Abstract:
An illuminating device which utilizing multiple colored Light Emitting Diodes (LED&#39;s) is disclosed. The device incorporates a voltage regulator to allow it to operate on a wide range of voltages typically found on aircraft electrical systems. Additional controls are provided for brightness or dimming controls, and for the selection of the color output. The device includes a mounting clip for attaching it to a boom microphone on an aviation headset, though it could be used in a handheld manner as well.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/457,015 filed on Mar. 25, 2003. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to portable lighting systems, and, more particularly, to a multi-colored light emitting diode headset light. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     High-intensity Light Emitting Diodes (LED&#39;s) are a fairly recent electronic development. Their high light output coupled with low power consumption, make them an ideal replacement for incandescent lamps in certain applications. One such application is that of being used in flashlights. LED flashlights generally produce a very soft diffused light in one color such as white, red or yellow. Additional advantages of such light are the production of little or no heat as well as virtually unlimited life. However, the color of light produced cannot easily be changed, and one color of light, such as red, which may be ideal for night use, quickly becomes unusable when trying to view a map with red markings. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which LED illumination arrays can be produced which generate variable light colors as selected by the user. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,246, issued in the name of Lambert, discloses an illumination apparatus releasably mounted to the microphone mounted to a pilot&#39;s helmet, the apparatus for illuminating a portion of the cockpit area of an aircraft;   U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,205, issued in the name of Hudak, discloses a lighting device mounted to the earpiece of a pilot&#39;s headset;   U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,987, issued in the name of Painter, discloses a hat having a lamp for illuminating indicia thereon;   U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,271, issued in the name of Chien, discloses protective headwear having at least one LED illumination arrangement fitted into recesses in the protective layer and visible through an partially transparent area;   U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,141, issued in the name of Bradley, discloses a head mounted illumination device;   U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,997,165 and 6,290,368 issued in the name of Lehrer, discloses a portable reading light device;   U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,452, issued in the name of Dunning, discloses a flexible lighting system for an aircraft mounted above the instrument panel;   U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,723, issued in the name of Walters, discloses a portable cockpit illumination device having a housing that is mounted above the instrument panel; and   U.S. Pat. No. Des. 345,814, issued in the name of Wright, III, discloses an ornamental design for a headset mounted flashlight holder.   

     Consequently, there exists a continuous need for new ideas and enhancements for existing products in the xx industry. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an illumination device mounted to a headset. 
     It is a feature of the present invention to provide an illumination device having at least one light emitting diode (LED), the LED having either a single color light or of the tri-color variety. 
     It is another feature of the present invention to provide an illumination device having a plurality of LEDs. 
     It is another feature of the present invention to provide an illumination device having a color control knob, the color control knob having a knurled surface for rotational control. The color control knob is coupled to a switch for controlling and manipulating the transmission of differently colored light. 
     It is another feature of the present invention to provide an illumination device having an intensity control knob, the intensity control knob having a knurled surface for rotational control. The intensity control knob is coupled to a potentiometer for manipulating the relative intensity of the generated and transmitted light. 
     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an illumination mounted to a headset comprises an elongated body having a lense assembly, a control assembly and a case housing intermediately therebetween. A color control knob is operatively and mechanically coupled to an eight position DIP switch for controlling the type and number of colors in the light emitting diode that are transmitted. An intensity control knob is operatively and mechanically coupled to a potentiometer for controlling the intensity of the transmitted light. A mounting clip is affixed to the case housing, the clip provided for releasable attachment to a microphone boom or other similar item. A power supply provides electricity to the light emitting diode. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 multi-color light emitting diode 
               
               
                   
                 headset light 
               
               
                 12 
                 elongated body 
               
               
                 15 
                 cental case housing 
               
               
                 20 
                 head lense assembly 
               
               
                 25 
                 tail control assembly 
               
               
                 30 
                 color control knob 
               
               
                 35 
                 light path 
               
               
                 40 
                 intensity control knob 
               
               
                 45 
                 knurled surface 
               
               
                 50 
                 power cable 
               
               
                 55 
                 strain relief 
               
               
                 60 
                 mounting clip 
               
               
                 65 
                 support mechanism 
               
               
                 70 
                 outer ring 
               
               
                 75 
                 clear flat lense 
               
               
                 80 
                 o-ring 
               
               
                 85 
                 tri-color light emitting diode (LED) 
               
               
                 90 
                 polished reflector 
               
               
                 95 
                 leads 
               
               
                 100 
                 DC power source 
               
               
                 105 
                 ground 
               
               
                 110 
                 voltage regulator 
               
               
                 115 
                 green segment 
               
               
                 120 
                 blue segment 
               
               
                 125 
                 red segment 
               
               
                 130 
                 current limiting resistor 
               
               
                 135 
                 NPN Darlington transistor 
               
               
                 140 
                 eight position rotary DIP switch 
               
               
                 145 
                 potentiometer 
               
               
                 150 
                 voltage dividing network 
               
               
                 155 
                 N channel MOSFET 
               
               
                 160 
                 common pole 
               
               
                 165 
                 first column 
               
               
                 170 
                 second column 
               
               
                 175 
                 third column 
               
               
                 180 
                 fourth column 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an end view of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  as seen along a line I-I as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical schematic depicting the internal circuitry of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10 ; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a table depicting the operational color characteristics of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the  FIGS. 1 through 5 . 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side view of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  is depicted, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  comprises an elongated body  12  having a central case housing  15 , a head lense assembly  20  and a tail control assembly  25 . The total overall size of the three components is envisioned to be approximately three to four inches long, and approximately ¾ of a inch in diameter. The material of construction of the three components is envisioned to be high-impact plastic, aluminum, or other similar material that is lightweight and impervious to shock or impact. A color control knob  30  is located between the tail control assembly  25  and the central case housing  15  for the purposes of activating the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  as well as controlling the color of the light emitted from the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  as indicated by a light path  35  as shown. An intensity control knob  40  is located between the central case housing  15  and the head lense assembly  20  for the purposes of controlling the brightness or intensity of the light emitted from the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10 . Both the color control knob  30  and the intensity control knob  40  are provided with a wide knurled surface  45  to allow them to be activated and controlled even with gloved hands. The control is of a rotary nature, such that turning the color control knob  30  or intensity control knob  40  in one direction will enable a function and turning it back will disable it. The functionality of the color control knob  30  and intensity control knob  40  will be described in greater detail herein below. 
     A power cable  50  is routed from the rear of the tail control assembly  25  through a strain relief  55 . The power cable  50  provides electrical power for the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10 , via its connection to a suitable power supply. It is envisioned that the suitable power supply would be the on-board electrical system in an aircraft, although other vehicles such as motor vehicles could also be utilized, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. It is also envisioned that a suitable battery pack, such as one worn upon a user&#39;s belt, or an internal integral battery pack could also be used as well. A mounting clip  60  is located along the side of the central case housing  15  for connection to a support mechanism  65 , such as a boom microphone as shown in  FIG. 1  via phantom lines. In such a connected manner as shown, the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  would point at, and subsequently illuminate any item or area the user is looking at. The mounting clip  60  would be of a nature that it could be interchangeable and adapt or connect to a wide range of devices using spring loaded clips, clamp mechanisms and the like. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , and end view of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  is disclosed. An outer ring  70  retains a clear flat lense  75  behind an o-ring  80  for the purposes of keeping dust, dirt and moisture out of the interior of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10 . A tri-color light emitting diode (LED)  85  is arranged near the focal point of a polished reflector  90 . The tri-color light emitting diode (LED)  85  is envisioned to be of a type similar to LF59EMBGMBC HIGH EFFICIENCY RED/BLUE/GREEN as manufactured by Kingbright Corporation. While it is envisioned that the tri-color light emitting diode (LED)  85  would be capable of producing red, blue and green light, thus comprising all three primary colors, almost any other, including white, could be produced dependent upon the position of the color control knob  30  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). However, other possible colors or types of light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s) such as infrared, white, or the like could be substituted as well to perform added functionality. Additionally, multiple light emitting diodes could be placed inside the polished reflector  90  near the focal point, thus producing an array of independent light emitting diodes. An example of such an array would be a white LED to be used for general illumination, a red LED for use in a cockpit to preserve night vision, and an infrared LED for use with night vision goggles or equipment. It is envisioned that multiple, independent, and different LED&#39;s would be suitable for substitution by the final end user, or could require the purchase of separate dedicated multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  for each type of application. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a sectional view of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10 , as seen along a line I-I as shown in  FIG. 1  is depicted. This FIG. more clearly depicts the interior configuration of the polished reflector  90  with the tri-color light emitting diode (LED)  85  located at the focal point of the said polished reflector  90 . A series of leads  95  provide electrical power to the tri-color light emitting diode (LED)  85  and will be described in greater detail herein below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an electrical schematic of the internal circuitry of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  is disclosed. A DC power source  100  is referenced to ground  105  as indicated. The DC power source  100  can be a battery as indicated, but also part of an electrical system such as found on an aircraft or other type of mobile vehicle. The voltage associated with the DC power source  100  is envisioned to be allowed to vary between 6 volts and 30 volts as shown. The correct voltage with limited current as needed by the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  is provided by a voltage regulator  110 . The output of the voltage regulator  110  is routed to the anode side of the tri-color light emitting diode (LED)  85  from which all three anodes of a green segment  115 , a blue segment  120 , and a red segment  125  are connected in a common matter through a current limiting resistor  130 . The cathode connection of the respective green segment  115 , blue segment  120 , and red segment  125  are routed through a NPN Darlington transistor  135  which serves to drive the tri-color light emitting diode (LED)  85  at high gain up to one amp. Electrical control is provided by an eight position rotary DIP switch  140  which is mechanically connected to the color control knob  30  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) The actual segment of the tri-color light emitting diode (LED)  85  to be illuminated is determined by contact switch closures inside the eight position rotary DIP switch  140 . Operation of said eight position rotary DIP switch  140  will be described in greater detail herein below. Position of eight position rotary DIP switch  140  will govern color output from the tri-color light emitting diode (LED)  85 . Illumination level is provided by a potentiometer  145  which is part of a voltage dividing network  150 . The potentiometer  145  is mechanically connected to the intensity control knob  40  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) to provide for the illumination intensity afforded by the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10 . It is envisioned that high intensity would be used for distant illumination, or for detailed tasks requiring maximum illumination. Lower intensity would be used for close-in, and/or general illumination. The output of the potentiometer  145  is routed through a N channel MOSFET  155  which is connected to a common pole  160  of the eight position rotary DIP switch  140   
     Referring finally to  FIG. 5 , a table depicting the operational characteristics of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  is disclosed. Since the eight position rotary DIP switch  140  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) is an eight position device, up to eight different operating modes can be provided for the tri-color light emitting diode (LED)  85 . A first column  165  indicates the eight possible positions of the eight position rotary DIP switch  140 . A second column  170  indicates the illumination status of the green segment  115 , a third column  175  indicates the illumination status of the blue segment  120 , and a fourth column  180  indicates the illumination status of the red segment  125 . In the first position, all elements are off. In the second through fourth position, each segment is illuminated independently, thus producing only green light, blue light and red light respectively. In the fifth position, both the green segment and the blue segment are illuminated. In the sixth position, both the blue segment and the red segment are illuminated. In the seventh position, the green and the red segment are illuminated. Finally, in the eight position, the green segment, the blue segment and the red segment are all equally illuminated, thus producing white light. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After procurement of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10 , it would be connected to a suitable electric supply via the power cable  50 . Such connection is envisioned to occur using a connector suitable for the environment used, such as a cigarette lighter in the case of a motor vehicle. Next, the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  is fastened to a suitable support mechanism  65  using the mounting clip  60 . A boom microphone as used as part of a radio headset is an envisioned support mechanism  65  as previously described. The use would not only have application in the commercial aviation arena, but the military as well. At this point, the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  is ready for use. 
     Should illumination be desired, the user would turn the color control knob  30  from its off position to one of the other 7 positions as described in  FIG. 5 . As an example, should white light be desired, the color control knob  30  would be turned so that all segments of the tri-color light emitting diode (LED)  85  are active. The user may then adjust the illumination intensity or brightness of the multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  by use of the intensity control knob  40 . The multi-color light emitting diode headset light  10  is then used as an illumination source for general or task lighting as needed. When finished, it is deactivated, by turning the color control knob  30  to its off position, where the above mentioned cycle can repeat again. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.