If it were that simple to describe a Patented invention then we wouldn't have a whole industry devoted to arguing over infringement!
As a result I'm not sure its possible to accurately describe in general terms what SureFire's LockOut TailCap Patent covers but for the sake of sanity and the fact we have better things to do such as lives to live I consider SureFire's LockOut TailCap Patent to cover a removable TailCap assembly that features a push button switch that can be disabled by unscrewing the TailCap from the body past the point at which pressing the push button no longer activates the light.
In most cases SureFire's preferred embodiment of their Patent involves limiting the travel of the push button switch assembly. This is the case for the momentary push button pressure switches.
Another method they use is with a switch contact fixed inside the TailCap that is normally in contact with the body when being able to make use of the switch button, but can be disconnected by unscrewing the TailCap from the body.
This may sound like almost any flashlight that uses a tailcap and herein is the issue. It is normal in business for companies to arrange licences to use patented inventions. Where two companies have a variety of patents each of which could potentially be used to claim infringement it is normal for a cross-licensing agreement to be made.
This system tends to be easier for established companies in the same market sector and cause 'problems' for new companies trying to join the party.
Just because we don't hear about the dialog between businesses does not necessarily mean they aren't communicating. I believe that courts/judges require companies to show they have made reasonable efforts to resolve their differences before taking formal actions for infringement.
Al :tinfoil:
just to add something more (taken form my studying guns patents)
NOTHING came from nothing...(there must be a latin legal term for this). All patents come in a form that FIRST the similar concepts are described (with reference to the aplicapbe patent number) then the grounds are made on patending the new product by describing the variations or
Improvements of the original concept...
More to the point, Size15 what are the LOC tailcap patent number? (if easy) It would be interesting to know
