrip rearward of the fore handgrip assembly, the fore handgrip assembly including a frame removably secured relative to a barrel of the firearm and a hollow grip element extending from the frame transverse to the barrel axis, the laser sighting system including a battery inside the hollow grip element, a laser diode on the frame forward of the grip element connected by electrical circuitry to the battery and a switch on the grip element for selectively energizing the laser diode. Referring now to US 5,179,235, entitled "Pistol Sighting Device" there is disclosed a laser sighting device for a pistol including a universally mounted laser diode at the forward end of the pistol's trigger guard, wherein positioning of the laser beam is accomplished via adjustment screws from within the trigger guard. An energizing cable in the pistol structure is connected to a power supply located within the pistol's handgrip, and an externally operable activating switch is provided at the rear of the handgrip which is easily actuated by the user's hand immediately before the trigger is operated. A problem associated with conventional laser aiming devices is that many potential users already have flashlights with power sources, which they are used to using. These would have to be replaced with a complete module, in which the flashlight component may not be as preferred as the original one. It would be awkward to have to carry both units. Another problem with presently available auxiliary devices is that a user may have to pay more for two separate units than for a retrofit or upgrade unit to an existing flashlight. A further problem with conventional laser aided devices is that many of these do not provide for the attachment of different or additional auxiliary devices, and so each accessory must be removed in order to make room for further auxiliary devices. This procedure may be problematic to the user requiring the simultaneous use of two or more auxiliary devices, or have a need for both auxiliary devices without incorporations means for both. There is a need in the art for apparatus, which provides for simultaneous use of a plurality of auxiliary devices with a firearm, while utilizing the user's present flashlight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a supplementary retrofit field module for attachment to a field flashlight, so as to facilitate attachment or insertion of a plurality of auxiliary devices to the field flashlight thereby extending the functionality of the firearm. The deficiencies of devices disclosed in the prior art are overcome by providing a field module that attaches to the different functional portions of a conventional field flashlight thereby enabling continued use of the flashlight, while providing additional capabilities and field functionality not otherwise available in a flashlight. There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a modified field flashlight, and an auxiliary field module adapted for use therewith, wherein the field flashlight has a power source assembly and a light emitting assembly adapted to receive electrical power therefrom; and the auxiliary field module is adapted for selectable mounting between the power source assembly and the light emitting assembly of the field flashlight, and includes: a housing for supporting one or more field accessories, including one or more electrical field accessories; a rear attachment member for attaching the housing to the power source assembly; a front attachment member for attaching the housing to the light emitting assembly; and electrical connector apparatus disposed within the housing for electrically connecting the power source to light emitting assembly and to the one or more electrical field accessories, thereby to facilitate selectable operation of any of the light emitting assembly and the one or more electrical field accessories.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing includes apparatus for containing one or more field accessories within the housing.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is also provided apparatus for attaching one or more field accessories to the exterior of the housing.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more field accessories includes a plurality of field accessories, for example, a) a visible aiming laser element; b) an infrared aiming laser element; c) an infrared illuminator element; d) one or more light emitting diode; e) an electromagnetic sensing device; f) an imaging device; g) an imaging device and transmitter; h) a location indicator; i) an identification transponder; j) a thermal sensor; k) a motion detector; 1) a heat detector; and m) a hardened steel tip for breaking windows.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the field module also includes a firearm mounting member for removably attaching the module to a firearm.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical connector apparatus is connected in parallel to the light emitting assembly and to the one or more electrical field accessories.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is also provided a variable voltage regulator for correctly powering each the one or more electrical field accessories.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated form the following detailed drawings, in which: Figs. 1A is a block diagram representation of a modified field flashlight device employing and providing a power source for an auxiliary field module, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. IB is a pictorial view of the modified field flashlight device of Fig. 1 A; Fig. 2 is a pictorial view of the field flashlight portion only of the modified field flashlight device seen in Figs. 1A and IB; Figs. 3 A, 3B and 3C are more detailed front isometric, front and rear elevational views of the field module employed in the device of Figs. 1 A and IB; and Fig. 4 is a pictorial view of the interior of the field module of Figs. 1A, IB, 3A, 3B and 3C, illustrating the manner in which field accessories may be housed therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to Figs. 1A-3C, there is provided a modified field flashlight device, referenced generally 10, employing in combination a field flashlight referenced 20 (Fig. 2) and an auxiliary field module referenced 31 (Figs. 1 and 3A-3C), for attachment to a firearm (not shown). As will be appreciated from the description below, the incorporation of field module 31 into field flashlight 20 allows the field flashlight to be used as a base unit for tactical and other field accessories. Such field accessories may include electro-optic, electromagnetic, mechanical or other auxiliary devices, represented schematically in Fig. 1A as internal accessories 11 and externally mounted accessories 13. Internal accessories 11 are housed within compartments formed within the field module 31, while external accessories 15 are adapted for attachment to the exterior of field module 31. An example of the manner in which the internal accessories 11 may be housed within field module 31 is shown and described below in conjunction with Fig. 4. In accordance with the present invention, the field module 31 is adapted for attachment between a light emitting assembly 26 (Figs. 1 and 2) of the field flashlight 20 and a power source assembly 22 containing typically a battery power source 21 (Fig. IB), which may be periodically replaced by removal of battery cover 24 (Figs. IB and 2). Selectable powering of the modified field flashlight device 10 is via an ON/OFF switch 19, typically as provided with the field flashlight 20. In order to facilitate power supply to and easy and immediate use both of the field flashlight 20 and of the field module 31, as well as any internal accessories 11 (Fig. 1A), there are provided a series of electrical connectors 43 (Fig. 1A), which extend from a rear attachment member 36 of housing 32, to a front attachment member 40 thereof, along and/or within the housing 32 of the field module 31. Preferably, the connectors 43 are configured to connect light emitting assembly 26 and all field accessories 11 which are electrical, in parallel. As seen in Fig. 1A, there may be provided a voltage regulator 15, in order to ensure correct electrical powering of all accessories 11 operating on electrical power, as may be necessary. Clearly, in a case in which the accessories require the same voltage as the light emitting assembly 26, no regulation will be required. The internal and external accessories 1 1 and 13 employed with module 31 may be any of the representative group which includes the following: a) a visible aiming laser element; b) a infrared aiming laser element; c) a infrared illuminator element; d) at least one light emitting diode; e) an electromagnetic sensing device; f) an imaging device; g) an imaging device and transmitter; h) a location indicator; i) an identification transponder; j) a thermal sensor; k) a motion detector; 1) a heat detector; and m) a hardened steel tip for breaking windows. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the field module 31 may also be provided with a firearm mounting member 42 (Fig. 1A), exemplified in Figs. 3B and 3C as a firearm connection or mounting rail, in order to simplify attachment of the device 10, to a firearm. Referring briefly to Fig. 2, there is illustrated a typical field flashlight 20, which includes a light emitting assembly 26, containing an electrical light source (not shown) as known in the art, and a power source assembly 22. Typically, power source assembly 22 includes a cylinder for containing one or more batteries for powering the electrical light source in light emitting assembly 26. A cap 24 for enabling replacement of the one or more batteries may also be provided at a proximal end 23 of the field flashlight 20. Typically, the ON/OFF switch 19 (Fig. 1A), is incorporated in cap 24. Referring now more particularly to Figs. IB and 3A-3C, field module 31 includes a body member referenced generally 32, having a proximal end 33 (Fig. 3A) and a distal end 35 (Figs. 3A and 3B). At the proximal end 33 is a mode selector switch referenced 34 (Figs. 3A and 3C), while a multi-accessory incorporation area referenced 38, is provided at distal end 35 (Figs. 3A and 3B). As seen in Fig. 3C, rear attachment member 36, is provided at proximal end 33 of module 31 and is incorporated into the construction of body member 32 for attachment of the field module 31 to the power source assembly 22 of field flashlight 20. Referring briefly now to Fig. 3B, front attachment member 40 is provided at distal end 35 of module 31, for attachment of the field module 31 to light emitting assembly 26. It will be appreciated that once the field module 31 is attached to both the power source assembly 22 and the light emitting assembly 26 of the field flashlight, all electrical systems within the device 10 become powered by the power source assembly 22, so as to become fully operational. A firearm mounting member referenced 42 (Figs 1A, 3B and 3C) for removably attaching device 10 to a firearm is preferably also provided. While in the drawings it is exemplified as being on an upper portion of module housing 32, it will be appreciated that it may be provided in any alternative suitable position. Referring now to Figs. IB, 3 A and 3B, multi-accessory incorporation area 38 includes, by way of example only, first second and third windows, respectively referenced 44, 46 and 48, each of which provides waterproof covering for optical accessories housed within housing 32. Different numbers of windows may be provided in accordance with the complexity and sophistication of the module 31. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, and as seen in Fig. 3C, illustrating the rear of module 31, calibration points referenced 50 for use with an adjuster key (not shown) to calibrate any inner aiming laser or lasers (not shown). Calibration points 50 are shown as being located on either side of mode selector switch 34. Referring now to Fig. 4, contained within housing 32 of field module 31 is an assembly, generally referenced 70, for mounting one or more field accessories in correct alignment with a firearm to which device 10 may be removably attached. Such accessories for which alignment is of particular importance are electro-optic and electromagnetic accessories. Within housing 32 are a plurality of such accessories 1 1, seen to be supported between an external moveable plate referenced 54 and an internal static plate referenced 56. An elevation mechanism referenced 58 and a windage mechanism referenced 60 are operative to maintain a correct alignment of the field module 31 relative to the barrel of a firearm to which it is removably attached, as via firearm mounting member referenced 42 (Figs. 1A and 3C). Compression members 62, such as springs, are operative to maintain the position of movable plate 54 relative to static plate 56, under a predetermined suitable force. As described hereinabove, first second and third windows, respectively referenced 44, 46 and 48, provide waterproof covering for the accessories 11. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by the drawings and description hereinabove presented. Rather, the invention is defined solely by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A modified field flashlight device which includes: a field flashlight which includes a power source assembly, and a light emitting assembly adapted to receive electrical power from said power source assembly; an auxiliary field module adapted for selectable mounting between said power source assembly and said light emitting assembly, and which includes: a housing for supporting at least one field accessory, including at least one electrical field accessory; a rear attachment member for attaching said housing to said power source assembly; a front attachment member for attaching said housing to said light emitting assembly; and electrical connector apparatus disposed within said housing for electrically connecting said power source to light emitting assembly and to said at least one electrical field accessory, thereby to facilitate selectable operation of any of said light emitting assembly and said at least one electrical field accessory.

2. A modified field flashlight device according to claim 1, and wherein said housing includes apparatus for containing at least one field accessory within said housing.

3. A modified field flashlight device according to claim 2, and also including apparatus for attaching at least one field accessory to the exterior of said housing.

4. A modified field flashlight device according to claim 1, and wherein said at least one field accessory includes a plurality of field accessories.

5. A modified field flashlight device according to claim 4, and wherein said plurality of field accessories includes at least one of the group which consists of: a) a visible aiming laser element; b) an infrared aiming laser element; c) an infrared illuminator element; d) at least one light emitting diode; e) an electromagnetic sensing device; f) an imaging device; g) an imaging device and transmitter; h) a location indicator; i) an identification transponder; j) a thermal sensor; k) a motion detector; 1) a heat detector; and m) a hardened steel tip for breaking windows.

6. A modified field flashlight device according to claim 1, and wherein said field module also includes a firearm mounting member for removably attaching said module to a firearm.

7. A modified field flashlight device according to claim 1, wherein said electrical connector apparatus is connected in parallel said light emitting assembly and to said at least one electrical field accessory.

8. A modified field flashlight device according to claim 7, and also including a variable voltage regulator for correctly powering each said at least one electrical field accessory.

9. For use with a field flashlight having a power source assembly, and a light emitting assembly adapted to receive electrical power therefrom, an auxiliary field module adapted for selectable mounting between the power source assembly and the light emitting assembly, wherein said auxiliary field module includes: a housing for supporting at least one field accessory, including at least one electrical field accessory; a rear attachment member for attaching said housing to the power source assembly; a front attachment member for attaching said housing to the light emitting assembly; and electrical connector apparatus disposed within said housing for electrically connecting the power source to light emitting assembly and to said at least one electrical field accessory, thereby to facilitate selectable operation of any of the light emitting assembly and said at least one electrical field accessory.

10. An auxiliary field module according to claim 9, and wherein said housing includes apparatus for containing at least one field accessory within said housing.

11. An auxiliary field module according to claim 10, and also including apparatus for attaching at least one field accessory to the exterior of said housing.

12. An auxiliary field module according to claim 9, and wherein said at least one field accessory includes a plurality of field accessories.

13. An auxiliary field module according to claim 12, and wherein said plurality of field accessories includes at least one of the group which consists of: a) a visible aiming laser element; b) an infrared aiming laser element; c) an infrared illuminator element; d) at least one light emitting diode; e) an electromagnetic sensing device; f) an imaging device; g) an imaging device and transmitter; h) a location indicator; i) an identification transponder; j) a thermal sensor; k) a motion detector; 1) a heat detector; and m) a hardened steel tip for breaking windows.

14. An auxiliary field module according to claim 9, and wherein said field module also includes a firearm mounting member for removably attaching said module to a firearm.

15. An auxiliary field module according to claim 9, wherein said electrical connector apparatus is connected in parallel to the light emitting assembly and to said at least one electrical field accessory.

16. An auxiliary field module according to claim 15, and also including a variable voltage regulator for correctly powering each said at least one electrical field accessory.