Tactical illuminator

[0001] This application claims the benefit of one or more prior-filed, applications: it claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/068899 filed Mar. 11, 2008 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 12/381,386, filed on Mar. 11, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,117,782.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to illuminators. Further, the present invention relates to weapon-mounted illuminators.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Generally while using a weapon, such as a rifle, for tactical purposes, it is desirable to illuminate an area for visibility reasons. Additionally, it is desirable to have an aiming device on the rifle to assist with targeting. Tactical use implies providing a temporary advantage to the user of the weapon. And tactical by itself, in this context, generally refers to law enforcement, military, and other situations where the weapon is used against other persons when such use is warranted. Additionally civilian use in self-defense situations may be assisted by various illuminating and aiming devices attached to a weapon.

[0006] There are several different cases where one would need some sort of illumination during tactical use of a weapon. These are aiming, main illumination, and supplemental illumination.

[0007] Aiming is usually provided by an aiming device attached to the weapon that includes a laser. The laser can zero to the barrel to allow one to hit a target that is illuminated by the laser light.

[0008] Main illumination is usually provided by a main illuminator attached to the weapon that is a very bright light. This is desirable to illuminate a target for identification. Additionally it is bright enough to cause a certain reaction among most people such as a flinching, squinting, recoiling, and/or turning away from the bright light. These reactions occur most noticeably when a person's eyes have adjusted to the darkness and then the light is shined in their eyes. This can stun a person to the point where a tactical user of the weapon may not need to use deadly force.

[0009] Supplemental illumination is usually provided by a supplemental illuminator attached to the weapon that includes navigation lights. When a user is getting into a tactical situation, e.g. a law enforcement SWAT team about to raid a methamphetamine lab or an apartment complex, a bright light may give away the users position and may reflect off other objects and blind the user or their team members. However the user may need a small amount of light to provide a pathway or to identify that the user has found the proper door number. The light color of a supplemental illuminator is chosen to be a color that will not ruin the users night vision. Typically red is chosen as it won't undilate the users eyes.

[0010] Other purposes of supplemental lights include better illuminating an area for a user of night vision goggles and similar devices which amplify ambient and infrared light. In this case the supplemental light is a infrared light source bulb which produces light in the the 750 nm wavelength to about 950 nm. Infrared naturally occurs in the visible spectrum, and thus military personnel usually have an infrared emitter to increase lighting with night vision.

[0011] While the above three uses of light are needed by tactical users of a weapon, the user must remove one illuminator for another, which is a tedious task. Thus there is currently a need for a unit which is compact, mountable to a gun, and integrates all three illumination mechanisms in one unit.

[0019] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “right,” “left,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0020] The present invention preferably provides a tactical illuminator having no vertical foregrip. A tactical illuminator of the present invention includes an integrated illuminator system including a horizontally-oriented body forming a foregrip, a power source, a multi-position rotary switch, a toggle switch, a depressible switch, an attachment mechanism, navigation lights, an aiming laser, and a main illuminator, wherein the horizontally-oriented body further includes an ergonimically shaped grip region constructed and configured to fit within the palm of a human hand. Advantageously, this body functions equally well for right- or left-handed users without requiring any adaptation or reorientation of the system with respect to weapon on which it is mountable.

[0021] Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations are for the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto. FIGS. 1-6 show various views of the tactical illuminator according to an embodiment of the present intention. FIG. 7 shows a view of a tactical illuminator mounted to a rifle and for use, to illustrate the mounting location and positioning of the tactical illuminator illustrated in the FIGS. 1-6 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, tactical illuminator of the present invention includes an integrated illuminator system, generally referenced 10, including a horizontally-oriented body forming a foregrip 12, a power source (battery) 13, a toggle switch 14, a rotary switch 19, a single attachment mechanism 15, and lighting systems 16, 17, and 18; including navigation lights, an aiming laser, and a main illuminator, wherein the horizontally-oriented body further includes an ergonomically shaped grip region 20 constructed and configured to fit within the palm of a human hand. Advantageously, the integrated illuminator system includes all components in a compact region that are unitarily mountable to a weapon with a single mounting mechanism to ensure accurate alignment of the lighting systems with the weapon firing line. Also, advantageously, there are preferably a multiplicity of lighting systems, each having different functionality, that are integrated and aligned in the tactical illuminator of the present invention, including preferably navigation lights, an aiming laser, and a main illuminator. Furthermore, the controls for each of these lighting systems are also integrated with the horizontally-oriented body of the present invention and connectable or attachable to a weapon via a single connector mechanism. These controls are all strategically positioned proximal to the ergonomic and horizontally-oriented grip to allow maximum control of the device and weapon, while selectively activating the controls with the fingers. The grip is comfortable, while allowing control over the hand unit. In preferred embodiments, the grip further includes a textured surface; a spaced-apart ribbing pattern (21 of FIG. 1) is illustrated in the figures. Also, preferably, the shape of the body grip is not symmetrical. The cross-section of the grip region may be oval or substantially concentric circles having different but gradually increasing or decreasing diameter, wherein the largest diameter is positioned where the center region of the palm of a user's hand would most advantageously be placed for holding the device.

[0023] Also, in the present invention, while the installed illuminator system is unitary and integrally connected, having only one connector to be mounted to the weapon, the grip body may be removable to allow for replacement of the grip or to change sizes of the grip (such as small, medium, large or for male- or female-sized grip).

[0024] As best seen in FIG. 7, a tactical illuminator is attached to a rifle and is activated; the box on the diagram demarcates the general area where the tactical illuminator is mountable and preferably positioned in that region on the weapon. Notably, FIG. 7 shows a conventional vertically-oriented handle, whereas the preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for horizontally-oriented hand grip or foregrip that has a longitudinal body with a thickness and shape that is constructed, shaped and configured to fit within the palm of a human hand. The white dashed box demarcates generally where the tactical illuminator according to the present invention is located.

[0025] The illuminator unit is preferably waterproof and contains a 200+ lumen CREE LED main illuminator, a 10 mW green CQB laser/target designator, and dual LED navigation lights. Alternatively, the main illuminator is a 225+ lumen CREE Q-Bin LED, or any functional substitute that provides a bright light source. Generally, the main illuminator is a bright light source. According to this embodiment, the main illuminator is situated at the top of the illuminator, closest to the gun bore, the navigation lights are juxtaposed about the vertical centerline of the tactical illuminator and below the main illuminator, and the laser is located beneath the navigation lights. Alternatively, the position of the main illuminator and the laser may be reversed such that the laser is nearest the gun bore. This may be preferable because then the device would require less compensation for the difference in position between the targeting laser and the bore; less compensation in the angle of the laser is required the closer it sits to the gun bore.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the tactical illuminator is made from a polymer housing that provides durability as well as reduces the total weight of the unit. The body that also forms the horizontally-oriented foregrip provides a method of better controlling the weapon and is ergonomic, and is not dependent upon the user's hand preference, since either right or left hand functions equally well on the longitudinally (side-to-side) symmetrical configuration of the body that also forms the foregrip area. Preferably when attempting to a control a large weapon such as a rifle, using a foregrip may be a superior and ergonomic way to direct the weapon left, right, up, and down, rather than merely using a weapon's vertically oriented handle.

[0027] Preferably, the tactical illuminator of the present invention includes a switch, more preferably, a rotary selector switch movable between a plurality of distinct selection positions. Generally, the more options for the user, including switch positions, the better. The rotary switch controls the main illuminator and the laser. The different states that can be controlled by the rotary switch are: main light on, laser on, both main light and laser on, and lockout. The lockout state prevents inadvertent activation of any mode being selected. The function of the lockout is to selectively prevent the accidental activation of any lighting element. Power to the laser and the main illuminator is ultimately controlled by a depressible switch that is integrated preferably into the illuminator body and/or foregrip where a user's hand rests; this is the area between the users index finger and thumb. The depressible button is preferably positioned at the back of the tactical illuminator, near the top of the device, directly below the white “S” logo surrounded by a white circle in the photograph. Alternatively, the depressible button may be located elsewhere on the tactical illuminator according to the present invention; however, it is preferably constructed, configured and arranged in an ergonomic position. In use, for one embodiment of the present invention, a first push activates the main power momentarily and will deactivate power upon release; the state of the laser and main illuminator is determined by the rotary switch at this point, but whatever the state, the laser and/or main illuminator will deactivate upon releasing the depressible button. Pressing the depressible button fully to the end of travel, toggles a positive switch thereby activating a “constant-on” mode, that may produce an audible click. At this point, the main power is continuously on and the state of the laser and main illuminator is determined by the rotary switch. To deactivate the laser and/or illuminator, the user would press the depressible button again completely through its travel to disengage the “constant-on” mode.

[0028] The navigation lights are activated by a toggle switch positioned immediately behind the main illuminator and accessible to a finger of a user's hand that is holding the foregrip. Either the users forefinger or thumb will be used to activate the toggle switch, but importantly, it is not dependent on the user's hand preference since there is no vertical foregrip. The control for the navigation lights are separated from the control for the main illuminator and the laser to provide discretion to the end user as to when the navigation lights are activated. Also, the controls are separated such that the user would not accidentally turn on the main illuminator if the user is in a situation where darkness is desired. In that case, the navigation lights can be used to identify ones position and/or use the navigation lights as a signal. For example, the user could flash the navigation lights three times to notify another team member.

[0029] The tactical illuminator has an attachment mechanism for mounting the device on a weapon. In one embodiment, it attaches via a quick disconnect system that uses two cammed levers that act upon a bar that tightens the device against a rail, preferably a M1913 rail. A M1913 rail is a standard mounting interface that is on many military and commercial weapons. However, the present invention includes another mounting mechanism that holds the tactical illuminator to a weapon; it is preferable to have a single attachment point, whether that is a rail system or a single attachment connector. In one embodiment, a rail system is used for the single attachment point, but the connection is secured by two levers. The lighting unit, which includes the main illuminator, the navigation lights, and the laser, can be unscrewed or otherwise removed from the unit for servicing.

[0030] The navigation lights can be any number of colors, but are preferably red. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the navigation lights may be serviceable by an end user. Additionally the laser and the main illuminator are serviceable such that one could replace the laser with another targeting device, such as an infrared-laser for use with night vision devices, and one could replace the main illuminator light bulb with a different type.

[0031] The power source is provided preferably by lithium batteries, such as two CR123 3V lithium batteries. According to this embodiment of the present intention, this provides over two hours of run time; more run time is preferable. This power source is more compact and lighter in weight than other illuminator devices available. The batteries are preferably stored in illuminator and wired to provide power to the lighting elements. Alternatively, the battery compartment may hold more than two batteries where they are wired in parallel to get a similar amount of voltage necessary but have an extra capacity for longer run time. The batteries may be disposable or rechargeable, including lead-acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), and lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer), lithium sulfur, thin film, smart battery, carbon foam based lead battery, potassium ion, batteries and the like. The rechargeable batteries may be charged by inductive coupling or by direct coupling, either out of the device or through the body of the device.

[0032] Another embodiment according to the present invention includes multiple laser aiming devices, such as visible and infrared lasers, incorporated into the tactical illuminator. Also, multiple main illuminators, such as visible and infrared light sources, may be incorporated into the tactical illuminator according to the present invention. Furthermore, a combination of visible and infrared components may be used. In these cases, the rotary switch is used to prevent the simultaneous use of visible components with infrared components.

[0033] The various activation states for the device include: visible white light; visible laser; pulsing visible laser; visible white light and laser (combination); infrared laser; pulsing infrared laser; infrared light; infrared light and infrared laser combination; white light strobe; white light SOS and lockout.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the rotary switch has at least three selections. In another embodiment the rotary switch has at least four selections. In yet another embodiment the rotary switch has at least five selections.

[0035] A rotary switch preferably has between about three and eight selections; more preferably between about four and eight selections; even more preferably between about five and eight selections.

[0036] Thus, the rotary switch is designed and configured to select from three, four, five, six, seven or eight illumination states, or more.

[0037] An example embodiment is a tactical illuminator with an infrared laser aiming device and a visible wavelength light illuminator. The visible light illuminator is not needed when using the infrared laser; therefore, the rotary switch is a three-position switch and is configured to provide the following states: visible light on, infrared laser on, and lockout.

[0038] Another example embodiment that uses both infrared and visible light is a tactical illuminator with an infrared laser, a visible laser and a visible light illuminator. In this case the rotary switch is a four-position switch and is configured to provide the following states: visible illuminator light on, visible laser on, infrared laser on, and lockout.

[0039] Yet another example embodiment is a tactical illuminator with infrared and visible lasers and main illuminators; the rotary switch being a five position switch and the states for this example being: visible illuminator light on, visible laser on, infrared illuminator on, infrared laser on and lockout.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment with a seven-position switch. In this embodiment, the rotary switch positions are, starting from the bottom and moving clockwise: SOS, LS=visible laser, c=combination of visible main illuminator and visible laser, Vis=visible main illuminator, off=lockout, IRLS=infrared laser, and IRNav=infrared navigation lights. The lights are preferably arranged so that the lockout position is between the visible light group of positions and the infrared light group of positions, thus helping to prevent accidentally switching between the lighting types. Combination positions are preferably position between the two lighting positions they combine. In the example embodiment, the combination position that combines visible lighting and visible laser is between these two positions. Emergency positions are preferably at either of the extreme end positions, such that they are easy to find. More preferably, the visible emergency positions are at the extreme end of the visible group.

[0041] Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. The above mentioned examples are provided to serve the purpose of clarifying the aspects of the invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that they do not serve to limit the scope of the invention. All modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.