REMOTE ACTIVATION OF A CHEMILUMINESCENT LIGHTSTICK

Abstract: A non-pyrotechnic lighting device is disclosed whereby intrusion into a restricted area can be monitored and detected by the use thereof. Triggering of the device is effected remotely by the unsuspecting subject.

Description: This invention relates to a device for providing a means of securing an area from unwanted intrusion. The device more particularly enables the detection of an unwanted intruder at a place somewhat remote from the actual point of entry into the restricted area. The device not only warns the one monitoring the area than an intrusion has occurred, but illuminates the area around the device so that if the intrusion is proximate to the device, the intruder is visible. Many different detection devices have been devised which will signal and/or detect an unwanted intrusion into a restricted area. These devices, although oftimes highly successful both commercially and in use, may suffer from certain deficiencies, such as for example, the need for an electric current, either direct or battery sourced. Additionally, some devices which are not electricity dependent, have been known to cause inflammation of the surrounding area when activated, such as, for example, a detonation device which may be triggered by mechanical activation. Thus, a useful detection device which is not electricity dependent and is non-pyrotechnic when activated would provide a step forward in the art. Illumination, as is well known, can be effected by chemical as well as electrical systems. Such chemical illumination is provided solely as a result of a chemical reaction and is known as chemiluminescent light. Such light requires no externally generated source of energy and thus, sources thereof can be made small and portable. It can be used outdoors even in areas of high moisture because water does not substantially interfere with the chemical reaction which occurs. The instant invention provides a non-pyrotechnic lighting device capable of remote activation. The device, when positioned strategically, enables the securing of a restricted area by either military or civilian personnel, so as to prevent, or at least detect, an unwanted intrusion of a subject into said area. The device combines the advantages of chemiluminescent light and remote activation so as to provide a signal of an intrusion, the illumination of the intruder and sufficient time to request assistance against, or to prepare to resist, said intruder. Figure 1 comprises a front view of the device showing the lever in unlocked position. Figure 2 comprises a front view of the device showing the lever in locked position. Figure 3 comprises a side view of the device with the lever in locked position. Figure 4 comprises a side view of the device with the lever in unlocked position and the cord direction diverter in position for use. The invention resides in a non-pyrotechnic device capable of remote activation comprising; a. a plate; b) attaching means for mounting a chemiluminescent lightstick to said plate; c) a lever means rotatably mounted on said plate and positioned such that at least a portion of said lever, in its unlocked position, lies within the stationary, longitudinal plane of a lightstick mounted to said plate by said attaching means; d) locking means on said plate to maintain said lever, when locked, out of said stationary plane of said mounted lightstick; e) tension means attached to said plate and said lever to cause said lever to forcibly resist retention by said locking means, and f) release means for remotely unlocking said lever from said locking means. In a preferred embodiment, the device also includes; g) means in said plate for the mounting of said plate on a substrate, and may also include, h) an adjustable cord direction diverter adapted to receive a cord attached to said release means and enable angular remote activation of said device. The chemical lightsticks useful in the device of the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art. Thus, detailed explanations and descriptions of such articles are not necessary. Suffice it to say, they generally comprise an elongated thin-walled glass tube, sealed at each end and contained within a sealed transparent plastic tube. The glass tube is filled with one component of a two component chemiluminescent system and the plastic tube contains the second component. The formation of chemical light is effected by bending the lightstick thereby breaking the glass tube and allowing its contents to mix with the contents of the plastic tube. Any of such articles may be used in the device of the present invention including those containing a plurality of glass inner tubes. Reference to U.S. Patent Nos. US-A-3539794; US-A-3752406; US-A-3940604 and US-A-4186426 is hereby made for purposes of providing exemplary illustration of articles useful in this invention. The present invention may be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings which have previously been briefly described. Specifically referring to Figure 1, there is provided a non-pyrotechnic lighting device capable of remote activation wherein plate 1 has thereon attaching means 2 for mounting a chemiluminescent lightstick thereon, said mounted lightstick being shown by dotted lines. Lever means 3 is rotatably mounted on said plate 1 via fulcrum 4 and is positioned on plate 1 so that at least a portion thereof, when in its unlocked position, lies within the stationary, longitudinal plane of the lightstick held by attaching means 2. Locking means 5 comprising a restraining elevation which maintains lever 3, when in its locked position, out of said stationary longitudinal plane of said lightstick. Means 5, best seen in Figure 3, may constitute a raised section of plate 1 or can comprise any equivalent means such as an appended, beveled projection. Tension means, shown as spring 6, attached to plate 1 at point 7 and lever 3 at point 8, causes lever 3 to forcibly resist retention by locking means 5, as best shown in Fig. 2. Release means 9 comprises an elongated, flexible section of plate 1 from which most of the surrounding area of plate material has been removed. Holes 10 to provide means for mounting the device on a substrate such as a tree, fence post, etc. via a nail, screw or other securing means. A length of tough cord or wire, etc. is affixed to the end of release means 9. In operation, lever 3 is locked by locking means 5 and an unactivated chemiluminescent lightstick is mounted via means 2. The device, previously having been attached to a substrate, is activated by an intruder whose person comes into contact with cord or wire 11, which has been stretched across the terrain to be secured from intrusion. The cord causes release means 9 to bend or flex thereby forcibly tripping lever 3 out of its locked position. The potential energy from extended spring 6 is transferred into rotational kinetic energy of the fulcrum and lever 3 forcibly contacts the lightstick, breaking the inner tube and causing light, thereby identifying the area of intrusion. Adjustable cord direction diverter 12, shown fully extended at 90° from plate 1 in Figure 4, also comprises an elongated, flexible section of plate 1 from which the surrounding area of plate material is removed. It is preferably positioned parallel to release means 9 in order to enable cord 11 to cooperatively function therewith. Diverter 12 can be bent from 1-180° from the plane of plate 1 with cord 11 being threaded through hole 13 which preferably has a smooth interior to allow movement of cord 11 without fraying. Diverter 12 allows cord 11 to activate the device by unlocking lever 3 by an intruder at varying longitudinal or latitudinal angles from the front plane of plate 1.

Claims: A non-pyrotechnic lighting device capable of remote activation comprising: a. a plate (1); b. attaching means (2) on said plate for mounting a chemiluminescent lightstick to said plate, c. lever means (3) rotatably mounted on said plate (1) and positioned such that at least a position of said lever, in its unlocked position, lies within the stationary, longitudinal plane of a lightstick mounted to said plate by said attaching means (2), d. locking means (5) on said plate (1) to maintain said lever (3), when locked, out of said stationary plane of said mounted lightstick, e. tension means (6) attached to said plate (1) and said lever (3) to cause said lever (3) to forcibly resist retention by said locking means (5), and f. release means (9) for remotely unlocking said lever (3) from said locking means (5). A device according to Claim 1 including, g. means (10) in said plate (1) for the mounting of said plate on a substrate. A device according to Claim 1, wherein said release means (9) includes a length of affixed tough cord (11). A device according to Claim 1, including, h. an adjustable cord direction diverter (12) adapted to receive a cord attached to said release means (9) and enable angular remote activation of said device. A device according to Claim 2 wherein said release means (9) includes a length of affixed, tough cord. A device according to Claim 4 wherein said release means (9) includes a length of affixed, tough cord.

Inventors: BARETZ, BRUCE HOWARD, WARE, DEXTER, C.
Applicants: AMERICAN CYANAMID COMPANY
Application year: 1988
Main classification: F21K2
IPC codes: F21K2