Multifunction flashlight

Abstract

A multifunction flashlight includes an audio recorder, a video recorder and a flashlight having one or more operating modes. The flashlight includes an audio microphone secured within a water-tight interior compartment in the body of the flashlight. A storage compartment is provided in a rear portion of the flashlight for removably storing one or more light diffuser caps which are selectively mountable over the flashlight lens. A port in the wall of the flashlight can be opened to improve audio reception and sensitivity of a microphone housed within the flashlight. A resilient switch cover is provided with two or more differently textured surface portions to allow an operator to identify an audio, video or lighting function by tactile feel or touch. A delay circuit can be provided to protect the audio and/or video functions from in advertent or unintentional actuation.

1 . A flashlight, comprising:
 a video recorder;   a switch for turning said video recorder on and off; and   a timer circuit electrically connected to said switch delaying activation of said video recorder.   
     
     
         2 . The flashlight of  claim 1 , wherein said timer circuit delays deactivation of said video recorder. 
     
     
         3 . The flashlight of  claim 1 , wherein said switch must be held in an on position for at least 0.5 seconds before said video recorder begins recording. 
     
     
         4 . The flashlight of  claim 1 , wherein said switch much be held in an off position for at least 0.5 seconds before said video recorder ends recording. 
     
     
         5 . The flashlight of  claim 1 , wherein said flashlight further comprises an exterior wall and further comprising a microphone mounted and enclosed within said exterior wall of said flashlight and connected to an audio recorder mounted within said flashlight. 
     
     
         6 . A flashlight, comprising;
 an exterior wall;   an audio recorder integral with said flashlight and disposed inside said exterior wall; and   a microphone mounted within said flashlight and inside and enclosed within said exterior wall for sending audio signals to said audio recorder.   
     
     
         7 . The flashlight of  claim 6 , further comprising a shock absorbing material provided adjacent at least a portion of said microphone. 
     
     
         8 . The flashlight of  claim 6 , wherein said flashlight comprises a hollow body portion and an opening formed in said hollow body portion proximate said microphone and communicating with ambient externally of said hollow body portion. 
     
     
         9 . The flashlight of  claim 8 , further comprising a membrane provided between the opening and said microphone to protect said microphone. 
     
     
         10 . The flashlight of  claim 8 , further comprising a movable cover selectively covering the opening. 
     
     
         11 . A flashlight, comprising:
 a light source;   a first on-off switch connected electrically to said light source;   a video recorder;   a second on-off switch connected electrically to said video recorder; and   a switch cover disposed adjacent said first and second switches, said switch cover having a first textured portion adjacent said first switch and a second textured portion having a texture different from said first textured portion and disposed adjacent said second switch.   
     
     
         12 . The flashlight of  claim 11 , wherein said switch cover comprises a resilient switch cover and further comprising a microphone disposed within said flashlight adjacent to said switch cover. 
     
     
         13 . The flashlight of  claim 12 , wherein said first textured portion is substantially smooth and said second textured portion is substantially rough. 
     
     
         14 . The flashlight of  claim 11 , further comprising a storage compartment formed within said flashlight and a plurality of light diffusing lenses stored within said storage compartment. 
     
     
         15 . The flashlight of  claim 11 , further comprising a light polarizing lens fitted on said flashlight.