Abstract:
A multi-mode, multi-function marker/signaling device, capable of detachably mounting to helmets, has operating switches with positive visual and tactile cues located at opposing ends. A cover is attached to a base to provide a waterproof internal space. An electronic circuit board mounted within the waterproof space includes one or more visible and/or infrared emitters. Built-in programming provides user-defined and selectable modes of operation and multiple functions within those modes by means of serial manipulation of each switching means with a single digit. The emitters are multi-colored and/or infrared devices operating either steady ON, flashing, or coded flash, and are programmed to operate either independently or together. A replaceable battery provides power. A battery compartment is integral to and accessed from the underside (mounting surface) of the base.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a multi-function, multi-mode marker/signaling device in the visible and/or infrared spectrum with steady, flash and/or coded flash signals for marking or identification purposes in low/no light conditions. 
     The device is multi-modal, and multi-functional with single or dual user-selectable operating modes, with two or more distinct operating functions within each operating mode. Visible and invisible (infrared) marking is provided by multi-colored light emitting diodes (LED) or infrared (IR) emitters (emitters). Each distinct function can be varied with respect to output in the visible spectrum (visible) or infrared (IR), with respect to combinations of visible and/or IR emissions, and with respect to variable intensities, and can be positioned in either a steady ON or flash-coded mode for marking or identification in the low/no light conditions. It is designed for detachably mounting onto the top, back, front, or sides of helmets as a signal marking identification, position, or location, and for collision avoidance by parachutists during night jumps in free fall or under canopy. It can also be adapted to mount on other gear, vehicles or structures as the military missions or other uses dictate. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide both a visual and tactile (touch) means of determining and verifying ON/OFF, and operating mode, and functional operating status of the device that is positive, unambiguous and constantly available, without having to rely on passive, transitory vibratory feedback that can be masked in a high noise, high vibration environment or confused or forgotten. The positive and constantly available visual and tactile (touch) verification means also helps to preclude battery depletion if the device were to be inadvertently left ON in an invisible, infrared (IR) operating mode. 
     It is an another object of the invention to provide low profile housing with a curved, minimally obstructive shape on all sides and edges to mount on helmets or other equipment or structures, and particularly to provide minimal snag potential or interference with objects that may be encountered including parachute lines and risers during parachute operations. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a device that offers a low force, passive emergency breakaway, detachability feature to prevent head or neck injury to the wearer in the event that the device should interfere with parachute lines or risers during deployment of the parachute or interference with other obstacles. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a low profile and shaped design on all sides and edges with no substantial protuberances violating the curvilinear dome-like external shape of the device in order to provide a low wind resistance shape which does not create wind-rush noise or significant additional wind loads on the head and neck of a parachutist during the high speed free fall segment of some parachute missions. 
     It is another object of the invention is to provide combinations of two, three, four or more different user-defined and selectable functions within one or two user-defined, selectable, and independent operating modes and in a single device allowing users to acquire only one specific device to be used for multiple and distinct mission requirements such as tactical and training operations. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide the ability to select between two distinct and independent operating modes with two or more discreet functions within each operating mode, and to effectively separate and segregate these independent sets of functions by mechanical switching means whose relative position and therefore, operating status, are confirmable by two positive, unambiguous, and constantly available methods, e.g, visual and tactile (touch), to facilitate use of the same device in different mission environments such as training (e.g., non-secure visible emissions) and tactical (e.g., secure, infrared/IR emissions). This feature is novel in comparison to other lighting devices purpose-built for helmet mounting including those with rotating ring switches, opposed simultaneously activated pressure switches, and push-button ON/OFF switches where there may be no positive, unambiguous and constantly available visual and tactile (touch) means of confirming operating status. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a variety of emitters to allow a user-defined selection of different signaling outputs in the visible and/or infrared spectrum. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide two mechanically similar, interactive, but independent emitter activation switch means which comprise mechanically sliding switch(es) and/or repositionable magnetic/reed switch/plug arrangements for function and/or operating mode selection. This feature is novel in comparison to other lighting devices purpose-built for helmet mounting that may use in combination two or more dissimilar and potentially confusing switching means. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a function-selection switch means which allows for the selection of two or more functions within one or two user-defined and selectable operating modes. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a mode-selection switch means to allow a user, in the field, to have the ability to change to or select from one set of two or more functions to another set of two or more functions, in the same device, without tools or programming, and to make such switching means independent of one another to the extent that one or the other mode of operation (such as overt/visible versus covert/infrared may be selected without dependence upon first being in one or the other mode. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide one or more switching means which can be activated single-handedly, in total darkness and/or outside of direct visual contact, with a single digit (thumb or finger) precluding the necessity for the simultaneous use of multiple digits (e.g., thumb and finger) to turn a rotating ring or simultaneously press multiple switches to invoke any operating function. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a dual purpose switch means retainer providing the ability to accommodate either (a) a sliding magnetic/reed switch arrangement which allows for the two sets of functions to be switchable by the user at will, or (b) a more secure repositionable, snap-in magnet switch/plug which requires pre-selection of a specific set of functions thereby helping to prevent inadvertent activation of an undesirable set of functions under a given mission environment. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a battery compartment with access arrayed on the bottom or mounting interface surface of the device by which access to battery is protected and secured in the interface between the invention and the helmet or structure to which is it mounted and which is separately sealed with a flexible sealing plug. 
     It is another feature of the invention, by virtue of its unique battery containment and access arrangement to locate battery electrical contacts, access means, and switch means in such a way as to (a) preclude snag-prone protuberances which otherwise might violate the curvilinear, dome-like shape of the exposed surfaces of the device and thus further reduce potential interference (snagging) on external objects which could cause injury to the user/wearer, and (b) provide an uninterrupted curvilinear, dome-like surface through which emitted light may be radiate in substantially all directions. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide the ability to activate, de-activate, change functions, and/or radiate user-defined emissions based on built-in sensing capabilities to include (a) barometric pressure sensors (e.g., altitude), and (b) accelerometers (e.g., motion or tilt angle). 
     It is another object of the invention to provide the ability to sense illumination and interrogation by remote RF or IR sources such as Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) devices, and to provide a pre-set, programmable coded response via its various emitters which will identify the wearer of the invention as a friendly force and thus avoid “friendly fire” casualty. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a multi-mode, multi-function marker/signaling device for steady and flash-coded identification in the visible and/or infrared spectrum for any marking or identification purpose in low/no light conditions. 
     To attain this, the present invention comprises a cover having a first (main) switch means and second (nose) switch means cavity at opposing ends. A clear or translucent lens is integrally formed as a part of the cover. A base is secured to the cover by attachment means such as screws, ultrasonic welding, or sealing adhesives. An O-ring or other seal provides waterproofing and dustproofing for the space housing the electronics and captured between the cover and the base. 
     A electronic circuit board having a first switch board and a second switch board is mounted within the waterproof space defined by the cover and base. There is a first switch means mounted within the first (main) switch means cavity of the cover and a second switch means mounted within the second (nose) switch means cavity of the cover. The switch means are in electronic communication with the electronic circuit board. 
     A main electronic circuit board having a first switch circuit, and a second switch circuit board mounted within the waterproof space defined by the cover and base. There is a first switch means mounted within the first (main) switching means cavity of the cover and a second (nose) switch means mounted within the second (nose) switching means cavity of the cover. The two switch means are in electronic communication with the electronic circuit board via magnetic field effects on electronic reed switches. 
     A variety of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and/or infrared (IR) emitters are mounted on the electronic circuit board. The LEDs and emitters can be multi-colored, white, or infrared (IR). The switch means are capable of being set to different positions to interact with the programmable circuitry on the electronic circuit board in order to actuate a different combination of visible or infrared (IR) emissions, depending on the pre-programmed settings. 
     A primary (non-rechargeable) or secondary (rechargeable) battery provides the power source. A battery containment compartment comprises an integral part of the base with access to that compartment arrayed on the outside/bottom surface of the base which forms the surface by which the device is mounted to other equipment or structures. A battery sealing plug secures and protects the battery within the containment compartment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1   a  is a front perspective view of the present invention and  FIG. 1   b  is a rear perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2   a  is a side elevational view,  FIG. 2   b  is a top plan view,  FIG. 2   c  is a bottom plan view,  FIG. 2   d  is a rear elevational view and  FIG. 2   e  is a front elevational view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3   a  is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 3   b  is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4   a  is a side elevational view,  FIG. 4   b  is a top plan view,  FIG. 4   c  is a bottom plan view,  FIG. 4   d  is a rear elevational view and  FIG. 4   e  is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7   a  is a view of the device in use attached to the back of a helmet, and  FIG. 7   b  is a view of the device in use attached to the top of a helmet. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings  FIGS. 1 to 7 , generally, the present invention  10  will now be described in greater detail. A cover  12  is comprised of an outer surface portion  14  and a clear, tinted and/or translucent lens  16 . The outer surface portion  14  has a first (main) switch means cavity  18  defined at a first end and a second (nose) switch means cavity  20  defined at an opposed second end. The cover  12  is generally dome-shaped in all cross sections and is of compact size. The conforming shape on all sides provides for minimal snag hazard to avoid personal injury during parachute operations and to provide an aerodynamic, low noise, low drag shape for the high speed free fall portion of some parachute operations. The outer surface portion  14  has bores  22  that are inwardly threaded juxtaposed the first (main) switch means cavity  18  and the second (nose) switch means cavity  20 , respectively, and further has bores  22  extending through a bottom surface of the outer surface portion  14 . An indentation with numerical indicia  24  affixed is defined at the first end of the cover  12 . It is understood that the relative orientation of the first switch means and the second switch means may be perpendicular, as shown in the figures, or parallel. 
     A base  28  is comprised of an upper surface  30 , a lower surface  32  with a passage defined therethrough, a perimeter edge  34  and having bores  22  that are inwardly threaded defined through the upper surface  30  and the lower surface  32 . The base  28  is preferably arcuate in shape to conform to the configuration of headgear, such as a parachute helmet. However, the lower surface  28  may be flattened to mount on other surfaces. Fastening means  36 , such as hook and loop material (Velcro®), is present on the lower surface  32  to secure the invention  10  to a helmet and the like.  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  illustrate the invention  10  mounted on a helmet in two of several possible locations. 
     A seal  32 , preferably formed of a flexible rubber or rubber-like material to provide hermetic sealing, is mounted to and extends around the top perimeter sealing and interface edge  34 . The cover  12  is mounted on the base  28  and secured with attachment screws  26  extending through bores  22  in the outer surface portion  14  and the base  28 , and further defining an open cavity. 
     A battery containment compartment  40  having an outer surface and an inner surface with an open cavity defined by the inner surface is integrally formed on the upper surface  30  of the base  28 . The compartment  40  is of predetermined size to accept rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries. Battery contacts  42  are affixed on the inner surface of the battery containment compartment  40  and in electrical communication with the electronic circuit board  52  through slots  86  at each end of the battery containment compartment. A battery  44  is a power source for the invention  10  and is encased within the battery containment compartment  40 . Slots  86  translating between the inner and outer surface of the battery containment compartment  40  are provided for the installation of the battery contacts  42 . The slots  86  are filled and covered with sealant to provide waterproof and dustproof sealing of the battery contacts  42  as installed in the slots  86 . 
     Battery replacement is accomplished by opening a battery sealing plug  46  mounted to the lower surface  32  of the base  28  via attachment screws  26  with washers  50 . The plug  46  is preferably molded of a flexible rubber or rubber-like material and has a flexible sealing surface  48  formed to sealably engage with the periphery of the outer edge of the battery containment compartment  40 . The battery sealing plug  46  has a recess  88  formed therein to interface with the shape of the battery  44  to assist in retention and sealing. By placing battery replacement through the passage of the base  28 , the battery  44  is secured within the mounting interface between the invention  10  and the structure, such as a helmet, upon which the invention  10  is mounted. This method of battery installation and replacement is novel in comparison to other helmet mounted devices. The sealing plug  46  provides hermetic sealing against air, moisture, and dust. 
     An electronic circuit board  52  comprising electronic components, sensors/receptors, circuits, a processor and a memory coupled to the processor is disposed on the upper surface  30  of the base  28  and positioned within and captured by the surfaces defining the open cavity of the cover  12  and the base  28 . The electronic circuit board  52  is electronically coupled with the battery  44 . The electronic circuit board  52  has a first (main) switch means circuit board portion  54  attached thereto and a second (nose) switch board portion  56 . The electronic circuit board  52  provides multi-function, multi-color/radiation multi-mode features, and includes a built-in programmable integrated circuit (PIC). Steady illuminated and various flashing functions can be programmed with variable oscillation patterns, variable intensity, and variable sequencing to provide appropriate intensity/visual acuity and/or coded or information-contained pulses. 
     A sliding main switch  60  coupled with a small disc magnet  62  is mounted within a main switch retainer  64  defining a series of two or three split capture rings  84 . The main switch  60  interacts with electronic reed switches (not shown) disposed within the cover  12 , upon the main switch board  54 . Electronic reed switches are well known and not described here. The sliding main switch  60  is in electronic communication with the main switch board  54 . A mechanical detent is defined for each position of the sliding main switch  60  by the split capture rings  84 . Thus an appropriate level of hoop stress is allowed to solidly capture the sliding main switch  60  in each split capture ring  84  and to provide an appropriate level of resistance when moving from one split capture ring  84  position to the other. The main switch retainer  64  is secured juxtaposed the first (main) switch means cavity  18  with attachment screws  26 . The numerical indicia  24  affixed on the outer surface portion  14  are labeled “0,” “1,” and “2”. The sliding main switch can be positioned in OFF (Function“0”) and two selectable operating modes, labeled “1” and “2.” The sliding main switch  60  can thus be ergonomically actuated by the user&#39;s thumb, in low/no light intensity situations, and in the same manner the ON/OFF status of the device and/or its precise operating function can be determined by tactile feel while the invention  10  is mounted on a helmet (as shown in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b ). 
     A sliding nose switch  66  coupled with a build-in disc magnet  68  is mounted within a nose switch retainer  70 . The retainer  70  is secured within the second (nose) switch means cavity  20  of the outer surface portion  14  with attachment screws  26 . The magnet  68  interacts or fails to interact with an electronic reed switch (not shown) disposed within the cover  12  upon the electronic circuit board  52 . The sliding nose switch  66  is in electronic communication with the nose switch circuit disposed on the circuit board  56 . The sliding nose switch  66  provides the user the ability to select a unique third function (“Function  3 ”) or one of two distinct operating modes: Mode A (such as overt or visible) or Mode B (such as covert or infrared), depending on the particular embodiment of the invention. 
     Alternatively, a nose switch/plug  72  replaces the sliding nose switch  66 . The nose switch/plug  72  has an upper surface  78 , a lower surface  80  to which are attached two downwardly depending flanged structures  82  which engage with split capture rings  84  of the nose switch retainer  70 . The nose switch/plug  72  is reversible and repositionable, and mounts in and is secured by the nose switch retainer  70 . The nose switch/plug  72  is coupled with an asymmetrically located magnet  74  located in one of the flanged structures  82  which interacts (or fails to interact) with an electric reed switch disposed upon the electronic circuit board within the cover  12 . The interaction of the magnet  74  and reed switch provides for selection of a third function or alternate modes of operation depending on the particular embodiment of the invention. The nose switch/plug  72  has directional indicator indicia  76  shaped generally like an arrow affixed to the upper surface  78  to allow the user to orient the nose switch/plug  72  either UP or DOWN to provide visual and/or tactile cue as to a particular operating mode. The nose switch/plug  72  functions as a mode-of-operation selector. The user in the field has the ability to change from one set of two functions to another unique set of two functions without tools or programming by repositioning the nose switch/plug  72 . 
     A plurality of emission sources  58  comprised of a variety of types and colors of LED and infrared emitters are disposed on the electronic circuit board  52  and are in electrical communication with the electronic circuit board  52 . The features can be combined and/or manipulated in ways to provide two, three, four or more different user-defined and selectable functions. Multiple Red/Blue/Green (RGB) three-chip LEDs provide the ability to emit primary colors as well as a range of other colors as variations in a single light source  58 . Multiple high-intensity “white” light LEDs are provided to meet FAA parachuting requirements at night and to provide for special mission requirements including emergency signaling (“strobe” effects). Multiple infrared (IR) emitters and/or LEDs are provided for covert operations. 
     Any of the emitter sources  58  can be operated at the same time individually or in tandem with other emitter sources, each in either flashing or steady ON. For example, in one operating mode four RGB light sources  58  are operating in constant Green/Steady while two high intensity white light sources  58  are operating intermittently in a flashing mode. Furthermore the electronic circuit board  52  can be programmed to allow the emitter sources  58  mounted at one end of the electronic circuit board  52  to be set in different color/intermittent/steady modes from the light sources  58  at the opposed end of the electronic circuit board  52 . 
     The multi-function, multi-color/radiation, multi-mode features of the invention  10  are facilitated by a programmable integrated circuit (PIC). The steady ON and flashing functions can be programmed with variable oscillation patterns and peaks and sequencing to provide increased intensity/visual acuity and/or coded or information-containing pulses. The battery  44  outputs to the emitter sources  58  are controlled by the electronic circuit board  52  having programmable integrated circuits. Voltage regulator devices and/or circuits are added to the electronic circuit board  52  to match emitter input requirements and/or to achieve optimized output for specific mission requirements. 
     There are four general model configurations of the device. In the first two configurations the nose switch/plug  72  and the sliding main switch  60  are in use. In the first configuration the nose switch/plug  72  is fixed in one position with the integral direction indicator  76  oriented up and the sliding main switch  60  can be set to OFF (position “0”) or ON (position “1” or “2”). Thus, two functions are available. In the second configuration, four functions are available. The nose switch/plug  72  can be selected in either Mode A (direction indicator  76  up) or Mode B (direction indicator  76  down). The mode of the nose switch/plug  72  is changed by the user removing the nose switch/plug  72 , rotating the nose switch/plug 180° and reinstalling. The directional indicator  76  marks Mode A or Mode B selection by either an up or down direction. The main switch  60  is either set at OFF or ON position. The physical separation between the operating modes created by the two different installation positions of the nose switch/plug  72  prevents the possibility of inadvertent visual emissions in a mode of operation that has not be pre-selected by the nose switch/plug  72 . 
     The third general configuration incorporates the sliding main switch  60  and the sliding nose switch  66 . There are three variable, user-defined functions within one mode of operation. The sliding main switch  60  is either in the OFF position (“0”), or ON (position“1” or “2”). The sliding nose switch  66  provides a third operating function by being moved from its OFF (down) position to its ON (up) position. The movement of the sliding nose switch  66  to its ON position can be programmed to override the functionality of the sliding main switch  60  completely, no matter what position the sliding main switch  60  is in. In such case, movement of the sliding nose switch  66  back to its OFF position returns the functionality of the sliding main switch  60  to the operating function defined by its current position, and electronically locks-out and prevents the reactivation of the ON function of the sliding nose switch  66  until both the sliding main switch  60  and the sliding nose switch  66  are resent to their respective OFF positions. 
     The fourth general configuration incorporates the sliding main switch  60  and the sliding nose switch  66  and provides a minimum of four functions total. There are a total of two modes of operation (Mode A and Mode B), with a minimum of two functions in each mode. The sliding main switch  60  is either in the OFF (“0”) or ON (“1” or “2”) position. The sliding nose switch  66  can be either in Mode A or Mode B. Furthermore, the electronic circuit board of the device has the ability to re-program the function or mode of operation by cycling the main switch through a pre-established pattern of movements among main switch positions “0,” “1,” or “2.” The integral programmable integrated circuit (PIC) would detect these switch movements as powering ON and OFF through a preprogrammed code which, when detected by the PIC, would initiate a routine which would result in a change to a function or an operating mode. Not only would the user of the device have the ability to reprogram while in the field, but would also have a secure coded barrier between visible and covert operating modes. 
     The device  10  has vibratory means (e.g., a small electric motor with an eccentric rotating mass) in electrical communication with the electronic circuit board  52 , known to those skilled in the art, which provides vibratory feedback as a check of the status of the battery  44 . This battery status check and corresponding vibratory feedback from the device to the user/wearer every time the device  10  is activated and/or moved from one function to another, or whenever the battery contact is broken and re-made as when a battery is first installed, or temporarily removed and re-installed specifically to conduct a battery status check. Activation of the device or the change from one function to another or whenever fresh battery contact is made by installing a battery would actuate a programmed routine through a circuit separate from the lighting circuit whereby a voltage test of the battery under load is conducted against an on-board electronic reference such as a Zener diode. If the battery is at a voltage level associated with an acceptable level of remaining capacity, a predetermined vibratory pattern (e.g. three buzzes) would occur. If a depleted level of battery voltage (i.e., capacity) is detected, then a different pattern of vibratory signals (e.g., two buzzes) would be sent to show a lower state of battery readiness. At some predetermined battery voltage (capacity) level, the vibratory feedback (e.g., one or no buzzes) would alert the user that the battery  44  must be replaced. 
     The electronic components disposed within the cover  12  and base  34  and upon the electronic circuit board  52  and the nose switch board  54  are protected by the ring seal  38  or other sealing method such as ultrasonic welding to prevent moisture and dust intrusion. If attachment is made by mechanical means such as screws  26 , they would be installed with either O-rings or other compounds with sealant qualities. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting the scope and intent of the invention.