Portable lighting device having externally attached voltage tester

摘要

A battery tester for use in combination with a portable lighting device such as a flashlight or lantern having a housing for retaining at least one battery including first and second terminals, each in electrical contact with an opposite pole of the battery, a conductor located on the exterior of the housing and having one end in electrical contact with the first terminal and an opposite end operably connectable to the second terminal. An indicator material overlies and is in responsive contact with the conductor to respond to and indicate a state that is present in the conductor. The indicator material is preferably a thermochromic ink responsive to heat changes in the conductor caused by a current flowing therethrough. The conductor and indicator material are preferably mounted on a flexible substrate imprinted with decorative ink and indicia and protected by a transparent protective layer.