Abstract:
An advanced capability flashlight and tactical system where multiple flashlights can be controlled remotely is disclosed herein. The system employs a novel remote control configuration wherein signals are modulated to avoid jamming and can further perform in environments with low signal-to-noise ratio. The system additionally employs programmable electronics to the flashlight covered by a polyurethane protection layer to provide functionality in extreme conditions. Different head lamps can be easily switched out to an individual flashlight employing more LED lamps and different wavelengths of light as desired by a user. Additionally, a remote control device is disclosed that can be configured to a rail system of a firearm.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of the priority date of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/296,235 filed on Jan. 19, 2010 entitled SMART TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT; additionally this patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of the priority date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/537,111 filed on Aug. 6, 2009, entitled LIGHT CONTROL DEVICE which contains subject matter claiming benefit of international patent application No. PCT/RU2008/000508 filed on Aug. 7, 2008; additionally this patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of the priority date of international patent application No. PCT/RU2009/000075, filed on Feb. 19, 2009 entitled SYSTEM FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING SIGHTS AND TARGET DESIGNATORS, accordingly, the entire contents of these patent applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention pertains generally to high intensity tactical illumination systems. More specifically, the present invention pertains to high intensity, hand held or mountable flashlights having more sophisticated electronics and other advanced capabilities for tactical environments also including wireless remote command and control. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Many nighttime operations, particularly those performed by military and law enforcement, depend on the latest advancements in illumination technology to attain the best possible advantage. Of specific interest, is the use of light weight, high intensity illumination systems in tactical environments. As such, a tactical user will desire either to mount a high intensity flashlight to a barrel of a weapon, or position the flashlight in relative proximity to the user. 
         [0006]    There are many desirable features and specifications of these flashlights. One is that the flashlight can be controlled remotely instead of by wire or manually, particularly for military and covert applications where the light source does not reveal the user&#39;s location. Another desired feature is that the flashlight be easily convertible between white light, ultra-violet (UV) light, infrared (IR) light and/or various colored light. Also, a strobing effect is desirable as an available feature for disorientating potential adversaries. Moreover, an infrared strobe could be discreetly used to identify team members and their locations. 
         [0007]    In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide the desired features described herein as well as additional advantages such as reduced power consumption. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a high intensity flashlight design that employs LED light rather than that from xenon short-arc or incandescent light sources. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a design for underwater use while fully retaining remote functionality. It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a flashlight that is blast proof and resistant to extreme temperatures. Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a design that is capable of using a single wireless control for multiple devices. It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a wireless design that is resistant to jamming and RF interference. An additional object of the present invention is to provide a tactical flashlight that is able to transmit a secure rescuer beacon. It is yet further an object of the present invention to provide a flashlight having a wireless strobe command and brightness control. It is yet still further an object of the present invention to provide a flashlight with programmable electronics and a motion sensor so that the flashlight and/or beacon can be programmed to turn off/on depending on physical movement thereof. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention comprises a system a flashlight comprising: a head lamp portion; a tubular body releasably coupled to the head lamp portion; an end cap portion releasably coupled to the tubular body and opposite the head lamp portion, the tubular body between the head lamp portion and the end cap portion, wherein the end cap houses programmable electronics; and remote control capabilities. Further, the remote control capabilities comprise a remote controller and the remote controller comprises: a printed circuit board having programmable electronics; a microprocessor having a transceiver for transmitting control signals, the transceiver employing a phase-shift keying system for individual electronic addressing of a multitude of flashlights also providing resistance to electronic interference and jamming. 
         [0009]    The flashlight according to the invention is additionally characterized wherein the end cap programmable electronics and the remote control programmable electronics are each covered by a polyurethane protection layer to maintain functionality in adverse conditions including extreme temperature, underwater pressure, and excessive forces due to acceleration, and wherein the individual electronic addressing further employs a code length of 64 bytes, and further wherein the remote controller is encased in shrink-wrap plastic to provide a waterproof seal thereto. 
         [0010]    The flashlight herein is additionally characterized as comprising a radio beacon configured to be activated remotely or programmably; and having an anodized aluminum material to the tubular body, head lamp portion, and end cap portion providing blast proof characteristics to the flashlight. The flashlight further provides versatility as the headlamp portion is modular and interchangeable providing a plurality of options, the plurality of options including: a plurality of colors; an IR illumination headlamp; and a UV type illumination headlamp. 
         [0011]    The advanced capability flashlight further has a three-axis gyroscope wherein the programmable electronics are selectively configured to activate or deactivate the flashlight depending on an orientation of the flashlight as sensed by the gyroscope. In a preferred embodiment, the remote control capabilities are realized as first and second remote control buttons, wherein the first remote control button comprises: a base portion having a circular hollow interior; a circular ridge inside and about the circular hollow interior; a first printed circuit board having programmable electronics configured on a side thereto, wherein the programmable electronic are faced down with respect to the circular ridge, wherein the first printed circuit board is supported by the circular ridge around an edge thereof; an annular ring configured wherein the edge lies between the circular ridge and the annular ring; a circular battery configured to fit inside the annular ring; a cap portion configured to engage threads of the base portion, the cap portion having a button coupled to a second printed circuited board, the second printed circuit board coupled to the circular battery via a spring contact. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment, first and second remote control button are physically separated and also each comprises a clamp configured to be coupled to a rail of a firearm. 
         [0012]    More specifically with regard to the remote control buttons, the first remote control button serves to activate or deactivate the flashlight, while the second remote control button selects a flashlight mode and a brightness; and further the flashlight mode is changed from a steady beam to a strobe by momentarily clicking the second remote control button, and wherein the flashlight brightness is adjusted by pressing and holding the second remote control button. 
         [0013]    In yet another aspect, the invention may be characterized as a tactical flashlight network comprising: a first flashlight, the first flashlight further comprising: a head lamp portion; a tubular body releasably coupled to the head lamp portion; and an end cap portion releasably coupled to the tubular body and opposite the head lamp portion, the tubular body between the head lamp portion and the end cap portion; a second flashlight; and further a unified controller is provided for activating or deactivating said first flashlight and said second flashlight, the unified controller for use by a team leader in a tactical environment. 
         [0014]    The invention in this aspect is additionally characterized as having a first remote control device in wireless electronic communication with the first flashlight, the first remote control device comprising: a microprocessor having programmable flash memory and further having a transceiver for transmitting control signals, the transceiver employing a phase-shift keying system for individual electronic addressing of a multitude of flashlights also providing resistance to electronic interference and jamming; and a signal amplifier for enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. 
         [0015]    As in other embodiments the tactical flashlight network further has a first remote control device in wireless electronic communication with the first flashlight, the first remote control device further comprising: a base portion having a circular hollow interior about an axis; a circular battery configured to fit inside the base portion; a cap portion configured to engage threads of the base portion, the cap portion having a button coupled to printed circuited board, wherein the base portion, the circular battery and the cap portion are axially aligned. Also the base portion is configured to engage a rail mount system of a rifle. Also the tactical flashlight network has advanced capability to include a GPS receiver; and a radio beacon for sending encrypted radio signals with GPS data, the radio beacon configured to transmit either remotely or programmably. 
         [0016]    The tactical flashlight network is additionally characterized herein as comprising: a first flashlight, the first flashlight further comprising programmable electronics and a radio beacon for providing location information in emergency situations; a second flashlight; and a unified controller for activating or deactivating said first flashlight and said second flashlight, the unified controller for use by a team leader in a tactical environment. 
         [0017]    As similar to other embodiments, the tactical flashlight network is additionally characterized wherein the first flashlight further has a head lamp portion, a tubular body releasably coupled to the head lamp portion, and an end cap portion releasably coupled to the tubular body and opposite the head lamp portion, the tubular body between the head lamp portion and the end cap portion, wherein the end cap houses the programmable electronics, wherein the programmable electronics are covered by a polyurethane protection layer to maintain functionality in adverse conditions including extreme temperature, underwater pressure, and excessive forces due to acceleration. The flashlight programmable electronic are further characterized as employing a wide-impulse modulation method to provide power to a first flashlight lamp, and further wherein power is diverted from the lamp when not in use. 
         [0018]    Yet further, the tactical flashlight network herein is additionally characterized as further comprising remote control capabilities, the remote control capabilities comprising a remote controller, the remote controller comprising: a printed circuit board having programmable electronics; a transmitter for transmitting control signals; and shrink-wrap plastic encasing the remote controller to provide a waterproof seal thereto. 
         [0019]    These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0020]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective illustration of a first tactical flashlight of the present invention coupled to a barrel of a weapon; 
           [0023]      FIG. 1B  shows an exemplary wireless unified controller able to activate/deactivate four tactical flashlights; 
           [0024]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a rear perspective view of the first preferred tactical flashlight; 
           [0025]      FIG. 1D  illustrates a frontal perspective view of the first preferred tactical flashlight; 
           [0026]      FIG. 1E  illustrates a profile view thereof; 
           [0027]      FIG. 1F  is a front end view of a tactical flashlight showing a first head lamp embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 1G  and  FIG. 1H  illustrate additional head lamp embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 1I  illustrates an exploded view of the flashlight embodiment with options for varying head lamps of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 1J  is an exploded view of an exemplary end cap with programmable electronics of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a first wireless remote control device to accompany flashlight shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2B  is an exploded view of the first remote control device illustration internal component and their configuration; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a second wireless remote control device of the present invention additionally showing relative scale; 
           [0034]      FIG. 3B  is perspective illustration showing the wireless remote control embodiment with its shrink wrap plastic removed; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3C  is perspective illustration showing the wireless remote control embodiment with its shrink wrap plastic protective covering; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 3D  is an enlarged top plan view thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    Initially, with regard to  FIG. 1A , a preferred device  11  of the present invention is illustrated in perspective coupled to an assault rifle as envisioned for tactical environments. The flashlight device  11  has been specifically designed for tactical situations for military and law enforcement as well as recreational game hunting. A mounting device is typically used to affix the device  11  to a rail mount system  91  of the weapon  90  as shown. Alternatively, the device  11  could be configured below the weapon in the same vertical plane as the rifle  90  barrel, also not impeding the rifleman&#39;s sight. Importantly, the flashlight  11  has wireless remote control capability as further discussed herein. In a first wireless remote control embodiment, remote control buttons  20 ,  20   b  buttons are provided. 
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment, the two buttons  20 ,  20   b  are provided as follows: a first remote control button  20  serves to activate or deactivate the flashlight  11 ; while a second remote control button  20   b  selects a flashlight mode and brightness. The flashlight mode is changed from a steady beam to a strobe by momentarily clicking the second remote control button  20   b . Additionally, flashlight brightness is adjusted by pressing and holding the second remote control button  20   b . The brightness will cycle from low to high and back to low again to decrease brightness. Alternatively to remote operation, end cap button  64  is provided for manual operation. Also in a preferred embodiment, press and hold end cap button  64  until the flashlight  11  blinks once to activate the remote control  20 ,  20   b ,  30 ; and press and hold the end cap until the flashlight blinks twice to deactivate the remote control  20 ,  20   b ,  30 . The push button  64  manual control provided is preferable to twist on/off as used in other designs. 
         [0039]    With regard to  FIG. 1B , the invention is more broadly a tactical flashlight system wherein multiple flashlights  11  can be activated or deactivated by a unified controller  12 . Buttons  13  provided correspond to a particular flashlight in the tactical system. It is further envisioned that a tactical team leader will carry the unified controller  12  providing means to activate or deactivate flashlights  11  within the team. 
         [0040]    Turning now to  FIG. 1C  and  FIG. 1D , front and rear views of the first preferred tactical flashlight  11  are illustrated in perspective. Generally, the flashlight  11  comprises three portions including a head lamp  41 , a tubular body  50  and an end cap  60 . The three portions  41 ,  50 ,  60  mate together with threads  55 ,  56  ( FIG. 1I ) and in this way, modular characteristics are created as to be described herein. One such modular characteristic is that the head lamps  41 ,  41   a ,  41   b  ( FIG. 1I ) can be easily interchanged to different colors and also comprising IR and UV type illumination. Additionally, more illumination capability can be achieved with bigger head lamps  43 ,  44  containing more LEDs also as shown herein ( FIG. 1G ,  FIG. 1H ,  FIG. 1I ).  FIG. 1E  provides a profile view of the first preferred tactical flashlight.  FIG. 1F  is a front end view of a tactical flashlight  11  showing the first head lamp embodiment  41 ; while  FIG. 1G  and  FIG. 1H  each illustrate additional head lamp embodiments  43 ,  44  of the present invention  11  with additional LEDs  42 . 
         [0041]    Further, with reference to  FIG. 1I , the tubular body  50  is provided to house batteries  51  wherein the entire device  41 ,  50 ,  60 , is composed of anodized (V-90) aircraft aluminum providing blast proof characteristics. Spacers  52 ,  54  are provided between threads  55 ,  56  to allow for extra torque to components  41 ,  50 ,  60  in aiding a water tight design. Further, the close tolerances achieved during manufacture of components will help to achieve the hermetically sealed, water tight design. This will also make the flashlight  11  functional in humid and/or salty conditions. All embodiments herein provide the option of a convenient detachable clip for clothes and a button safety lock to prevent flashlight actuation during transportation. 
         [0042]    As discussed herein also with regard to  FIG. 1I , the headlamp portion  41  is modular and interchangeable providing a plurality of options  41 ,  41   a ,  41   b ,  43 ,  44  to include a plurality of colors, a UV type illumination headlamp  41   a , and an IR illumination headlamp  41   b.    
         [0043]    With reference to  FIG. 1J , the end cap houses programmable electronics  61 ,  62  as further detailed herein; and additionally these electronics  61 ,  62  are covered by a polyurethane protection layer  65  to maintain functionality in adverse conditions including extreme temperature, water depth and even where excessive acceleration or g-forces are applied. 
         [0044]    The wireless control is made available by unique electronic addressing of individual flashlights  11  as further described herein. Since electronics  61 ,  62  provided to the flashlight are programmable in a preferred embodiment, a single remote controller  12  can be used to control multiple devices useful to a team leader in tactical situations, for example. 
         [0045]    In a preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2A  and in  FIG. 2B , the remote control capabilities are realized as first  20  and second  20   b  ( FIG. 1A ) remote control buttons. The first remote control button  20  herein has the following components about a vertical axis  29 : a base portion  21  having a circular hollow interior; a circular ridge  21   a  inside and about the circular hollow interior; a first printed circuit board  22  having programmable electronics configured on a side thereto, wherein the programmable electronic are faced down with respect to the circular ridge  21 . Further, the first printed circuit board  22  is supported by the circular ridge around an edge  22   a  thereof. Also, an annular ring  23  is configured so that the edge  22   a  lies between the circular ridge  21   a  and the annular ring  23 . A circular battery  24  is additionally configured to fit inside the annular ring  23 . A cap portion  25  is provided to engage threads  21   a  of the base portion  21 , the cap portion  25  further has a button  27  coupled to a second printed circuited board (not shown), the second printed circuit board being coupled to the circular battery  24  via a spring contact  26 . Further as shown herein, first  20  and second remote  20   b  control button are physically separated and also each  20 ,  20   b  comprises a clamp  21   c  configured to be coupled to a rail of a firearm. 
         [0046]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a second remote control  30  embodiment showing relative scale.  FIG. 3B ,  FIG. 3C  and  FIG. 3D  illustrate additional views of the second remote control embodiment  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the remote control  30  is encased in shrink-wrap plastic  39  to provide a waterproof seal. With regard to  FIG. 3D , this embodiment  30  is additionally characterized as having a microprocessor  33  having programmable flash memory and further having a transceiver  33  for transmitting control signals, the transceiver  33  employing a phase-shift keying system for individual electronic addressing of a multitude of flashlights also providing resistance to electronic interference and jamming. The remote control device has two buttons  31 ,  32  providing functionality as explained herein in addition to a signal amplifier  34  providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. 
         [0047]    Another feature disclosed herein is an encrypted rescuer beacon incorporated to flashlight electronics  61 ,  62 . In a variety of preferred embodiments, the rescuer beacon could be remotely activated by emergency personnel, or alternatively user activated or even programmable to activate as triggered by a given event. Other features contemplated are a strobe capability and remote brightness control. The remote control device  20 ,  20   b ,  30  and the beacon  61 ,  62  will employ a phase shift keying system in transmission (code length 64 bytes) for encoding of signals and also providing unique electronic addressing of a few million flashlights  11 . 
         [0048]    Further, the embodiments described herein are more energy efficient than previous designs. Advancements in short range RF transmission allow for less power consumption. Additionally, a programmable  61 ,  62  design can provide a smart power management system wherein if a battery  51  has more voltage than required, than the device can reduce terminal voltage and vice versa. Also, the remote wireless device employs a wide-impulse modulation method in its transmission to provide more energy efficiency. 
         [0049]    The flashlight  11  and associated electronics  22 ,  33 ,  61 ,  62  described herein are also resistant to RF interference and jamming. First, the phase shift keying employed by the transmission will prevent typical reduction in signal to noise ratios cased by most interference. Secondly, the electronics  33  are programmed to acknowledge transmissions also reducing the chance of successful jamming. 
         [0050]    According to another preferred embodiment, the flashlight  11  is specifically designed for environments where rescue operations may be needed such as that having a high risk of snow avalanche, mountain climbing, under water or subterranean activities, for example. Specifically, this embodiment provides an inertial navigator aided by a three axis electron gyroscope incorporated to the electronics  61 ,  62 . Further it provides a high powered radio and light beacon with programmable electronics  61 ,  62  to turn off or on the flashlight and/or beacon in response to loss of motion. In law enforcement applications, the flashlight can record the last hour of movement in the event that a crime scene recreation is needed. 
         [0051]    Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
         [0052]    While the particular Smart Tactical Flashlight and System Thereof as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
         [0053]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.