Miniature flashlight having replaceable battery pack and multiple operating modes

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for operating a flashlight using a light emitting diode as a primary light source. The method includes the steps of activating the light emitting diode as the primary light source of the flashlight under one of a plurality of different operating modes and selecting the operating mode using a momentary contact disposed on an outer surface of the flashlight. In the disclosed embodiments, the flashlight takes the form of a relatively small size, generally flat housing having metallic side panels that may be of various colors and have indicia printed on them. The housing has an integral keyring extension enabling an article to be attached to the flashlight or for the flashlight to be attached to other articles, such as the clothing of a user.