Monitor cover and lighting apparatus and method

A device including a monitor assembly having an outlet configured to selectively distribute a fire suppressant there from, the outlet being pivotal about a first axis and a second axis, a cover coupled to the monitor assembly, and a light assembly coupled to the cover. The light assembly illuminates indicia on a lens of the light assembly.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a cover assembly for a monitor on a firefighting device, and more particular to a cover assembly having at least one light module thereon.

BACKGROUND

Monitor assemblies are frequently used on a firefighting, mining, construction, or the like device to direct the distribution of fluid from a source. The monitor assembly is frequently mounted on a truck or other vehicle that has a pump capable of directing fluid through the monitor and out a nozzle with sufficient flow and pressure to reach a remote location. The monitor assembly is often movable along one or more axis to allow the fluid discharged therefrom to be directed by a user. As one of the primary locations that the device discharges fluid, the monitor assembly is often a focal point of the device.

SUMMARY

One embodiment is a firefighting device that has a monitor assembly having an outlet configured to selectively distribute a fire suppressant there from, the outlet being pivotal about a first axis and a second axis, a cover coupled to the monitor assembly, and a light assembly coupled to the cover. Wherein, the light assembly illuminates indicia on a lens of the light assembly.

In one example of this embodiment, the light assembly has a primary module coupled to the cover at a first location and a secondary module coupled to the cover at a second location, the second location being spaced from the first location. In one aspect of this example, the primary module controls the illumination properties of the secondary module.

In another example the light assembly illuminates the indicia in one of a plurality of user-selectable color or illumination pattern. In another example the lens has a coating thereon and the indicia is formed on areas of the lens wherein the coating is removed. In one aspect of this example the lens assembly includes a diffuser positioned between the lens and a light source to evenly spread the light from the light source to the lens.

In yet another example, the indicia is an identifier of a fire station. In another example the cover is formed of a first section and a second section coupled to the monitor. In one aspect of this example, the light assembly has a secondary module coupled to both the first section and the second section.

In another example of this embodiment, the cover assembly rotates with the monitor assembly about the first axis. In one aspect of this example, the cover defines an opening wherein the outlet is pivotal about the second axis in a range defined by the monitor assembly without substantially contacting the cover.

In yet another example, the light assembly is controllable through a Controller Area Network of the firefighting device. In another aspect of this example, the light assembly selectably indicates diagnostics of the firefighting device.

Another embodiment is a cover for a monitor of a firefighting device. The cover includes a cover assembly removably coupled to the monitor, a light assembly coupled to the cover assembly, the light assembly having a housing, a light source, a lens with indicia, and a bezel. Wherein, the bezel and lens are removable from the housing while the housing remains coupled to the cover assembly.

In one example of this embodiment, the lens has a coating thereon that substantially restricts light from passing thereby and the indicia is defined on the lens at portions where the coating is removed. In another example, the light assembly has a plurality of illumination properties that are selectably controlled by a control system of the firefighting device. In one aspect of this example, the illumination properties are selectable by a user interface. As part of this aspect, the illumination properties include one or more of light intensity, light color, and lighting pattern produced by the light assembly.

Another embodiment is a method for displaying indicia on a cover of a monitor. The method includes coupling a housing of a light assembly to the cover, the housing containing a light array, etching indicia into a coating from a lens to allow light produced by the light array to display the indicia, aligning the lens with the housing, and coupling a bezel to the cover to position the lens at least partially between the bezel and the housing. One example of this embodiment includes positioning a diffuser between the light array and the lens.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and methods, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

The present disclosure relates to a monitor assembly100for a firefighting device. The monitor assembly100is typically fluidly coupled to a fluid source such as a pump and configured to discharge a firefighting fluid through an outlet102and a nozzle. The monitor assembly100is often movable to direct the outlet102and nozzle towards a fire to discharge firefighting fluid thereto to extinguish the fire. The firefighting fluid may be water, foam, or any other composition capable of extinguishing a fire. While one particular example of a monitor assembly100is illustrated, the teachings discussed herein are intended to apply to different monitor assembly designs as well. For example, additional non-exclusive examples of firefighting monitors assemblies described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,557,199 and 9,186,531 assigned to ELKHART BRASS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC., the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety.

While a firefighting device is discussed with detail herein, the present teachings may be applied to any device that utilizes a monitor to direct and discharge a fluid. Accordingly, the teachings of this disclosure may also be applied to mining devices, construction devices, and any other type of device or vehicle that discharges a fluid.

The monitor assembly100may be pivotable about a first axis104and a second axis106. More specifically, the monitor assembly100may have a base section108that is coupled to the firefighting device or any other structural member capable of supporting the monitor assembly100. The base section108may be fixedly coupled to the firefighting device so the base section108does not substantially move relative to the portion of the firefighting device it is coupled to. Pivotally coupled to the base section108may be an intermediate section110. The intermediate section110may be pivotally coupled to the base section108so the intermediate section110can pivot about the first axis104relative to the base section108. Further still, a first motor assembly112may selectively rotate the intermediate section110relative to the base section108.

The monitor assembly100may also have an outlet section114pivotally coupled to the intermediate section110. The outlet102may extend from the outlet section114and the outlet section114may be pivotal along the second axis106. A second motor assembly116may selectively pivot the outlet102about the second axis106relative to the intermediate section110.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the second axis106may be reoriented about the first axis104as the intermediate section110is pivoted about the first axis. In this configuration, the outlet102can be repositioned about the first axis104and the second axis106to provide precise control over the direction the firefighting fluid is discharged from the monitor assembly100. Further, the first and second motor assemblies112,116may be selectively controlled to allow a user to re-orient the monitor assembly100to ensure firefighting fluidly is effectively discharged towards a fire. While a particular monitor assembly100is illustrated and discussed herein, this disclosure is equally applicable to other monitor assemblies as well. Accordingly the monitor assembly100shown and described herein is only one example, and the teachings of this disclosure are intended to be applied to any type of monitor assembly.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a cover assembly200is illustrated coupled to the monitor assembly100. The cover assembly200may have a first section202and a second section204coupled to the monitor assembly100. In one aspect of this disclosure, the cover assembly200may be coupled to the intermediate section110of the monitor assembly100to pivot about the first axis104therewith. Further, the cover assembly200may define an opening206therethrough. The opening206may be sized to allow the outlet102to pivot about the second axis106without substantially contacting the cover assembly200. In other words, as the monitor assembly100pivots about the first axis104the cover assembly200rotates therewith. However, as the outlet section114pivots about the second axis106, the outlet102moves relative to the cover assembly200within the opening206and does not substantially contact the cover assembly200.

Each section202,204of the cover assembly200may be formed of a plastic, metal, composite, or the like material. In one non-exclusive example, each section202,204is made of ABS plastic and formed using a vacuum forming process. Each section202,204is shaped to correspond with one another to substantially cover the monitor assembly100less the opening206. Further, the sections202,204are sized to provide appropriate clearances with the monitor assembly100to allow the monitor assembly100to move about the axes104,106to the same degree as if no cover assembly200were present at all. That is to say, the cover assembly200does not restrict the available movement of the monitor assembly100.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the cover assembly200may have one or more light assembly208coupled thereto. In one non-exclusive example, the light assembly208may include a primary module210at a first location and at least one secondary module212at a second position. Further still, in one non-exclusive example there may be two secondary modules212coupled to the cover assembly200. However, fewer or more secondary modules are considered herein for the light assembly, and the particular number of secondary modules is only meant as one example of the present disclosure and in one embodiment there may not be any secondary modules.

The light assembly208may contain indicia214on one or more of the modules210,212. The indicia214may be formed on the lens of the corresponding module210,212and illustrate a logo or text when the module210,212is illuminated or otherwise. In one non-exclusive example, the indicia214may indicate the fire station from which the firefighting device came. Alternatively, the indicia may indicate information about the firefighters manning the firefighting device. Accordingly, the present disclosure contemplates selecting any type of indicia for the modules210,212and the particular indicia discussed is exemplary.

Referring now toFIG. 3, the monitor assembly100is illustrated with the first section202removed. In this configuration, mounting plate or plates302are illustrated providing a coupling location for the cover assembly200. More specifically, the mounting plates302may be coupled to the intermediate section110via standoffs or the like to provide a coupling location for the first and second section202,204of the cover assembly200. Alternatively, the mounting plates302may be coupled directly to the intermediate section110and not use standoffs at all. A mounting plate302may be positioned on either side of the outlet102. Further, each mounting plate302may provide a coupling location for both the first section202and the second section204. Further still, in one aspect of this disclosure each mounting plate302may provide at least two coupling locations for each section202,204to ensure that the sections202,204remain properly aligned when coupled to the mounting plate302.

In one non-exclusive example, the mounting plates302may provide threaded holes configured to receive fasteners such as screws therein. The fasteners may be threadably received by the mounting plates302to couple the corresponding sections202,204thereto. However, any other known coupling mechanism is also considered herein, and the sections202,204can be coupled to the intermediate section110using any coupling method or fastener known in the art.

The intermediate section110may also define a first section lower mount304therein where the first section202can be coupled to the intermediate section110at a location proximate to the base section108. The lower mount304may provide a threaded receiver to allow a threaded fastener to couple the first section202to the intermediate section110at a location spaced from the mounting plates302. By spacing the lower mount304from the mounting plates302, the first section202may be coupled to the intermediate section110to be substantially stable and immovable relative thereto. Similarly, a second section lower mount118(seeFIG. 1) is positioned on the opposite side of the intermediate section110to similarly correspond with the second section204. While threaded mounting receivers are described herein, any other known coupling mechanism is also considered and the sections202,204can be coupled to the intermediate section110at the lower mounts304,118using any coupling method or fastener known in the art.

In the illustrative view ofFIG. 3, one of the secondary modules212has been removed from the cover assembly200to illustrate module couplers306. The module couplers306may be coupling members that are positioned along an inner surface of the respective cover assembly sections202,204when coupled thereto. Further, the module couplers306may each have separate coupler receivers defined therein. The first coupler receiver308may be sized to receive a fastener that couples the module coupler306to the first section202. A second coupler receiver310may be sized to receive a fastener that couples the module coupler306to the second section204. Lastly, light module coupler receivers312may be sized to receive a fastener that couples the secondary module212to both the first section202and the second section204.

The module couplers306may provide multiple coupler receivers308,310,312to allow the sections202,204of the cover assembly200to be coupled to one another separately from the secondary modules212. More specifically, the fasteners can be positioned in each of the first and second coupler receivers308,310to couple the first and second sections202,204to one another without the secondary modules212being coupled thereto. After the sections202,204are coupled to one another via the coupler receivers308,310, the secondary modules212may be coupled thereto via the module coupler receivers312. That is to say, the secondary modules212may be removed from the cover assembly200while the first and second sections202,204remain coupled to one another with the module coupler306.

Each secondary module212may be coupled to the cover assembly200with at least two module couplers306. In one non-exclusive example, the secondary modules212may be positioned along a seam of the cover assembly200and be coupled thereto via module couplers306at an upper and lower position along the seam relative to a center of the secondary module212. However, any number and location of module couplers306is considered herein, and the particular configuration described is just one example.

The first section202of the cover assembly200may at least partially cover a monitor controller314. The monitor controller314may communicate with the motor assemblies112,116to selectively reposition the outlet102among other things. The controller314may have a Controller Area Network (“CAN”) connector316that is sized to couple to a CAN network of the firefighting device. In one non-exclusive example, the connector316allows the controller314to communicate with a user interface of the firefighting device to allow a user to input commands to the controller314among other things. Further, the primary module210may be positioned along the cover at location proximate to the monitor controller314wherein removing the primary module210provides access to the monitor controller314.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a schematic view400of a control system of the light assembly208is illustrated. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the primary module210communicates with each secondary module212of the system. The primary module210may have a light controller402. The light controller402may have a processor and a memory unit configured to execute and store commands. Further, the light controller may allow the primary module210to control the illumination properties of each of the primary module210and the secondary modules212. The illumination properties may include light color, brightness, flashing pattern, and the like.

While a light controller402is illustrated and described herein as part of the primary module210, other embodiments may position the light controller402in the secondary module212. Further still, the light controller402may not be in any of the modules210,212of the light assembly208at all but rather be part of another system of the firefighting device. Accordingly, positioning the light controller in the primary module210is only one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure and others are considered herein as well.

The light controller402may be in communication with a control system404. In one non-exclusive example, the light controller and corresponding modules210,212may utilize a CAN connection406to power and control the modules210,212. Alternatively, the light controller402may communicate wirelessly with the control system404to send and receive information regarding the light assembly208. Any known wired or wireless communication protocol is considered herein and this disclosure contemplates utilizing any communication protocol known in the art.

The control system404may be a control system of a firefighting device410that controls other aspects of the firefighting device410as well. In one non-exclusive example, the light controller402may be coupled to the monitor controller314and a single CAN connection406may be coupled to the firefighting device410to control both the light assembly208and the monitor assembly100. Further still, the control system404may be in communication with a user interface408to provide user inputs to the light controller402. More specifically, the user interface408may be a touch-screen display, buttons, toggles, or any other known method for inputting information into a controller. The user interface408may communicate wirelessly with the control system404to provide user inputs. As one non-exclusive example, the user interface408may be a display on a wireless touch-screen device such as a smart phone or tablet.

The light assembly208may provide several selectable illumination properties for the corresponding modules210,212. In one example, the user interface408may allow a user to select the color or color pattern illuminated by the light source of one or more of the modules210,212. Alternatively, the user interface408may allow a user to select the brightness of one or more of the modules210,212. Further still, the user interface408may also allow a user to select a blinking pattern of one or more of the light modules210,212. In other words, the color, intensity, and blinking pattern of each module210,212may be selectable by a user via the user interface408.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the control system404may automatically alter the illumination properties of the light assembly208based on one or more condition of the firefighting device410. For example, the firefighting device410may have a warning lighting system and the light assembly208may be selectably controlled to provide altered lighting patterns, colors, and brightness when the warning lighting system is engaged. Further still, the lighting assembly208may be altered by the control system404to aid in diagnostics of the control system404. For example, the light assembly208may blink blue when a wireless data connection is secured or otherwise assist with diagnostics of the firefighting device410.

The light assembly208can be utilized either automatically or via the user interface408to provide desired illumination properties. While several specific examples of scenarios for automatically altering the illumination properties are discussed herein, the light assembly208may be utilized to automatically respond to many other conditions of the firefighting device as well. This disclosure considers utilizing the light assembly208to provide automatic feedback to any situation that may be helpful to a user of the firefighting device410and the examples discussed herein are not exhaustive.

Referring now toFIG. 5, an expanded view of the primary module210is illustrated. In the expanded view, a bezel502is spaced from a housing504. The bezel502is sized to receive a lens506therein to selectively couple the lens506to the housing504. The lens506may have indicia508thereon that is selectively illuminated by a light source510. The light source510may be positioned within the housing504. Between the light source510and the lens506may be a diffuser512. In one non-exclusive example the light source is an array of Light Emitting Diodes (“LEDs”). In this example, the diffuser512may diffuse the light provided by each LED of the array to provide a substantially consistent light distribution to the lens506. In yet another embodiment of this disclosure, there is not a diffuser between the light source510and the lens506.

The light source510may be any light source known in the art. While an LED array is discussed herein, other light sources are considered as well. Any lighting mechanism that provides selectable illumination properties is considered here, and the LED array is just one example.

The bezel502may be coupleable to the housing504via one or more fastener. Further, a seal514may be positioned between the lens506and the bezel502to substantially restrict moisture and other debris from entering an inner portion of the housing504wherein the light source510and diffuser510are located. Additional seals may also be positioned between the lens506and the housing504, and between the bezel502and the housing504, among other places, to ensure the inner portion of the housing504remains protected from moisture and other debris.

The housing may have access ports for a connection406to extend from the inner portion of the housing504to the control system404or other components. Further, connectors516,518may extend from the inner portion of the housing504to each of the secondary modules212. Each of the connectors406,516,518may exit the housing through a seal520. The seals520may substantially prevent water and other debris from entering the inner portion of the housing504.

In one aspect of this disclosure, fasteners of the primary module210extend through the housing504and into the bezel502to couple the bezel502and lens506to the housing504regardless of whether the housing504is coupled to the first section202of the cover assembly200. Then, the entire primary module210may be selectably coupled to the first section202by four module fasteners positioned through assembly through holes522, through corresponding openings on the housing504, through adjacent through holes of the first section202, and into a module coupler306. In this configuration, the primary module210can be entirely removed from the first section202while the bezel502, lens506, seal514, and housing504remain coupled to one another. However, other coupling configurations are also considered herein.

Referring now toFIG. 6, an expanded view of the secondary module212is illustrated. In the expanded view, a bezel602is spaced from a housing604. The bezel602is sized to receive a lens606therein to selectively couple the lens606to the housing604. The lens606may have indicia608thereon that is selectively illuminated by a light source610. The light source610may be positioned within the housing604. Between the light source610and the lens606may be a diffuser612. In one non-exclusive example the light source is an array of LEDs. In this example, the diffuser612may diffuse the light provided by each LED of the array to provide a substantially consistent light distribution to the lens606.

The light source610may be any light source known in the art. While an LED array is discussed herein, other light sources are considered as well. Any lighting mechanism that provides selectable illumination properties is considered here, and the LED array is just one example.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the diffuser612may be coupled to the housing604to substantially seal the light source610therein to prevent water and debris from contacting the light source610. In one non-exclusive example, a seal616may be positioned between the diffuser612and the housing604and the diffuser612may be coupled to the housing with fasteners. In this configuration, the light source610remains substantially protected from water and debris when the lens606and bezel602are not coupled thereto.

The bezel602may be coupleable to the housing604via one or more fastener. Further, a seal614may be positioned between the lens606and the bezel602to substantially restrict moisture and other debris from entering the space between the lens606and the diffuser612. Further, additional seals may be positioned between the bezel602and the housing604, among other places, to substantially prevent moisture and debris from distorting or otherwise affecting the secondary module212.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a section view of the secondary module212is illustrated. Along with showing the layered orientation of the lens606, diffuser612, light source610, housing604, and seals616,614, this section view also illustrates ports702defined through the housing604. The ports702may be through holes defined in the housing604that provide a location for a line704for a connector618,620(seeFIG. 6) to extend there through. The ports702may have corresponding seals706therein to substantially seal the port702and protect the light source610from water and debris. The seals706may substantially block the corresponding ports702when no line704is passing there through. Alternatively, the seals706may allow the line704to pass there through will substantially sealing the remaining portions of the port702.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the housing604and light source610are sized to fit together in substantially180degree offset orientations. In a first orientation, the light source610aligns the line704with the top port702from the perspective ofFIG. 7. Alternatively, the light source610can be rotate180degrees so the line704exits the housing604at the bottom port702from the perspective ofFIG. 7. In this configuration, the user can select how to assemble the light source610to the housing604, selecting the orientation that provides the most advantageous routing of the line704. More specifically, if the secondary module212is mounted on a first side of the cover assembly200, it may be advantageous to route the line704through the top port702. Alternatively, if the secondary module212is on a second opposite side of the cover assembly200, it may be advantageous to route the line through the bottom port702. Accordingly, the housing604and light source610disclosed herein provide can be reconfigured to provide advantageous routing of the line704.

In one aspect of this disclosure, each secondary module212may have a single connector618,620configured to couple to the corresponding connector516,518of the primary module210. As discussed herein, once the secondary module212is coupled to the primary module210via the corresponding connectors516,518,618,620, the primary module210may control the illumination properties of the secondary module212.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the lenses506,606may have indicia508,608thereon.FIG. 8illustrates one method for applying indicia508,608to the lenses506,606considered for this disclosure. More specifically, in a first box802, a coating803is applied to the lens. The coating803may be painted onto the lens or otherwise applied to substantially cover one surface of the lens. The coating803may be any material that at least partially blocks or otherwise alters light as it is applied thereto. Box804identifies the parameters for the graphics to be applied to the lens as indicia. The graphics may be an emblem for a specific firehouse, a number representing a precinct, information regarding a specific fire company, or any other customizable information. Next, in box806, the coating803is removed from the lens to illustrate the graphic parameters identified in box804. In one non-exclusive example, the coating803may be removed via a laser etching process in a mirrored orientation. However, any process for removing the coating803is considered herein. Lastly, the lens is coupled to the corresponding module210,212to illustrate the indicia when the light source is illuminated.

In an alternative embodiment, the lenses described herein may be formed of a solid material such as metal or plastic and block light from substantially shining through. In this embodiment, the indicia would be formed by cutouts through the entire lens wherein the adjacent light only passes through the lens at the cutout, thereby projecting the indicia formed through the cutout in the lens. Accordingly, instead of defining the indicia only through a coating in the lens, the indicia may be a cutout through the entire lens.

In yet another embodiment, the light assembly may have light modules that include a display screen such as an LCD display or the like instead of the light modules discussed herein having a lens and a light source. In this embodiment, the light modules may be capable of displaying user selectable graphics as indicia. More specifically, the indicia may be an icon or the like uploaded to one or more of the modules to be displayed on the display.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the cover assembly200is customizable to fit the needs and style preferences of the firefighters that will be using the firefighting device. More specifically, the color of the lights presented by the modules may be selectable to correspond with the colors of the particular firehouse of the firefighting device. Similarly, the lenses may easily be removed so that replacement lenses with different indicia can be coupled thereto. This allows the owner of the cover assembly200to select the specific indicia displayed when the module is illuminated. Further still, lenses may be manufactured with alternative indicia and sent to the firefighters to easily replace the lenses with updated indicia.