Lighting device with switchable light sources

Various lighting device implementations and related methods may be used to selectively provide various types of light in response to user-actuated controls. In one example, a lighting device includes a plurality of light sources, a body, a head, and one or more controls adapted to adjust operation of the light sources. The body includes a housing. The head includes a bezel adapted to rotate relative to the body to select between at least a first one of the light sources and a second one of the light sources. The head also includes a lens adapted to rotate eccentrically relative to a centerline of the head in response to rotation of the bezel. The lens includes a light inlet adapted to be selectively positioned over the first light source, the second light source, or neither of the light sources as the lens rotates eccentrically relative to the centerline of the head.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to light producing devices and more particularly relates to light producing devices with switchable light sources.

2. Related Art

As is well known, light producing devices are typically configured to perform only a single function, namely, to illuminate areas of interest. For example, conventional lighting devices are typically implemented with mechanical and electrical structures directed to performing this single function.

Unfortunately, such conventional lighting devices have various limitations. For example, although such devices are useful for illumination with white light, there are often instances when illumination with other colors of visible light is desirable. There are also instances when illumination with infrared light, ultraviolet, light, or other wavelengths is desirable. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved lighting device that overcomes one or more of the deficiencies discussed above.

SUMMARY

A lighting device is provided which may be operated to selectively provide various types of light, such as light of different wavelengths, in response to user-actuated controls. Related methods of operation are also provided.

In one embodiment, a lighting device includes a plurality of light sources, a body, a head, and one or more controls adapted to adjust operation of the light sources. The body includes a housing. The head includes a bezel adapted to rotate relative to the body to select between at least a first one of the light sources and a second one of the light sources. The head also includes a lens adapted to rotate eccentrically relative to a centerline of the head in response to rotation of the bezel. The lens includes a light inlet adapted to be selectively positioned over the first light source, the second light source, or neither of the light sources as the lens rotates eccentrically relative to the centerline of the head.

In another embodiment, a method of operating a lighting device is provided. The lighting device includes a plurality of light sources, a head including a bezel, a lens, and a lock ring, a body including a housing, and one or more controls adapted to adjust operation of the light sources. The method includes urging the lock ring from a locked position to an unlocked position. The lock ring is adapted to prevent rotation of the bezel while the lock ring is in the locked position and permit rotation of the bezel while the lock ring is in the unlocked position. The method also includes rotating the bezel to select a first one of the light sources or a second one of the light sources. The rotating causes the lens to rotate eccentrically relative to a centerline of the head. The lens includes a light inlet adapted to be selectively positioned over the first light source, the second light source, or neither of the light sources as the lens rotates eccentrically relative to the centerline of the head. The method also includes returning the lock ring to the locked position.

In another embodiment, a lighting system includes a lighting device. The lighting device includes a plurality of light sources, a body, a head, and one or more controls adapted to adjust operation of the light sources. The body includes a housing, a connector, and a mounting surface. The head includes a bezel adapted to rotate relative to the body to select between at least a first one of the light sources and a second one of the light sources. The head also includes a lens adapted to rotate eccentrically relative to a centerline of the head in response to rotation of the bezel. The lens includes a light inlet adapted to be selectively positioned over the first light source, the second light source, or neither of the light sources as the lens rotates eccentrically relative to the centerline of the head. The lighting system also includes a remote switch. The connector is adapted to receive the remote switch to control at least one of the light sources. The lighting system also includes a rail clamp mount. The mounting surface is adapted to engage with the rail clamp mount to attach the lighting device to a weapon.

In another embodiment, a lighting device includes a plurality of light sources, a body, a head, and one or more controls adapted to adjust operation of the light sources. The body includes a housing. The head includes a bezel adapted to rotate relative to the body to select between at least a first one of the light sources and a second one of the light sources. The head also includes a reflector adapted to rotate eccentrically relative to a centerline of the head in response to rotation of the bezel. The reflector comprises a light inlet adapted to be selectively positioned over the first light source, the second light source, or neither of the light sources as the reflector rotates eccentrically relative to the centerline of the head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with various embodiments provided herein, a lighting device may be implemented to selectively provide various types of light, such as light of different wavelengths, in response to user-actuated controls. For example, in one embodiment, such a lighting device may be a weapon-mountable lighting device providing convenient access to user controls for selectively configuring (e.g., adjusting) the operation of the lighting device. For example, such user controls may be used to adjust the switching of light sources as well as the brightness and wavelengths of light emitted by such light sources. In one embodiment, such light sources may be implemented with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which may be selectively activated and selectively dimmed to provide light of different wavelengths. Light sources other than LEDs may be used in other embodiments.

Such a lighting device may be used in any desired combination with the various features identified in the present disclosure to provide a lighting system. In certain embodiments, such a lighting system may be particularly suited for use in tactical and combat environments (e.g., for mounting on weapons or other devices). In other embodiments, the lighting system may be used in any desired environment and for any desired application.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,FIGS. 1A-Cillustrate a lighting device100attached to a weapon101using various configurations in accordance with several embodiments of the invention.

For example, as shown inFIG. 1A, lighting device100may be attached to a rail109of weapon101using a rail clamp mount102. In one embodiment, rail clamp mount102may be implemented in accordance with a rail clamp mount described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/646,870 entitled “RAIL CLAMP MOUNT” filed Dec. 27, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In other embodiments, other rail clamp mounts may be used as appropriate.

As also shown inFIG. 1A, lighting device100includes an inclined external surface132which is inclined (e.g., angled) relative to rail109and a barrel of weapon101while lighting device100is attached to rail109by rail clamp mount102. In one embodiment, inclined external surface132may be inclined relative to a centerline of a head of lighting device100and also inclined relative to a direction of light (e.g., light beams) provided by lighting device100(e.g., inFIG. 1A, lighting device100may provide light beams that are substantially parallel to the barrel of weapon101). For example, in such an embodiment, inclined external surface132may be inclined approximately twelve degrees relative to the centerline and the direction of light. In other embodiments, other angles of inclination may be used.

Inclined external surface132may provide convenient access to a dome switch130of lighting device100by a user of weapon101. In addition, the inclined external surface132and the external shape of a housing190of lighting device may permit the user to conveniently pull lighting device100toward the user while lighting device100is mounted on weapon101and the user is operating weapon101.

As another example, as shown inFIG. 1B, lighting device100may be attached to rail109of weapon101using a rail clamp mount102and further attached to a remote switch106in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Remote switch106may be positioned for convenient access by a user of weapon101to aid the user in controlling lighting device100while the user also operates weapon101.FIGS. 2A-Bprovide further views of lighting device100connected to remote switch106and rail clamp mount106in accordance with several embodiments of the invention.

As another example, as shown inFIG. 1C, lighting device100may be attached to rail109of weapon101using a rail clamp mount102and further attached to remote switch106as discussed above. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a vertical grip108may also be attached to rail109of weapon101. In this embodiment, vertical grip108may provide a convenient resting location for a hand of the user of weapon101. For example, the user may conveniently actuate remote switch106(e.g., by way of the user's thumb or finger) while holding vertical grip108. In another embodiment, vertical grip108may include one or more switches which may be connected to lighting device100for controlling lighting device100.

FIGS. 3A-Hillustrate lighting device100in accordance with several embodiments of the invention. Lighting device100includes a head110and a body120. Head110includes a bezel103that may rotate relative to body120to permit the user to select different wavelengths of light.

One or more lenses (e.g., one or more substantially flat lenses and/or one or more lenses of any other desired shape) and a plurality of light sources may be provided in head110to permit different wavelengths of light to be provided by lighting device100. Although lighting device100is primarily described herein as having a lens, other embodiments are also contemplated. For example, in various embodiments, one or more reflectors (e.g., one or more substantially parabolic reflectors and/or one or more reflectors of any other desired shape) may be used in place of, or in addition to, one or more lenses.

Head110also includes a lock ring104(also referred to as a selector ring) that may be used to lock bezel103in any one of several possible positions and may also rotate with bezel103. In one embodiment, lock ring104may be configured such that it locks the bezel103in position when lock ring104is positioned rearwardly (e.g., toward body120), and such that it allows the bezel103to rotate when lock ring104is positioned forwardly (e.g., away from body120). Thus, to select a desired position of bezel103(e.g., to select a desired light source), the user may urge (e.g., push, slide, or otherwise translate) lock ring104toward the front of head110(e.g., forward or away from body120), rotate bezel103to the desired position, and then urge (e.g., push, slide, or otherwise translate release) lock ring104toward the back of head110(e.g., rearward or toward body120) to lock bezel103in the desired position. In one embodiment, lock ring104may be loaded (e.g., spring loaded by springs521-523shown inFIG. 4) such that lock ring104remains biased toward body120when not urged by the user. As a result, the user may release lock ring104after bezel103has been rotated to the desired position (e.g., rather than requiring the user to actively urge lock ring104toward the back of head110.

Lock ring104includes a marker112(e.g., an arrow or any appropriate indicia) which may be used to indicate the position of bezel103relative to body120. In one embodiment, bezel103may be rotated to any of three possible positions such that marker112is located proximate a position122, a position124, or a position126of body120. When bezel103is rotated such that marker112is located next to position122(labeled with an index mark “DISABLE”), light output from lighting device100may be disabled. When bezel103is rotated such that marker112is located next to position124(labeled with an index mark “IR”), lighting device100may provide infrared light. When bezel103is rotated such that marker112is located next to position126(labeled with an index mark “WHITE”), lighting device100may provide white light (e.g., visible white light). In other embodiments, any desired number of positions and any desired types of light (e.g., ultraviolet light or other types) may be provided.

As shown inFIGS. 3A-H, lighting device100includes various additional controls. For example, a dome switch130may be provided on inclined external surface132to control lighting device100. In several embodiments, dome switch130may be used to switch lighting device100on and off in accordance with various modes of operation. For example, dome switch130may operate with other circuitry (e.g., seeFIG. 7) to select a momentary on mode (e.g., in which lighting device100provides light while dome switch130is held in an on position by the user), a constant on mode (e.g., in which lighting device100continues to provide light after dome switch130has been twice depressed and released in quick succession by the user), and a flashlight mode (e.g., in which lighting device100may be used as a flashlight such as when lighting device100is detached from weapon101).

Lighting device100also includes a rotary switch140which may be used to select various levels of light output (e.g., low, medium, and high as indicated by the labels “LOW,” “MED,” and “HIGH”) provided by an infrared light source of lighting device100(e.g., when head110is rotated such that marker112of lock ring104is proximate position124).

Lighting device100also includes a rotary switch142which may be used to select various levels of light output (e.g., flashlight brightness, medium, and high as indicated by the labels “FLASHLT,” “MED,” and “HIGH”) provided by a visible light source of lighting device100(e.g., when head110is rotated such that marker112of lock ring104is proximate position126). Rotary switch142may also be used to select a strobe mode of operation (e.g., as indicated by the label “STRB”) in which the visible light source of lighting device100pulses on and off in a strobe-like fashion.

In one embodiment, rotary switches140and142may be provided on substantially opposite sides of housing190. Such an implementation may provide the user with convenient access to both of rotary switches140and142when operating weapon101.

Lighting device100also includes a latch150which may be used to secure a tail cap740. Lighting device100also includes mounting surfaces170which may engage with rail clamp mount102to connect lighting device100to remote switch106the manner shown inFIGS. 2A-B.

Lighting device100also includes a connector160configured to receive remote switch106to connect remote switch106or other switches (e.g., a switch provided by vertical grip108or otherwise) to lighting device100in the manner shown inFIGS. 2A-B. In several embodiments, connector160may be implemented to be compatible with switches described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,273,292 and 7,441,918 which are both hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. In other embodiments, other connectors may be used as appropriate.

Lighting device100may also include an indicator button195(e.g., a physical tactile surface). In one embodiment, indicator button195may be an infrared indicator button which provides tactile feedback to the user to indicate that lighting device100has been configured to provide infrared light without requiring the user to visually check the position of lock ring104or activate lighting device100. In other embodiments, indicator button195may be used to indicate any desired configuration of lighting device100.

FIG. 4illustrates an exploded view of lighting device100in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 4further illustrates rail clamp mount102which may be secured to mounting surfaces170by screws102A and102B.

As shown inFIG. 4, a lens retainer501may secure a planar lens503and a total internal reflection (TIR) lens504into a TIR housing506. A flat gasket502may be disposed between lens retainer501and planar lens503. An o-ring505may be disposed between the TIR lens504and the TIR housing506. Lens retainer501may be threaded into TIR housing506so as to capture flat gasket502, planar lens503, TIR lens504, and o-ring505between lens retainer501and TIR housing506.

In one embodiment, planar lens503may be a substantially a flat (e.g., plano-plano) lens. It is contemplated that planar lens503may be implemented in accordance with any desired type of lens in other embodiments. In one embodiment, TIR lens504may be implemented as a solid optical element that uses total internal reflection to direct light from a selected light source (e.g., an LED or other light source) to planar lens503. Planar lens503and TIR lens504may be formed of glass, plastic, or any other desired material that is substantially transparent at the wavelengths of light produced by the light sources. Indeed, any desired combination of material and types of lenses may be used.

TIR housing506may thread into the bezel103. An o-ring507may be captured between TIR housing506and bezel103. Bezel103may include a magnet511that is disposed within an opening512(seeFIG. 5A) of bezel103.

In an embodiment implemented with two light sources, bezel103may be used to select one light source at one extreme of its rotation and may be used to select another light source at the other extreme of its rotation. In one embodiment, bezel103may be rotated a maximum of approximately 135 degrees.

A bezel retainer508may thread onto heat sink105so as to capture and retain bezel103upon heat sink105. A flat gasket509may be disposed between bezel retainer508and heat sink105. Bezel103may have a bore (such as bore651ofFIG. 5A) that is off center or eccentric with respect to a centerline600of head110(seeFIG. 5A). Thus, rotation of bezel103may result in off center or eccentric rotation of bezel103, as well as of components attached to bezel103, such as TIR lens504.

An o-ring514may be captured between bezel103and lock ring104. A plurality of springs (e.g., three springs521-523) may bear upon lock ring104and bezel103in a manner that tends to urge lock ring104away from the bezel103(e.g., rearwardly) and that thus tends to maintain lock ring104in the locked position thereof. That is, springs521-523may bias lock ring104toward body120.

Spring521-523may be received within a detent530. Detent530may be received within one of a plurality of holes, such as a hole531(seeFIG. 5A), to lock bezel103into position with respect to heat sink105. In one embodiment, the number of such holes may conform to the number of positions in which it is desired for bezel103to lock into position. In one embodiment, the number of such positions of bezel103may conform to the number of different light sources of lighting device100that may be selected by the user. In one embodiment, one of the holes, such as hole531, may be used to lock bezel103into a position in which marker112is proximate position124for selecting an infrared light source, and another one of the holes may be used to lock bezel103into a position in which marker112is proximate position126for selecting a white light source. The holes may be spaced apart by any desired distance. Thus, the distance or angle through which bezel103is rotated to select different light sources may be any desired distance or angle.

Lock ring104may slide over and be slidably disposed upon bezel103. In turn, bezel103may slide over and be rotatably disposed upon heat sink105. Two o-rings541and542may be disposed upon heat sink105, between bezel103and heat sink105. O-rings541and542may provide a bearing surface that facilitates rotation of bezel103with respect to heat sink105.

Heat sink105may receive and mount a light source printed circuit board (PCB)550. Light source PCB550may be attached to heat sink105via screws551and552. PCB550may include one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs and/or other types of light sources) attached thereto. In one embodiment, such LEDs may be implemented using one or more dies (e.g., multiple die LEDs). In one embodiment, one or more white light LEDs and one or more infrared LEDs may be attached to light source PCB550. Heat sink105may operate as a heat sink for light sources that are attached to light source PCB550. Thus, heat sink105may dissipate heat from the light sources to other parts of lighting device100and to ambient air. As also shown inFIG. 4, an o-ring573may be disposed between heat sink105and housing190. Heat sink may also include indicator button195, a pin197, and a spring199further described herein

A control PCB560may be received within heat sink105, such as within the end thereof that attaches to housing190by screws105A,105B, and716. In one embodiment, control PCB560may be implemented using two stacked PCBs as shown inFIG. 4. Light source PCB550and/or control PCB560may be electrically connected to one or more batteries provided within a cavity151(seeFIG. 5A) of housing190.

Control PCB560may include circuitry to determine which, if any, of the light sources are to be illuminated, and also to illuminate the selected light source. Thus, control PCB560may receive electric power from one or more batteries and provide electric power to the selected light source. In one embodiment, heat sink105may make electrical contact with housing190which may be electrically connected to a terminal of one or more batteries to provide an electrical connection. One or more additional electrical connections may be implemented using appropriate springs, wires, or other techniques which will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

More particularly, one or more Hall effect sensors may be attached to control PCB560to sense the current position of bezel103. For example, two Hall effect sensors571and572may be attached to control PCB560to sense the position of magnet511that is attached to the bezel103. In this manner, the position to which bezel103has been rotated may be sensed to determine which light source is to be illuminated by control PCB560.

As shown inFIG. 4, dome switch130may be assembled using screws702, a switch plate704, a button pad706, a switch708, and a switch PCB710.

As also shown inFIG. 4, rotary switches140/142may be assembled using knobs720/760, dowel pins722/762, caps724/764, gaskets726/766, switches728/768(e.g., switches permitting approximately 135 degree rotation in one embodiment), switch PCBs730/770, and pins732/772.

As also shown inFIG. 4, connector160may be assembled using a receptacle750, an o-ring752, screws754, a connector plate756, and a gasket758. Connector160may interface with control PCB through appropriate electrical connections as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Lighting device100may further include latch150, a spring712(e.g., for spring loading latch150), a pin714, pins734/736, tail cap740, and screws742. In addition, lighting device100may further include battery contact springs744/745and battery contact PCB746, all of which may be used to provide appropriate electrical connections between one or more batteries, light source PCB550, and/or control PCB572.

In one embodiment, the structural components of lighting device100may be formed of a metal, such as aluminum, magnesium, or steel. In another embodiment, these structural components may be formed of a durable plastic, such a polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any other material as desired. In another embodiment, the structural components proximate magnet511(e.g., bezel103and heat sink105) may be formed of a non-ferrous material such that sensing of magnet511by Hall effect sensors571and572is not substantially inhibited thereby.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a cross-sectional side view of lighting device100attached to rail clamp mount102in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 5A, a light source assembly601may include a plurality of light sources that are attached to light source PCB550. Light source assembly601may include one or more white light sources, one or more infrared light sources LEDs, one or more ultraviolet light sources, and/or other types of light sources. In one embodiment, light source assembly601may include a plurality of white light LEDs that are grouped together, and may further include a plurality of infrared light LEDs that are grouped together.

In one embodiment, light source assembly601may be configured such that none of the light sources are on centerline600of head110. Thus, a white light source and an infrared light source may both be off center with respect to centerline600. In one embodiment, the white light source and the infrared light source may both be off center with respect to centerline600by the same amount and may both be disposed upon an arc defined by movement of a bottom end612of TIR lens504, as discussed in detail below.

Light source assembly601may similarly include other light sources or groups of light sources. For example, in one embodiment, light source assembly601may include a group of red light sources, a group of green light sources, and/or a group of blue light sources. Light source assembly601may include any desired number of groups of light sources and each group of light sources may include any desired number and/or combination of light sources. Accordingly, discussion herein of white light sources and infrared light sources is by way of example only, and not by way of limitation.

TIR lens504may be generally conical in configuration. TIR lens504may have a top end611(e.g., a larger end) that is proximate planar lens503and may have a bottom end612(e.g., a smaller end) that is proximate light source assembly601. Top end611and bottom end612of TIR lens504may be eccentric with respect centerline600of head110. Thus, rotation of head110may cause TIR lens504, and in particular bottom end612of TIR lens504, to move in an arc. The light sources of light source assembly601may be disposed along this arc such that rotation of TIR lens504moves bottom end612thereof from one light source to another light source.

TIR lens504, and more particularly bottom end612thereof, may be made to be eccentric or offset with respect to centerline600of head110by forming a bore651of bezel103to be eccentric with respect to centerline600of head110. Thus, as bezel103is rotated with respect to light source assembly601, TIR lens504moves in an arc, as described above.

Bottom end612may include a light inlet602that is configured to receive light from light source assembly601into TIR lens504. Bottom end612, and more particularly light inlet602, may move from one light source to another light source as bezel103is rotated.

Thus, rotation of TIR lens504may be caused by rotation of bezel103to which TIR lens504is attached. Such movement may move inlet602from being positioned proximate one light source of light source assembly601to being positioned proximate another light source of LED assembly601. Thus, rotation of bezel103may be used to select which light source of light source assembly601provides light to TIR lens504. For example, when light inlet602is positioned proximate a white light source that is turned on, then white light from the white light source enters TIR lens504and lighting device100provides white light. Similarly, when the light inlet602is positioned proximate an infrared light source that is turned on, then infrared light from the infrared light source enters TIR lens504and lighting device100provides infrared light. Thus, TIR lens504is movable between light sources and the position of inlet602determines from which light source TIR lens504receives light.

Embodiments may be configured to facilitate locking of bezel103in a desired position. For example, bezel103may be locked in a position for the desired light, (e.g., white or infrared) to be provided by lighting device100. Lock ring104may be configured such that when lock ring104is positioned toward the bottom of head110, then bezel103is locked in position and rotation thereof is inhibited. Conversely, lock ring104may be configured such that when lock ring104is positioned toward the top of head110, then bezel103is not locked in position, such that rotation thereof is facilitated. Springs521-523may bias lock ring104in position toward the bottom of head110such that bezel103is locked unless the user moves the lock ring104toward the top of the head110.

Lock ring104may interface with bezel103such that bezel103may only rotate if lock ring104may rotate. For example, lock ring104may interface with bezel103via a plurality of splines. When lock ring104is moved toward the top of head110, then detent530may be pulled by lock ring104from opening531of heat sink105within which detent530is seated. When detent530is seated within opening531, bezel103is locked in position and rotation is inhibited. When detent530is pulled from opening531, bezel103is not locked in position and rotation is facilitated.

In certain embodiments, lighting device110may be configured so as to provide electric power only to selected light sources. For example, electric power may be provided only to the light source that provides light to TIR lens504. Rotation of bezel103may determine which light source is provided electric power.

FIG. 5Billustrates a cross-sectional top view of head110of lighting device100in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 5B, one or more Hall effect sensors may cooperate with one or more magnets to sense rotation of bezel103and thus to facilitate selection of the desired light source that is to be provided electrical power and thus illuminated. For example, Hall effect sensors571and572(which are attached to control PCB560) may be fixed with respect to heat sink105. Magnet511(which is attached to bezel103) rotates with bezel103. Thus, rotation of bezel103may move magnet511from proximate one Hall effect sensor571or572to proximate the other Hall effect sensor572or571. Each Hall effect sensor571and572may sense the presence of magnet511, thus facilitating the use of rotation of bezel103to select which light source receives electric power.

In various embodiments, any desired combination of control of electrical power and alignment of TIR lens504with a light source may be provided by rotation of bezel103. Thus, for example, rotation of bezel103may both align TIR lens504with the light source that provides the desired output (e.g., white light or infrared light), and may facilitate the application of electric power to the same light source.

FIGS. 6A-Billustrate relative positions of light inlet602and light sources801and802when bezel103is rotated in different positions in accordance with several embodiments of the invention. In particular,FIGS. 6A-Bare top views that show schematically how rotation of TIR lens504(such as rotation caused by rotation of bezel103) facilitates the selection of one of two different light sources801and802. InFIGS. 6A-B, light source801is a white light LED and light source802is an infrared LED.

The eccentricity of TIR lens504has been exaggerated inFIGS. 6A-B, so as to more clearly show how such eccentricity facilitates the selection of the desired light source. As discussed herein, any desired number of such light sources may be selected from in this manner. For example, two, three, four, or more LEDs may be selected from in this manner.

FIG. 6Ashows TIR lens504after being rotated in the direction of an arrow810such that light inlet602thereof is proximate (e.g., above) infrared LED802.FIG. 6Bshows TIR lens504after being rotated in the direction of an arrow811which results in movement of light inlet602from the infrared LED802to the white light LED801.

TIR lens504is offset or eccentric with respect to centerline600of head110such that the position of TIR lens504changes substantially betweenFIGS. 6A and 6B. More particularly, bottom end612and light inlet602of TIR lens504change positions substantially betweenFIGS. 6A and 6B. This change in position occurs because TIR lens504is substantially eccentric with respect to centerline600and rotates about centerline600.

FIG. 7illustrates an electrical schematic of lighting device100in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A microprocessor830(labeled CPU) may be provided on control PCB560and powered by one or more batteries840(e.g., which may be provided in cavity151). Microprocessor830may receive input signals (e.g., control signals) from rotary switches140and142(each of which is connected to an associated group of resistors820and822as shown inFIG. 7) and dome switch130. Microprocessor830may also receive input signals from one or more switches attached to connector160. For example, remote switch106and/or vertical grip108may be implemented as a single stage remote switch attached to connector160. Other switches such as a dual stage remote switch860, a multiple device remote switch870(e.g., a switch that permits one or more additional secondary devices880to be connected therethrough), or other types of switches may be used. Microprocessor830may also receive input signals from a Hall effect switch850implemented, for example, using Hall effect sensors571and572. In response to the various received signals, microprocessor830may selectively operate LEDs801and802switch on, switch off, operate in a strobe-like manner, and/or provide various brightness levels.

FIGS. 8A-Cillustrate remote switch106which may be connected to lighting device100in accordance with several embodiments of the invention. In particular,FIGS. 8A-Billustrate remote switch106when assembled andFIG. 8Cillustrates an exploded view of remote switch106.

Remote switch106includes a connector body910having a protrusion900for insertion into connector160of lighting device100. A top surface911of connector body910may engage with rail clamp mount102to mount remote switch106as shown inFIGS. 1B-Cand2A-B. Remote switch106also includes a housing912which may be connected to connector body910by a screw916. Remote switch106also includes a ring terminal918, screw920, insulator922, and socket contact924.

Remote switch106also includes a rear member914which may engage with housing912. As shown inFIG. 8B, rear member914includes a surface930which may be pushed by the user to operate remote switch106. Accordingly, the user may provide signals to microprocessor830to operate lighting device100in a conveniently manner while lighting device100is positioned remotely from the user (e.g., near a front end of a weapon or other locations).

FIG. 9Aillustrates a lighting device with an indicator button in an expanded position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 9Billustrates a cross-sectional top view of a heat sink of a lighting device with an indicator button in a retracted position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 9Cillustrates a cross-sectional top view of a heat sink of a lighting device with an indicator button in an expanded position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Lighting device100may include an indicator button195which may be selectively expanded out from head110or retracted into head110in response to the user's rotation of bezel103to a particular position. For example, in one embodiment, indicator button195may remain in a retracted position (as shown inFIGS. 3A-HandFIG. 9B) except when bezel103is rotated such that marker112is located next to position124at which time indicator button195may transition to an expanded position (as shown inFIGS. 9A and 9C). When marker112of bezel103rotated away from position124, then indicator button195may return to the retracted position.

As shown inFIG. 9B, heat sink105includes button195which is shown in a retracted position while bezel103is set to the disable position (e.g., when marker112is proximate position122). Heat sink105also includes pin197fixed to bezel103which may rotate through a slot196as bezel103rotates. In particular, pin197may rotate to an end186of slot196(e.g., when marker112is proximate position124) or to another end187of slot196(e.g., when marker112is proximate position126).

The operation of indicator button195may be understood by comparingFIGS. 9B and 9C. In particular, indicator button195may be spring loaded by spring199. As pin197rotates toward end186of slot196, indicator button195is forced out of heat sink105by pin197. Pin197motivates indicator button195by way of a groove198in indicator button195. As pin197makes contact with groove198, pin197applies outward force on a surface188of indicator button195and in turn compresses spring199and forces indicator button195outward. After lock ring104is locked in position124, indicator button195remains locked in an expanded position as shown inFIGS. 9A and 9C.

As lock ring104is used to rotate pin197away from end186of slot196, spring199exerts force on a pin185of indicator button195to motivate indicator button195back into a retracted position within heat sink105. At this time, pin197exerts force on a surface189of indicator button195which assists spring199in returning indicator button195back to the retracted position.

In view of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that various structures are provided which may be advantageously used in one or more lighting devices100. For example, as discussed above, TIR lens504may be configured so as to facilitate selection of which light source provides light for lighting device100. In addition, the inclusion of Hall effect sensors571and572may be used to facilitate the determination of which light source illuminates during operation of lighting device100. Thus, TIR lens504may be switched among one or more light sources and electric power may be switched among one or more light sources. In this manner, the user may readily select which light source is used by lighting device100and consequently what type of light (e.g., white light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, or other light) is provided thereby.

Different types of lenses other than TIR lens504may be used. Thus, discussion herein regarding the use of a TIR lens is by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Any desired type of lens/reflector may be used. Any desired combination of types of lenses and/or reflectors may be used. For example, as previously described, one or more lenses (e.g., one or more substantially flat lenses and/or one or more lenses of any other desired shape) and/or one or more reflectors (e.g., one or more substantially parabolic reflectors and/or one or more reflectors of any other desired shape) may be used.

Although particular switches have been described, one or more other types of controls and/or switches may be used where appropriate.

The discussion of particular light sources herein is by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Any desired number and wavelengths of light sources may be used (e.g., white light sources, infrared light sources, ultraviolet light sources, or other light sources). Such light sources may be grouped in any desired manner. For example, one group may include only white light sources that cooperate to provide white light when white light is selected and another group may include only infrared light sources that cooperate to provide infrared light when infrared light is selected.

Embodiments are not limited to the use of LEDs as light sources. Light sources other than LEDs may be used. For example, light sources such as LEDs, arc lamps, tungsten lamps, or any other type of light sources may be used. Thus, discussion herein regarding the use of LEDs is by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Embodiments may include any desired light sources or combination of light sources.

Embodiments are not limited to use in weapon mounted lighting devices. Discussion herein of weapon mounting is by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Embodiments may be configured for use with flashlights, weapon (such as rifles and pistols) mounted lights, helmet mounted lights, headlamps, and vehicle lights. Indeed, embodiments may be used with any desired device. Thus, embodiments may provide light source switching for a variety of different applications. For example, the lighting device described herein may be configured to mount to a flashlight, a rifle or pistol, a helmet, a vehicle, or any other item. The lighting device may mount to such items via threads, mounts, adapters, or other appropriate ways.

The disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. It is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present invention, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. For example, it is contemplated that the various embodiments set forth herein may be combined together and/or separated into additional embodiments where appropriate.