Flashlight History

Learn how flashlights came to be so important in our everyday lives. Read about  flashlight history and the people responsible for all the advancements in technology over the years.

• Intro

  

  In the 1890s, American Ever-Ready Company founder Conrad Hubert lit up New York City with the help of dry cell batteries and his newest invention – the electric hand flashlight. Hubert experimented with everything from electric tie tacks to electric flower-pots before acquiring the patent for this first Eveready flashlight in 1898.

  
  

  Hubert's first portable flashlights were hand-made from crude paper and fiber tubes, with a bulb and a rough brass reflector. Because batteries were weak and bulbs primitive, flashlights of the era produced only a brief flash of light- thus the name.

  
  

  Flashlights have come a long way – with new shapes, colours and sizes, features and uses, but our spirit of innovation has remained constant. From creating the first waterproof flashlight in 1970, to being at the forefront of advances in LED technology, our lighting products offer unmatched performance and durability that you can rely on.

• 1898

  

  1898 – The first Ever Ready flashlight was produced

• 1900 - 1909

  

  1902 – First Ever Ready trademark appeared on end caps of flashlights.

  
  

  1906 – Ever Ready product name changed to Eveready_®

• 1910 - 1959

  

  1910 – Eveready introduced the tungsten filament bulb.

  
  

  1926 – Eveready introduced the company's first flashlight with a ring hanger, giving consumers the ability to hang or store the product wherever they need to.

  
  

  1937 – The first Eveready pre-focused flashlight bulb was introduced – the pre-assembled bulb and reflector provided a more efficient product by eliminating as much light as possible.

  
  

  1937 – Eveready acquired V.K. Song & Co. Ltd (now Sonca), manufactures of aluminium flashlights.

• 1960 - 1969

  

  1966 – Eveready rolled out its first thermoplastic moulded flashlight, allowing Energizer to develop lights in new shapes sizes in an efficient process.

  
  

  1967 – The first Evereaday_® rechargeable flashlight was introduced, which gave consumers the ability to always have working flashlight around the house and not depend totally on available batteries.

  
  

  1968 – Energizer introduced its first fluorescent lantern, which required less frequent bulb changing and greater efficiency than traditional bulbs.

• 1970 - 1979

  

  1970 – The first waterproof flashlight was introduced by Energizer – giving consumers peace of mind and the ability to use product in less than perfect conditions. This was also made possible with the push-button switch, which was backed by a lifetime switch warranty.

  
  

  1975 – The Evereaday_® economy light was introduced and today is the world’s most popular flashlight.

• 1980 - 1989

  

  1983 – Energizer introduced its first fluorescent flashlight, which required less frequent bulb changing and greater efficiency than traditional bulbs.

  
  

  1984 – Energizer introduced the first 2D Halogen flashlight, which produced a brighter light than the traditional vacuum, Krypton or Xenon bulbs.

  
  

  1986 – The first Evereaday_® Squeeze Light was introduced, which allowed for new functionality in a small, compact travel size.

• 1990 - 1999

  

  1996 – Energizer introduced its first LED light in the form of a squeeze light, compact area/directional light and a bicycle light. The LED light source allows for increased runtime and never needs replacing.

  
  

  1997 – The first Energizer_® branded flashlight was introduced, the DoubleBarrel_®

  
  

  1998 – Evereaday_® celebrated 100 years of portable lighting products leadership.

• 2006 - 2009

  

  2006 – Energizer introduced the Energizer_® Weather Ready_® line of products to help users be prepared in case of an emergency. The Weather Ready line of lights offer features such as extended runtimes, area lights and flashlights that can run on multiple cell sizes.

  
  

  Energizer re-launched the Hard Case_® line with the Energizer_® Hard Case_® Work_®, Energizer_® Hard Case_® Professional_® and Energizer_® Hard Case_® Tactical products. Each line of products addresses the needs of specific users within the hardware, do-it-yourself and tactical segments.

  
  

  2007 – Energizer introduced an innovative new line of Energizer_® e2_® Lithium_® flashlights created for the extreme outdoor enthusiast. This product line is designed to maximize performance when powered by Energizer e² Lithium AA or AAA batteries.

• 2010 - Present

  

  2010 – Energizer launches new product and packaging designs as well as introduces new battery and lighting products to its portfolio.

  
  

  2013 – Energizer introduces Light Fusion Technology™, a breakthrough advancement in portable lighting that utilizes unique textured surface optics that reflect light waves, even over a large area. Flashlights featuring Light Fusion Technology™ all deliver a remarkably vibrant, uniform area light.

  
  

  2014 – Energizer unveils “the toughest flashlights you’ll ever need” – Energizer_® Hard Case Professional_®. Extra rugged and featuring ultra-dependable LED technology, these hard-working task lights, spotlights and wearable magnet lights are ideal for serious work on-site or in the field.

  
  

  2015 – Energizer pioneers comfortable, secure, durable lighting for jobs and activities that demand the use of both hands – Energizer_® Vision Headlights. These innovative headlamps produce a beam that’s up to 4X brighter than standard LED technology. Several even offer a choice of light modes.