US20230228532A1

US20230228532A1 - Firearm accessory with path light

Info

Publication number: US20230228532A1
Application number: US18/053,019
Authority: US
Inventors: Tim Meissen; William A. Planck; Shane Ball; William Logan Garland; Michael Cottrell; James Tayon
Original assignee: Crimson Trace Corp
Current assignee: Crimson Trace Corp
Priority date: 2021-11-08
Filing date: 2022-11-07
Publication date: 2023-07-20

Abstract

A firearm accessory with a primary light oriented in a first direction to assist a user in aiming the firearm and a path light oriented in a second direction to assist the user in seeing a travel path. A motion sensor may actuate the path light. The path light may be positioned below the primary light. The accessory includes a mount for mounting the accessory on a firearm. A housing of the accessory may include lug receivers spaced longitudinally, and a lug received by one of the lug receivers and adapted to engage the groove on a firearm rail for preventing longitudinal movement of the mounted accessory. Actuators for turning the primary light on and off may be positioned adjacent sides of a trigger guard of the firearm when the housing is mounted to the firearm. Mounting features and battery compartment features are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/263,740, filed on Nov. 8, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/266,204, filed on Dec. 30, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to firearm accessories and more particularly to firearm accessory lights, mounts, and battery arrangements.

BACKGROUND

Firearm accessories use various types of mounting systems for mounting the accessories on firearms. For example, some rifles include a handguard or other structure having one or more accessory rails thereon, and some handguns include a rail under the barrel extending forward of the trigger guard. Firearm accessories have different types of mounts configured to interface with such rails to mount the accessories on the rails. In order to prevent forward movement of the firearm accessory when mounted, a protrusion on the accessory may extend upward into a recess on the firearm rail. The protrusion is often in a fixed position on the accessory so that the accessory may only be mounted longitudinally on the rail in a single position. If the protrusion is adjustable, removal of the accessory from the firearm may be necessary to adjust the protrusion to a new position.
Electronic firearm accessories such as lights and lasers usually include some type of switch to enable the user to turn the accessory on or off or to otherwise change an operation (e.g., mode) of the accessory. Firearm accessories with lights or lasers typically include a light or laser intended to assist the user in aiming the firearm. Such light or laser is oriented when mounted on the firearm so that it emits light in a direction aligned with the barrel of the firearm. Many electronic firearm accessories include a removable battery to power the light or laser. With many electronic firearm accessories, the light must be unscrewed from the accessory in order to remove and replace the battery. Many other types of electronic firearm accessories require the user to dismount the accessory from the firearm in order to remove and replace the battery.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a firearm accessory includes a housing having a mount configured to mount on an accessory rail of a firearm. The firearm accessory includes a first light source and a second light source each supported by the housing. The first light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a first direction to assist a user in aiming the firearm. The second light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a second direction to assist the user in seeing a travel path of the user. The second direction is positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction. The firearm accessory includes a motion sensor configured to sense when the housing is moving, and a controller electrically coupled to the motion sensor and the second light source. The controller is configured to activate the second light source when the motion sensor senses that the housing is moving.
In one aspect, a firearm accessory includes a housing having a mount configured to mount on an accessory rail of a firearm. The firearm accessory includes a first light source and a second light source each supported by the housing. The first light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a first direction to assist a user in aiming the firearm. The second light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a second direction to assist the user in seeing a travel path of the user. The second direction is positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction. The firearm includes an accessory rail having opposite sides extending along a length of the accessory rail and a recess between the opposite sides. The mount includes a first rail engagement arm and a second rail engagement arm. The first and second rail engagement arms are spaced from each other to define a gap for receiving the accessory rail therein. The first and second rail engagement arms are shaped and arranged to engage the opposite sides of the accessory rail when the accessory rail is received in the gap for mounting the housing on the firearm. The housing defines at least one lug receiver positioned adjacent the first and second rail engagement arms. At least one lug is received by the at least one lug receiver. The at least one lug is sized and shaped to interface with the recess of the accessory rail to prevent forward movement of the housing along the length of the accessory rail.
In one aspect, a firearm accessory includes a housing having a mount configured to mount on an accessory rail of a firearm. The firearm accessory includes a first light source and a second light source each supported by the housing. The first light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a first direction to assist a user in aiming the firearm. The second light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a second direction to assist the user in seeing a travel path of the user. The second direction is positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction. The housing includes a top, a bottom, and opposing sides extending between the top and bottom with a width of the housing extending between the opposing sides. The first light source is positioned between the top and bottom of the housing and between the opposing sides. The second light source is positioned below the first light source.
In yet another aspect, an illuminator is configured for mounting on a pistol. The pistol includes an accessory rail positioned forward of a trigger guard. The illuminator includes a housing with a pistol mount configured to mount on the accessory rail of the pistol. The illuminator includes a first light source supported by the housing and a second light source supported by the housing. The first light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a first direction to assist a user in aiming the firearm. The second light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a second direction to assist the user in seeing a travel path of the user. The second direction is positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction. First and second actuators are positioned adjacent left and right sides, respectively, of the trigger guard when the housing is mounted on the accessory rail of the pistol. Each of the first and second actuators is configured to be actuated by a finger of a user gripping the pistol for activating or deactivating the first light source.
In another aspect, a firearm accessory includes a housing with a mount configured to mount on an accessory rail of a firearm. The accessory rail has opposite sides extending along a length of the accessory rail and a recess between the opposite sides. The mount includes a first rail engagement arm and a second rail engagement arm. The first and second rail engagement arms are spaced from each other to define a gap for receiving the accessory rail therein. The first and second rail engagement arms are shaped and arranged to engage the opposite sides of the accessory rail when the accessory rail is received in the gap for mounting the housing on the firearm. The housing defines at least one lug receiver positioned adjacent the first and second rail engagement arms. At least one lug is received by the at least one lug receiver. The at least one lug is sized and shaped to interface with the recess of the accessory rail to prevent forward movement of the housing along the length of the accessory rail. The housing may define a plurality of lug receivers that are spaced apart longitudinally along an accessory axis of the housing along which the length of the accessory rail extends when the housing is mounted on the firearm. Each of the plurality of lug receivers are configured to receive the at least one lug.
In yet another aspect, a firearm accessory includes a housing with a mount configured to mount on an accessory rail of a firearm. The housing has an accessory axis along which the length of the accessory rail extends when the housing is mounted on the firearm. The mount is positioned at a top of the housing. The housing defines a battery compartment configured to receive a battery. The battery compartment is accessible through a battery opening in the bottom of the housing. A battery door is pivotably coupled to the housing adjacent the battery compartment. The battery door is movable between a closed position, in which it covers the battery opening and releasably engages a portion of the housing, and an open position, in which the battery compartment is accessible through the battery opening. First and second battery contacts are positioned at opposite ends of the battery compartment and spaced apart longitudinally along the accessory axis. The battery door is pivotable with respect to the housing along a pivot axis that is transverse to the accessory axis. The housing and battery door may be configured so that the battery door can be opened when the housing is mounted on the firearm. The battery contacts may be arranged so they are not mounted on the battery door. The battery may be longitudinally mounted along the accessory axis such that the battery door covers a side of the battery when closed. The pivot axis of the battery door may be positioned at a bottom of the housing adjacent a front of the housing. A seal may be positioned between the battery door and a bottom surface of the housing to seal the battery compartment when the door is closed. The battery door may include a retainer with a latch that engages a keeper on the housing when the door is closed. The battery door may be configured so that it can be opened and closed without the use of a tool and/or without removing or altering other aspects of the firearm accessory.
Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective of a first embodiment of a firearm accessory of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective of the firearm accessory of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the firearm accessory;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the firearm accessory;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation of the firearm accessory;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the firearm accessory;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective of the firearm accessory showing a battery door in an open position;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the firearm accessory showing the battery door in the open position and a battery in a battery compartment;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view similar to FIG. 8 with the battery removed;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the battery door;

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective of the firearm accessory;

FIG. 12 is a section of the firearm accessory taken in a plane including line 12-12 of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 13 is a section of the firearm accessory taken in a plane including line 13-13 of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 14 is a section of the firearm accessory taken in a plane including line 14-14 of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 15 is a section of the firearm accessory taken in a plane including line 15-15 of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 16 is a partially exploded rear perspective of the firearm accessory;

FIG. 17 is a section of the firearm accessory taken in a plane including line 17-17 of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 18 is a partially exploded rear perspective of an inner body of a housing of the firearm accessory;

FIG. 19 is a partially exploded front perspective of the inner body shown in FIG.

18;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective of a portion of the inner body shown in FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective of a firearm having an accessory mounting rail;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation of a firearm having the firearm accessory mounted on an accessory mounting rail;

FIG. 22A is a partial sectional taken in a plane extending longitudinally through a midpoint of the firearm and firearm accessory shown in FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the firearm accessory showing plugs inserted in lug receivers of the housing;

FIG. 24 is a top view similar to FIG. 23 showing two of the plugs removed;

FIG. 25 is a schematic of a control system of the firearm accessory;

FIG. 26 is a graph showing an exemplary lumen control discharge curve over time for the firearm accessory;

FIG. 27 is a front perspective of a firearm accessory of a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the firearm accessory of FIG. 27 showing a battery door in an open position; and

FIG. 29 is a front perspective of a firearm accessory of a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a firearm accessory of the present disclosure is generally indicated by the reference number 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the firearm accessory 10 is an electronic firearm accessory in the form of a light or illuminator for illuminating an area in front of the firearm (e.g., to assist in acquiring a target and/or aiming the firearm at the target) and for illuminating an area beneath the firearm (e.g., to assist a user holding the firearm to see the environment or a travel path in front of them). It will be understood that the firearm accessory can be a different accessory such as a laser, or a light plus laser combination, or a non-electronic accessory without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, certain aspects of the present disclosure may be used with types of firearm accessories other than lights. For example, the configuration of the mount, lugs, and lug receivers of the firearm accessory 10 described below may be used with other types of firearm accessories. The configuration of the battery receptacle and battery door, as described in more detail below, may also be used with other types of firearm accessories that are battery powered.
The light 10 is configured for mounting on a firearm by connecting to a rail of the firearm. Accessory mounting rails are commonly provided on long guns such as rifles and shotguns, as well as on handguns such as pistols and revolvers. The illustrated light 10 is intended for mounting on an accessory rail of a handgun or pistol in front of a trigger guard of the handgun. Although the light 10 is discussed herein as being intended for a handgun or pistol, it will be appreciated that the light can be mountable on an accessory rail of a different type of firearm without departing from the scope of the present invention. An example handgun F including an accessory mounting rail R is shown in FIG. 21 . The accessory rail R extends forward of a trigger guard TG along a rail axis RA that is generally parallel to a barrel axis BA of the handgun. A length of the accessory rail R extends along the rail axis RA. The illustrated accessory rail R is shown as an integral part of the handgun F, but in other embodiments the accessory rail can be separate from and mounted on the handgun. Opposite left and right sides of the rail R define ridges R′ extending along the rail axis RA that are configured for retainably mounting the light 10 on the rail. A recess G (e.g., slot or groove) in the bottom of the rail R extends transverse to the rail axis RA between the opposite sides of the rail R and is used to locate and prevent movement of the accessory along the rail. The position of the recess G along the length of the rail R is not standard across all brands of handguns. In other words, a distance D1 from the recess R to the trigger guard TG is different on various handguns. Some accessory rails may have multiple recesses spaced along the length of the rail at different distances from the trigger guard (e.g., the accessory rail shown in FIG. 22A). It is desirable to mount the light 10 on the handgun F close to the trigger guard TG, so that switches of the light may be conveniently actuated by a user's hand holding the handgun. Further, different types of accessory rails may have recesses G of different widths (i.e., the distance across the recess G in a direction aligned with the rail axis RA). For example, accessory rails known as Picatinny rails may have a recess G with a width that is larger than accessory rails known as Weaver rails or accessory rails on GLOCK branded firearms. As will become apparent, the light 10 is designed to be used with a wide range of handguns having rails of different constructions (e.g., different rail recess locations and widths) and is configurable to enable adjustable mounting on the handgun rail R to customize the location of the light with respect to the trigger guard TG.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the light 10 generally includes a housing 12, switch assemblies 14 a-b (broadly, “actuators”) at a rear of the housing 12, and a battery door 16 pivotably mounted to a bottom of the housing 12. The housing 12 has a front 12 a, a rear 12 b (FIG. 2 ), a top 12 c, a bottom 12 d, and opposing sides 12 e-f extending between the top 12 c and the bottom 12 d and from the rear 12 b to the front 12 a. A width of the housing 12 extends between the opposing sides 12 e-f, and a length extends between the front and rear 12 a-b. The width of the housing 12 is less than the length, providing the housing 12 with an elongate shape. Other shapes and constructions can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The housing 12 has an accessory axis AA (FIGS. 4, 5, and 22 ) along which the length of the accessory rail R extends when the light 10 is mounted on the handgun F. When the light 10 is mounted on the rail R, the accessory axis AA of the housing 12 is generally parallel with the barrel axis BA and rail axis RA of the firearm, as shown in FIG. 22 .
The housing 12 supports a primary light 18 (broadly, “first light source”) and a secondary or path light 20 (FIG. 6 ) (broadly, “second light source”). The primary light 18 emits light outward from a front of the housing 12 to assist a user in aiming a firearm to which the light 10 is mounted, and the path light 20 emits light downward and forward from the housing 12 to assist a user in seeing a travel path of the user. The housing 12 includes a mount 22 configured to mount and support the housing 12 on the accessory rail R of the handgun F, as described in more detail below.
Referring to FIG. 1 , light from the primary light 18 is emitted from the housing 12 through a front opening 24 defined by a front surface 26 of the housing 12. Light from the path light 20 is emitted from the housing 12 through a bottom opening 28 (FIGS. 3 and 6 ) defined by a bottom surface 30 of the housing 12. The primary light 18 is oriented with respect to the housing 12 to emit light away from the front 12 a of the housing 12 in a first direction 32 that is aligned with the accessory axis AA (FIG. 5 ). The first direction 32 is generally perpendicular to the front surface 26 of the housing 12. The first direction 32 is aligned with the accessory axis AA of the light 10, as shown in FIG. 22 , which is positioned below and parallel to the barrel axis BA of the firearm F. Thus, the light emitted from the primary light 18 in the first direction 32 illuminates objects or targets in front of the barrel of the firearm F to assist a user in aiming the firearm F.
The path light 20 (FIG. 6 ) is oriented with respect to the housing 12 to emit light away from the bottom 12 d of the housing 12 in a second direction 34, which is shown best in FIG. 5 . The second direction 34 is generally perpendicular to the bottom surface 30 of the housing 12. The second direction 34 is positioned at an angle X with respect to the first direction 32. The angle X may be any non-zero angle. As shown in FIG. 5 , the angle X is an acute angle between 0 and 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle X may be any angle between 45 to 90 degrees, between 60 to 90 degrees, between 65 to 75 degrees, or approximately 70 degrees. The bottom surface 30 of the housing 12 extends away from the front surface 26 at an angle that is the difference of 180 minus X. As shown in FIG. 5 , this angle is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In at least some embodiments, the angle may be 90 degrees such that the second direction 34 is generally perpendicular to the first direction 32. The housing 12 and position of the path light 20 within the housing 12 may be configured so that the angle X is any suitable value. As shown in FIG. 5 , the light emitted from the path light 20 in the second direction 34 extends downward from the housing 12 and slightly forward from the housing 12. Thus, the light emitted from the path light 20 in the second direction illuminates the ground beneath and in front of the light 10 to assist a user in seeing a travel path in front of the user and navigating any obstacles that may be in the user's travel path.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the primary light 18 includes four LEDs 18 a-d arranged in a rectangular or square pattern generally in the center of the front opening 24. While in the illustrated embodiment, the primary light 18 consists of four LEDs 18 a-d, the primary light 18 may consist of any number of LEDs. Further, the primary light 18 may consist of light sources other than LEDs without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the primary light may be a laser. The LEDs 18 a-d are arranged so that the combined light emitted from the LEDs is primarily directed in the first direction 32 described above and shown in FIG. 1 . The primary light 18 is positioned between the top 12 c and the bottom 12 d of the housing 12, and may be positioned at approximately a midpoint between the top 12 c and bottom 12 d. The primary light 18 is further positioned between the opposing sides 12 e-f of the housing 12, and may be positioned at approximately a midpoint between the opposing sides 12 e-f. The LEDs 18 a-d are mounted on a printed circuit board (“PCB”) 36 that is spaced behind the front surface 26 of the housing and behind a front lens 38, which protects the LEDs 18 a-d from damage. The front opening 24 of the housing 12 through which light emitted from the primary light 18 may pass extends substantially across the entire width and height of the front 12 a of the housing such that the front surface 26 of the housing 12 has a substantially small surface area, as best seen in FIG. 1 .
The path light 20 (FIG. 6 ) is positioned above a recess 40 of the bottom surface 30. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12 , the recess 40 and path light 20 are positioned below the primary light 18. Specifically, the recess 40 and path light 20 are positioned below the primary light 18 to the extent that when viewing the housing 12 from the front, as shown in FIG. 3 , the recess 40 and path light 20 are vertically aligned with the primary light 18 across the width of the housing 12 when the top 12 c is generally horizontal and positioned above the bottom 12 d. The path light 20 is positioned longitudinally forward of the primary light 18, as shown in FIG. 12 . The path light 20 is generally positioned at a midpoint of the housing 12 across the width of the housing 12, as shown in FIG. 6 . The configuration of the recess 40 and the housing 12 adjacent the path light 20 may cause light emitted from the path light 20 to be reflected so that the light as emitted from the bottom opening 28 of the housing is primarily directed in the second direction 34 (FIG. 5 ). While in the illustrated embodiment, the path light 20 is a single LED, the path light 20 may consist of any number of LEDs. Further, the path light 20 may consist of light sources other than LEDs without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the path light may be a laser. The path light 20 is mounted on a PCB 42 (FIG. 6 ) that is spaced behind the bottom surface 30 and behind a bottom lens 44, which protects the path light 20 from damage.
The switches 14 a-b, shown in FIG. 2 , are used to turn the primary light 18 on and off. As shown in FIG. 22 , the switch 14 b is configured to be selectively positioned adjacent the trigger guard TG (e.g., outboard a right side of the trigger guard) when the light 10 is mounted on the accessory rail R. The other switch 14 a (not shown in FIG. 22 ) is configured to be positioned adjacent the opposite side of the trigger guard TG as switch 14 b. One of the switches 14 a-b may be conveniently actuated by the trigger finger of the user without significantly adjusting the user's hand on the grip of the handgun F. For example, if the user grips the handgun F with his or her right hand, the switch 14 b may be actuated to turn the primary light 18 on or off, and if the user grips the handgun F with his or her left hand, the switch 14 a may be actuated. As explained in further detail below, the switches 14 a-b can be actuated by pressing them inward to turn the primary light 18 on and off. A minus button 46 on side 12 e of the housing (FIG. 1 ) may be pressed to decrease the brightness of the primary light 18, and a plus button 48 on side 12 f of the housing (FIG. 2 ) may be pressed to increase the brightness of the primary light 18, as described in more detail below. Other functions of the switches 14 a-b and buttons 46 and 48 are described in more detail below.
Referring now to FIGS. 7-10 , a battery compartment 50 and battery door 16 of the light 10 are described in more detail. The battery compartment 50 is defined by the housing 12 and is configured to receive and retain a battery 52 that powers the primary light 18 and path light 20, in addition to a control system of the light 10 as described in more detail below. The battery 52 may be any type of suitable battery, including a lithium-ion rechargeable battery (e.g., a Li-Ion 16340 battery) or lithium polymer battery. The battery compartment 50 may further be configured to receive one or more batteries or a battery pack (broadly, “power source”). The battery compartment 50 is accessible through a battery opening 54 in the bottom of the housing 12. The battery door 16 is pivotably joined to the housing 12 at a forward end of the battery door 16 via a pin 55 that is received by aligned openings of the housing 12 and battery door 16. The battery door 16 is movable between the closed position (shown in FIGS. 1-6 ), in which it covers the battery opening 54, and an open position (shown in FIGS. 7-9 ), in which the battery compartment 50 is accessible through the battery opening 54. The battery door 16 includes a retainer 56 at its rearward end that is operable to releasably engage a portion of the housing 12 to retain the battery door 16 in its closed position. As shown in FIG. 10 , the retainer 56 has an inverted U-shape with one leg 56 a extending upward from the rear end of the battery door 16 and a free leg 56 b that is resiliently deformable toward the leg 56 a. As best shown in FIG. 12 , a latch 58 on the free leg 56 b engages a keeper 60 on the housing 12 when the battery door 16 is in its closed position. The retainer 56 includes a ledge 56 c extending outward from the free leg 56 b to provide structure that a user may push to move the free leg 56 b toward the leg 56 a and release the latch 58 from the keeper 60 to move the battery door 16 to its open position. As the battery door 16 is moved from its open position to its closed position, a ramped surface of the latch 58 engages the housing 12 below the keeper 60 deflecting the free leg 56 b toward the leg 56 a. When the latch 58 is above the keeper 60, the free leg 56 b snaps back into its original position and the latch 58 engages the keeper 60 to maintain the battery door 16 in its closed position. Other types of releasable retention structures may be used to retain the battery door 16 in its closed position and be releasable to allow a user to open the battery door 16. In particular, the battery door 16 may be releasable without the use of a tool. Further, the battery door 16 may be opened and closed, and the battery 52 removed from the battery compartment 50, without removing or altering any other components of the light 10 (e.g., without removing a light body or head of the light). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the battery door 16 is rotatable at least approximately 90 degrees from its closed position to its open position to allow a user full access to the battery compartment 50 to remove and replace battery 52.
As shown in FIG. 5 , the pin 55 about which the battery door 16 pivots is transverse to the accessory axis AA of the light 10. The pin 55 is also positioned adjacent the bottom 12 d of the housing 12 and near the front 12 a of the housing 12. The position of the pin 55 and configuration of the battery door 16 allows the door to open and close without dismounting the light 10 from the firearm F or otherwise altering the manner in which the light 10 is mounted to the firearm F. When the battery door 16 moves to its open position, shown in FIG. 7 , it rotates away from the components of the firearm F to which the light 10 is mounted (e.g., it rotates away from the trigger guard TG shown in FIG. 22 ). This allows the battery 52 to be changed in a relatively quick manner without the need to dismount, remount, and realign the light 10 on the firearm F.
Referring to FIG. 10 , the battery door 16 includes a lower wall 16 a and two side walls 16 b-c extending upward from the lower wall 16 a. The configuration of the lower wall 16 a and side walls 16 b-c allows the battery door 16 to lie flush with the sides 12 e-f of the housing and the switches 14 a-b, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , when the battery door 16 is in its closed position, the retainer 56 is largely hidden by the housing 12 with only a portion of the ledge 56 c accessible to open the battery door 16. The ledge 56 c is positioned between the switches 14 a-b in a location where it does not impede operation of the firearm F and light 10. Referring to FIG. 10 , a seal 62 is received by a recess in an upper surface of the battery door 16. When the battery door 16 is closed, the seal 62 sealingly engages a lower surface 64 (FIG. 8 ) of the housing 12 surrounding the battery compartment 50 to substantially prevent water and contaminants from entering the battery compartment 50 through the battery opening 54. As shown in FIG. 10 , the side walls 16 b-c of the battery door 16 extend above the seal 62. As shown in FIG. 12 , the retainer 56 includes a mounting strip 56 d extending longitudinally above the lower wall 16 a. A mounting plate 65 positioned above the mounting strip 56 d mounts to the lower wall 16 a to sandwich the mounting strip 56 d between the mounting plate 65 and lower wall 16 a.
FIG. 11 shows the housing 12 including an inner body 66 and an outer body 68. The outer body 68 includes an opening 70 at its rear through which the inner body 66 may be inserted into a cavity of the outer body 68. The inner body 66 is mounted to the outer body 68 with fasteners 72 a-b that are received by openings 74 a-b, respectively, in an upper surface 76 of the outer body 68 and threaded openings 78 a-b, respectively, in an upper surface 80 of the inner body 66. The fasteners 72 a-b are countersunk so that the fasteners 72 a-b do not extend above the upper surface 76. The battery door 16 is joined to the bottom 12 d of the outer body 68, as described in more detail above.
The inner body 66 includes a rectangular shaped recess 82 formed in its upper surface 80. The recess 82 is sized to receive a lug support plate 84 in a manner that an upper surface of the lug support plate 84 is flush with the upper surface 76 of the outer body 68, as shown in FIG. 1 , when the inner body 66 is mounted to the outer body 68. The plate 84 is received by an opening 85 (FIG. 4 ) in the upper surface 76 of the outer body 68. The plate 84 is joined to the inner body 66 with fasteners 86 a-b (FIG. 12 ) that are received by threaded openings in posts 88 a-b extending upward from the lower surface of the recess 82. The fasteners 86 a-b are countersunk so that they do not extend above the upper surface of the plate 84. Another post 90 extending upward from the recess 82 is received by a recess 92 (FIG. 12 ) formed in a lower surface of the plate 84. The post 90 is offset from a midpoint of the recess 82 along the accessory axis AA in such a manner that the plate 84 is only insertable in the recess 82 in a single orientation. The plate 84 may be mounted to the inner body 66 after the inner body 66 is inserted into and mounted to the outer body 68.
The plate 84 has four rows of threaded openings or lug receivers, one of which is identified as 94 in FIG. 11 . The rows are spaced apart longitudinally across the accessory axis AA, and there are two lug receivers 94 in each row. The surface at the bottom of the recess 82 includes openings, one of which is identified as 96, that are aligned with the lug receivers 94. FIG. 11 shows eight threaded set screws or lugs, one of which is identified as 98, that are configured to be received by the openings 96 and threadingly engage the lug receivers 94 in the plate 84. For example, FIG. 13 shows four of the lugs 98 received by the openings 96 and threadingly engaged with the lug receivers 94. The lugs 98 may be advanced upward above the upper surface of the plate 84 to be received by the recess G in the bottom of the firearm rail R (FIG. 21 ) and prevent longitudinal movement of the light 10 along the rail axis RA during operation of the firearm F.
FIG. 11 shows six of the lugs 98 having the same diameter, which is constant along the length of the lug. Two of the lugs 98 a-b have a threaded section 100, which has a diameter the same as the rest of the lugs, and an unthreaded section 102 extending upward from the threaded section 100. The unthreaded section 102 has a smaller diameter than the threaded section 100. The threaded section 100 engages the lug receiver 94 in the plate 84, while the unthreaded section 102 extends above the plate 84 to be received in the recess G of a firearm F. The lugs 98 a-b may be used side-by-side in two of the lug receivers 94 with a firearm F having a recess G with a lesser width than the diameter of the larger lugs 98. For example, GLOCK branded firearms may have a rail R with a recess G that has a lesser width than the recess in the rail of other types of firearms. The unthreaded section 102 of the lugs 98 a-b may have a diameter adapted to fit within this lesser width recess G. The forward most row of lug receivers 94 (i.e., lug receivers 94 a-b) may further be spaced from the switches 14 a-b a distance that positions the switches 14 a-b adjacent the trigger guard TG of a GLOCK branded firearm when the lugs 98 a-b engage the lug receivers 94 a-b. The lugs 98 a-b may further be used in any of the rows of lug receivers 94 depending on the width and location of a recess G that is desired to be engaged by the lugs 98 a-b. The remainder of the lugs 98, which have a constant diameter, may be suited for use with a firearm F having a rail R that is a Picatinny rail or MIL-STD-1913 rail. Thus, the diameter of these lugs 98 may be suited for being received by the recess G of a Picatinny rail. Any number of the lugs 98 may be used when mounting the light 10 on a rail R. However, in typical installations, only two of lugs 98 or 98 a-b are used and the lugs 98 are placed side-by-side within one of the rows of lug receivers 94. For example, two of the lugs 98 are advanced upward above the upper surface of the plate 84 in a single row of lug receivers 94 that, when aligned with the recess G of a firearm rail R, positions the switches 14 a-b a desired distance from the trigger guard TG of the firearm F (e.g., a distance at which they may be conveniently actuated by a user as shown in FIG. 22 ).
FIG. 14 shows two of the lugs 98 in cross-section view with a portion of the lugs 98 positioned above the plate 84, and FIG. 15 shows the lugs 98 a-b in cross-section view with the unthreaded section 102 positioned above the plate 84 and the threaded section 100 engaging the threaded opening of the lug receivers 94.
The lug receivers 94 that are not in use receive plugs, one of which is identified as 104 in FIG. 23 . The plugs 104 sealingly engage any of the lug receivers 94 that are not in use in order to prevent water and other contaminants from entering the inside of the inner body 66. FIG. 23 shows the plate 84 with six plugs 104 received by three rows of the lug receivers 94 and two lugs 98 engaging the lug receivers 94 in one of the rows. FIG. 24 shows the configuration of the plugs 104 in more detail. The plugs 104 have a cylindrical lower portion 104 a and a head 104 b extending upward from the lower portion 104 a and having a larger diameter than the lower portion 104 a. Referring to FIG. 12 , a gasket 106 with substantially the same shape as the plate 84 is positioned between the plate 84 and the inner body 66 to further seal the inside of the inner body 66 against water and other contaminants.
Referring to FIG. 9 , the lug receivers 94 are accessible through the battery opening 54 when the battery door 16 is in the open position and the battery 52 is removed. FIG. 9 shows a lug 98 engaging each of the lug receivers 94. FIG. 13 shows the lugs 98 having an internal socket 108 that is operable to receive a tool for rotating the lugs 98 and advancing them upward or downward in the lug receivers 94. The internal recess 98 is shown as having a hexagonal cross-section, which is suited for receiving a hex key wrench.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 14 , the mount 22 includes first and second rail engagement arms 110 a-b at a top 12 c of the housing 12 extending upward from the upper surface 76. The first and second rail engagement arms 110 a-b are spaced from each other to define a gap for receiving the rail R therein. The first and second rail engagement arms 110 a-b are shaped and arranged to engage respective ridges R′ on the opposite sides of the rail R when the rail is received in the gap for retaining the light 10 on the rail. More specifically, the arms 110 a-b have inward facing rail engagement surfaces 112 a-b shaped to conformally engage the ridges R′ on the opposite sides of the rails R. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail engagement surfaces 112 a-b are concave. The first and second rail engagement arms 110 a-b are formed as one piece with the outer body 68 of the housing 12 and extend upward from the housing. The lug receivers 94 are positioned adjacent and between the first and second rail engagement arms 110 a-b. To mount the light 10 on a handgun F (FIG. 21 ), the rail engagement arms 110 a-b are positioned in front of the rail R, the rail R is inserted in the gap between the rail engagement arms 110 a-b, and the light 10 is slid on the rail R toward the trigger guard TG. The battery door 16 is opened, and lugs 98 are threaded upward through adjacent lug receivers 94 that are aligned with the recess G of the rail R. The lugs 98 are advanced upward until they are received by the recess G and prevent longitudinal movement of the light 10 on the rail R. The fit of the rail engagement surfaces 112 a-b against the ridges R′ of the rail R locates the light 10 vertically on the handgun F, and the lugs 98 locate the light longitudinally on the handgun F. The lugs 98 are configured to engage the recess G of the rail R to limit movement of the light 10 along the length of the rail. For example, when the handgun F is fired, recoil of the handgun may tend to move the rail R rearward with respect to the light 10. The lugs 98 assist in preventing the light from migrating forward on the rail R in response to recoil of the handgun F. FIG. 22A shows a lug 98 positioned within the recess G of an accessory rail R for preventing movement of the light 10 longitudinally on the rail R.
An electrical system of the light 10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 16-18 . The electrical system includes circuitry placing the primary light 18 and path light 20 in electrical communication with the battery 52. The circuitry includes a first electrical contact 114 (FIG. 17 ) located at one end of the battery compartment 50 for contacting a positive terminal of the battery 52, and a second electrical contact 116 located at an opposite end of the battery compartment for contacting a negative terminal of the battery, thus placing the battery in electrical communication with the circuitry. The circuitry includes a circuit board structure 118 mounted to a rear wall 66 a (FIG. 18 ) of the inner body 66 placing switch assemblies 14 a-b in electronic communication with the circuitry. The circuitry can complete the circuit between the circuit board structure 118 and the primary light 18 and path light 20 in any suitable way, such as an electrical lead (not shown) extending forward along the battery compartment 50 from the circuit board structure 118 to the primary light 18 and path light 20.
As shown in FIG. 18 , the circuit board structure 118 includes a first longitudinal circuit board 118 a and a second transverse circuit board 118 b in electrical communication with each other. The longitudinal circuit board 118 a may be joined to the transverse circuit board 118 b by tongue and groove connection as well as by brackets. The longitudinal circuit board 118 a extends generally parallel with the accessory axis AA, and the transverse circuit board 118 b extends generally perpendicular to the accessory axis. The transverse circuit board 118 b is sized and shaped to have a press fit in a recess 120 in the rear wall 66 a of the inner body 66. The electrical contact 116 is in contact with the circuit board 118 b through an opening 122 in the rear wall 66 a. The longitudinal circuit board 118 a is centrally located between the sides of the inner body 66 and extends along the accessory axis AA. Two electronic switches 124 a-b are provided on opposite sides of the longitudinal circuit board 118 a and are in electrical communication with the longitudinal circuit board and thus the circuitry. The electronic switches 124 a-b face laterally with respect to the accessory axis AA. The electronic switches 124 a-b include pressure surfaces, one of which is shown as 124 a′, responsive to pressing thereon for actuation of the electronic switches. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 , a gasket 126 is sized and shaped to conformally fit around the circuit board structure 118 to isolate the circuitry from ingress of water. The gasket 126 sealingly engages between the rear wall 66 a and a tail cap 128 (FIG. 16 ) that is attached to the inner body 66 with fasteners, one of which is identified as 130. The tail cap 128 includes a main body 128 a that fits around the circuit board structure 118 and rear end of the inner body 66, and two tabs 128 b (only one being shown) extending forward from either side of the main body 128 a. An opening 132 in the tab 128 b aligns with a threaded opening 134 in the side of the inner body 66. The fastener 130 is received by the opening 132 and engages the threaded opening 134 to secure the tail cap 128 to the inner body 66. The tail cap 128 is further the portion of the housing 12 that includes the keeper 60 (FIG. 7 ) that engages the latch 58 of the battery door 16.
The tail cap 128 supports the switches 14 a-b configured to actuate the respective electronic switches 124 a-b. The switches 14 a-b are engageable by a user and movable with respect to the respective electronic switches 124 a-b for actuating the electronic switches. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the switches 14 a-b include paddles 136 a-b (broadly, “push members”) having proximal ends pivotally connected to the tail cap 128 by rods 138 a-b. The rods 138 a-b extend through aligned openings in the tabs 128 b of the tail cap 128 and in the paddles 136 a-b. The paddles 136 a-b include push surfaces 136 a-b′ engageable by a hand or finger of the user (e.g., trigger finger). In the illustrated embodiment, the push surfaces 136 a-b′ have a protruding ribbed pattern to provide the user with tactile indication that their finger is on the push surface. The paddles 136 a-b have inner surfaces 136 a-b″ opposite the push surfaces 136 a-b′ facing inward toward the accessory axis AA. The paddles 136 a-b are pivotable inward about the rods 138 a-b toward the accessory axis AA responsive to pushing force on the push surfaces 136 a-b′.
Each switch 14 a-b includes a compression spring 140 a-b and a pin 142 a-b (broadly “finger”). As shown in FIG. 17 , the pins 142 a-b extend through the springs 140 a-b, and the pin and spring assemblies are received in recesses 144 a-b in opposite sides of the tail cap 128. O-ring seals 146 a-b are positioned in the recesses 144 a-b to seal the openings in the tail cap 128 through which the pins 142 a-b extend. The pins 142 a-b are elongate and have lengths along their longitudinal axes greater than their widths transverse to the longitudinal axes. The longitudinal axis of each pin 142 a-b is generally perpendicular to the push surface 136 a-b′ of the corresponding paddle 136 a-b and intersects the pressure surface 124 a′ of the respective electronic switch 124 a-b. The inner surfaces 136 a-b″ of the paddles 136 a-b each include a recess 148 (one of which is identified in FIG. 16 ) (broadly, “pin engagement portion”) positioned to receive an end of the respective pins 142 a-b and springs 140 a-b. The springs 140 a-b have inner ends that engage the tail cap 128 and outer ends that engage the inner surfaces 136 a-b″ of the paddles 136 a-b to bias the paddles 136 a-b and pins 142 a-b away from the electronic switches 124 a-b. The arrangement is such that the pins 142 a-b act as fingers extending inward from the inner surfaces 136 a-b″ of the paddles 136 a-b. When a paddle 136 a-b is pivoted inward its respective pin 142 a-b moves linearly as the respective spring 140 a-b is compressed, and the respective pin 142 a-b presses the respective electronic switch 124 a-b, thus actuating the electronic switch. Accordingly, the paddle push surface 136 a-b′ is pushable in the same direction in which the tip of the pin 142 a-b moves (in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pin) to actuate the electronic switch 124 a-b. When the user releases the paddle 136 a-b, the spring 140 a-b pushes the pin 142 a-b and paddle 136 a-b outward to their non-actuated positions. Actuation of the switches 14 a-b can turn the primary light 18 on or off, or otherwise change operation of the light as described in more detail below.
Switch assemblies having other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although the pins 142 a-b are illustrated as being separate from the paddles 136 a-b, the pins could be formed as one piece with the paddles. Moreover, other types of actuators and fingers having other configurations can be used. In some embodiments, the fingers can be omitted.
Referring to FIG. 17 , the minus button 46 on the side of the housing 12, includes a cover 150 mounted within an opening of the outer body 68 of the housing 12. A plate 152 is positioned behind the cover 150. A seal 154 behind the plate 152 sealingly engages an opening in the inner body 66 of the housing 12. Behind the seal 154 is a PCB 156 with a pressure switch that is configured to be actuated when a user presses on the cover 150. The PCB 156 is in electrical communication with the circuit board structure 118 and primary light 18. The plus button 48 includes a similar configuration as the minus button 46, and thus is not described in detail herein.
FIGS. 19 and 20 show the primary light 18 and its PCB 36 mounted within an opening 158 in a front wall of the inner body 66. The path light 20 and its PCB 42 are also mounted within the opening 158. A ring 160 protruding outward from the front wall defines the opening 158. The PCB 36 is oriented transverse to the accessory axis AA extending across the width of the inner body 66, and the PCB 42 is oriented transverse to the PCB 36. The PCB 42 also extends across the width of the inner body 66 and extends along the accessory axis AA. The PCB 42 extends forward from the PCB 36, and a rear edge of the PCB 42 may be connected to a lower edge of the PCB 36. The PCBs 36 and 42 are in electrical communication with the circuit board structure 118.
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 , a gasket 162 is positioned adjacent the front wall of the inner body 66 surrounding the ring 160. The gasket 162 seals between the inner body 66 and a bezel 164. The bezel 164 may be press fit to the inner body 66 around the ring 160 or joined to the inner body 66 in any other suitable manner. A reflector 166 is positioned within the ring 160 and bezel 164. The reflector 166 has a distal opening 166 a that is approximately the same size as the primary light 18 and a proximal opening 166 b. The primary light 18 extends through the distal opening 166 a. The reflector 166 has an interior reflective surface 166 c that is configured to reflect light from the primary light 18 in the first direction 32 (FIG. 1 ). The front lens 38 has a distal extension 38 a that fits within an opening 164 a of the bezel 164. The front lens 38 may be joined to the bezel 164 with a snap fit or any other suitable manner to cover the opening 164 a of the bezel 164 and opening 158 of the inner body 66. The front lens 38 is transparent to allow light emitted from the primary light 18 to illuminate objects in front of the light 10. As shown in FIG. 12 , the bottom lens 44 fits within an opening 164 b in the bezel 164 that is positioned below the path light 20. The bottom lens 44 may be joined to the bezel 164 with a snap fit or any other suitable manner. The bottom lens 44 is transparent to allow light emitted from the path light 20 to illuminate objects below the light 10. The bottom lens 44 is positioned above an opening 168 in the bottom of the outer body 68. The shape of the bottom lens 44 and configuration of the bezel 164 and outer body 68 direct light emitted from the path light 20 in the second direction 34 (FIG. 1 ).
Referring to FIG. 25 , a control system of the light 10 is described in more detail. The control system includes a controller 200 that is electrically connected to a timer 202, a user interface 204, a storage medium 206, an accelerometer 208, the primary light 18 and path light 20, and the battery 52. The controller 200, timer 202, storage medium 206, and accelerometer 208 may be mounted on any of the PCBs 36, 42, 118, 156 described above. The controller 200 may be a microcontroller with the timer 202 and storage medium 206 incorporated into the microcontroller. The user interface 204 includes the electronic switches 124 a-b that control actuation of the primary light 18, as described above, and the minus button 46 and plus button 48 that control the brightness of the primary light 18. The storage medium 206 may be any type of storage medium configured to store instructions that are read and executed by the controller 200 for operating the light 10. The storage medium 206 may include non-volatile memory that retains mode settings of the light 10 upon a loss of power or removal of the battery 52. The accelerometer 208 may sense when the light 10 is moving to cause the controller 200 to turn on the path light 20, as described in more detail below. While an accelerometer 208 is shown, any type of motion sensor may be used to cause the path light 20 to turn on when the motion sensor senses that the housing 12 is moving. The battery 52 is electrically coupled to the controller 200 for powering the controller 200 and lights 18, 20. The circuitry may incorporate reverse polarity battery protection. As described in more detail below, the controller 200 is configured to activate the path light 20 for an illumination time period (e.g., 15 seconds) when the accelerometer 208 senses that the housing 12 is moving. If the accelerometer 208 senses continued movement while the path light 20 is on, the illumination time period is reset. In this manner, the path light 20 once on, does not turn off unless no motion is sensed during the entire illumination time period. At the end of the illumination time period, when no continued motion is sensed during the time period, the controller 200 causes the path light 20 to turn off. The controller 200 may use the timer 202 to count the illumination time period. The controller 200 may also utilize the timer 202 to turn off the primary light 18 when it has been on for a predetermined amount of time.
The controller 200 may be programmed or otherwise read and execute instructions on the storage medium 206 to operate the light 10 in accordance with the following description.
When the primary light 18 is off, a short tap of either switch 14 a or 14 b (e.g., a press and release within one second), turns on the primary light 18. The light 10 is either set at its factory default mode or its last saved mode (if available). The mode may include the brightness setting and also whether the light is on continuously or in strobe mode, as described below. The primary light 18 remains constantly on when the switch 14 a-b is released.
When the primary light 18 is off, a long hold of either switch 14 a or 14 b (e.g., a press and release after one second) turns the primary light 18 on for as long as the switch 14 a or 14 b is pressed. When the switch 14 a-b is released, the primary light 18 turns off. The light 10 is either set at its factory default mode or its last saved mode (if available). The current mode of the light 10 will be saved when it is switched off. After 45 seconds of a long hold, the controller 200 will turn the primary light 18 off.
When the primary light 18 is off, pressing the minus button 46 or the plus button 48 individually or together for less than three seconds does not change operation of the light 10. Pressing both buttons 46, 48 for three seconds or more may change the functionality mode of the accelerometer 208 for the path light 20.
When the primary light 18 is on, a short tap of either switch 14 a or 14 b (e.g., a press and release within one second), turns off the primary light 18 when the switch 14 a-b is released. The primary light 18 remains on while the switch is pressed. The current mode of the light 10 will be saved when it is turned off.
When the primary light 18 is on, a long hold of either switch 14 a or 14 b (e.g., a press and release after one second) turns the primary light 18 off when the switch is released. The primary light 18 remains on while the switch is pressed. The current mode of the light 10 will be saved when it is turned off.
When the primary light 18 is on, a short tap (e.g., a press and release within one second) of the plus button 48 changes the brightness setting of the primary light 18 up to the next discrete interval brightness setting as set forth in Table A below (i.e., the settings 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5). If the brightness setting is already at 5, the mode will remain unchanged. For example, if the current brightness setting is at mode 3.6 (340 lumens), a short tap of the plus button 48 will change the setting to mode 4.0 (500 lumens). If the current brightness setting is at mode 1.0 (5 lumens), a short tap of the plus button 48 will change the setting to mode 2.0 (100 lumens).
When the primary light 18 is on, a short tap (e.g., a press and release within one second) of the minus button 46 changes the brightness setting of the primary light 18 down to the next discrete interval brightness setting as set forth in Table A below. If the setting is already at mode 1, it will remain unchanged. For example, if the current brightness setting is at mode 3.6 (340 lumens), a short tap of the minus button 46 will change the setting to mode 3.0 (250 lumens). If the current brightness setting is at mode 2.0 (100 lumens), a short tap of the minus button 46 will change the setting to mode 1.0 (5 lumens).
When the primary light 18 is on, a long hold of the plus button 48 (e.g., a press and release after one second) causes the brightness setting to incrementally rise through the settings set forth in Table A below as long as the plus button 48 is pressed. For example, if the current setting is mode 1.0, the brightness will progress from 1.0 to 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc. for as long as the button is pressed. When the button is released, the primary light 18 will remain on the lumen setting that is set at the time the button is released. If setting 5.0 is reached, the primary light 18 will blink three times, indicating to the operator that the light will not increase lumen settings any further. At that point, the light will remain at brightness setting 5.0.
When the primary light 18 is on, a long hold of the minus button 46 (e.g., a press and release after one second) causes the brightness setting to incrementally descend through the settings set forth in Table A below as long as the minus button 46 is pressed. For example, if the current setting is mode 5.0, the brightness will progress from 5.0 to 4.9, 4.8, 4.7, etc. for as long as the button is pressed. When the button is released, the primary light 18 will remain on the lumen setting that is set at the time the button is released. If setting 1.0 is reached, the primary light 18 will blink three times, indicating to the operator that the light will not decrease lumen settings any further. At that point, the light will remain at brightness setting 1.0.
When the primary light 18 is on, pressing both of the minus and plus buttons 46, 48 for any time duration greater than 1 second results in a change in the mode of the strobe setting. The status of this mode will be recorded in tandem with the brightness setting to be returned to upon the next activation. For example, if the primary light 18 is set to be on continuously, pressing both buttons may activate a strobe setting in which the light flashes at predetermined intervals.
If the primary light 18 has continued to operate at any single mode for five minutes without any new command input, the light will start to blink (e.g., 0.5 seconds off then 0.5 seconds on) for three times in a three second time period. After blinking, the primary light 18 shall timeout and auto power off. A short tap of either switch 14 a-b during the three second blinking mode will cancel and reset the timeout, and the primary light 18 will continue to operate at its current mode for another five minute countdown.
If the path light accelerometer 208 is in the on state (i.e., it senses acceleration), the path light 20 will activate instantly upon the acceleration being sensed. Once the path light is activated, it will continue to run for fifteen seconds. After fifteen seconds the path light will turn off. Any acceleration detected during the fifteen second countdown window will automatically reset the countdown timer. There is no limit on the number of cycles the countdown timer can be reset.
If the path light accelerometer 208 is in the off state (i.e., no acceleration is sensed), the path light 20 will remain off until the accelerometer state is changed.
The path light 20 remains off and turns on whenever movement is detected. The accelerometer may turn on when acceleration between 0-16G is sensed. The accelerometer may be a high efficiency power consumption model. The path light 20 may optionally be configured to turn on manually.
As set forth in Table A below, there are five discrete brightness settings as follows: setting 1.0 at 5 lumens, setting 2.0 at 100 lumens, setting 3.0 at 250 lumens, setting 4.0 at 500 lumens, and setting 5.0 at 1000 lumens. There are nine “infinite” brightness settings between each of the discrete brightness settings, which may be reached by holding either the plus or minus button down for more than one second as described above.

TABLE A

		SUBSECTION
SETTING	LUMENS	STEP SIZE

1.0	5	9.5
1.1	14.5
1.2	24
1.3	33.5
1.4	43
1.5	52.5
1.6	62
1.7	71.5
1.8	81
1.9	90.5
2.0	100	15
2.1	115
2.2	130
2.3	145
2.4	160
2.5	175
2.6	190
2.7	205
2.8	220
2.9	235
3.0	250	15
3.1	265
3.2	280
3.3	295
3.4	310
3.5	325
3.6	340
3.7	355
3.8	370
3.9	385
4.0	500	50
4.1	550
4.2	600
4.3	650
4.4	700
4.5	750
4.6	800
4.7	850
4.8	900
4.9	950
5.0	1000	N/A

FIG. 26 shows a lumen discharge curve for the primary light 18 over time. The primary light 18 may have a lumen control discharge curve in order to improve battery runtime performance and help keep the light 10 at a safe and comfortable temperature. If the user controlled lumen setting is less than the maximum lumen capability shown in FIG. 26 , the brightness of the primary light 18 will not be reduced until and unless time elapses to a point where the brightness setting of the light is above the maximum lumen capability at that time, as shown in FIG. 26 . After the primary light 18 is turned on, for the first 40 seconds the brightness setting may be at 100% of the maximum capability (i.e., 1000 lumens). From 41 seconds to 120 seconds, the brightness setting decreases from 100% to 50% of the maximum capability (i.e., from 1000 lumens to 500 lumens). From 120 seconds to 360 seconds, the brightness setting decreases from 50% to 20% of the maximum capability (i.e., from 500 lumens to 200 lumens). After 360 seconds, the brightness setting remains at 20% of the maximum capability (i.e., 200 lumens).
In at least some embodiments of the light 10, the primary light 18 and path light 20 may have a minimum runtime of one hour when constantly on, in accordance with ANSI FL 1-2009 Flashlight Basic Performance Standard. The minimum output of the primary light 18 may be 1000 lumens in accordance with ANSI FL 1-2009. The temperature range of the primary light 18 and path light 20 may be between 5500-6500K. Alternatively, the path light 20 may be red in color (e.g., between 1000-1500K) or a different color from the primary light 18. The viewing angle of the primary light 18 may be full width at half maximum (FWHM) with a six degree spot. The light emitted from the primary light 18 does not have to have a circular pattern. The density and intensity could be similar to that of a similarly specified circular pattern. The path light 20 may be five lumens.
FIGS. 27 and 28 show an alternative embodiment of firearm accessory 300 in accordance with the present disclosure. The firearm accessory 300 is substantially similar to the firearm accessory 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-26 . Accordingly, only the differences between the firearm accessories are described in detail herein. The firearm accessory 300 has a lug 302 and a lug receiver 304 that differs from the firearm accessory 10. The lug receiver 304 is a recess formed in an upper surface 306 of a housing 308 of the firearm accessory 300. The lug receiver 304 has a length extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing 308 that is greater than its width. The width of the lug 302 is sized so that the lug 302 snugly fits within the lug receiver 304. The lug 302 is movable lengthwise within the lug receiver 304 to different positions. A plurality of threaded openings, one of which is identified as 310, extend through a surface 312 at the bottom of the lug receiver 304. As shown in FIG. 28 , the threaded openings 310 are accessible through a battery compartment 314 when a battery door 316 is in its open position. A screw 318 is threaded into engagement with a threaded opening 310 below a desired position of the lug 302. The lug 302 is positioned above the threaded opening 310. As the screw 318 is rotated upward through the threaded opening 310, the screw engages the lug 302 pushing it upward. The lug 302 is retracted by rotating the screw 318 in the opposite direction. The lug 302 is sized and configured for being received by the recess G in a firearm rail R (FIG. 21 ). The light 300 is mounted on a firearm rail in a similar manner as the light 10. The lug 302 is positioned in a desired location within the lug receiver 304, and the light 300 slides on the firearm rail R. When the lug 302 is below the recess G in the rail R, the screw 318 is rotated to move it upward and the lug 302 moves upward into the recess G. Plugs, like the plug 104 shown in FIG. 24 , may be inserted into the threaded openings 310 that are not in use to seal the inside of the housing 308 from water infiltration and contaminants. The firearm accessory 300 may include lugs 302 of different sizes depending on the size of a recess G into which the lug must extend in order to secure the firearm accessory 300 on a rail R.
FIG. 29 shows another alternative embodiment of firearm accessory 400 that is similar to firearm accessory 300 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 except that instead of a single lug receiver 304, there are a plurality of lug receivers 402 formed in the upper surface 404 of the housing 406. Each of the lug receivers 402 is substantially the same size as a lug 408. The lug 408 is sized and configured to be received by each of the lug receivers 402. Threaded openings (not shown) are formed in the housing at the base of each of the lug receivers 402. The threaded openings are accessible from a battery compartment of the housing in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 28 with respect to firearm accessory 300. A set screw (not shown) may engage any of the threaded openings and be rotated to advance the lug 408 upward into engagement with the recess G of a firearm F or retract the lug 408 from the recess G. Plugs, one of which is identified as 410, are positioned in the lug receivers 402 that are not in use.
It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A firearm accessory comprising:

a housing comprising a mount configured to mount on an accessory rail of a firearm;

a first light source supported by the housing, wherein the first light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a first direction to assist a user in aiming the firearm;

a second light source supported by the housing, wherein the second light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a second direction to assist the user in seeing a travel path of the user, the second direction positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction;

a motion sensor configured to sense when the housing is moving; and

a controller electrically coupled to the motion sensor and the second light source, the controller configured to activate the second light source when the motion sensor senses that the housing is moving.

2. The firearm accessory of claim 1, wherein the first direction extends outward from a front of the housing, and wherein the second direction extends outward from a bottom of the housing.

3. The firearm accessory of claim 1, wherein the first direction is parallel to a rail axis of the accessory rail when the mount is mounted on the accessory rail, wherein a length of the accessory rail extends along the rail axis.

4. The firearm accessory of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a front opening through which light from the first light source is emitted, and wherein the housing defines a bottom opening through which light from the second light source is emitted.

5. The firearm accessory of claim 4, wherein one or more lenses cover the front opening and the bottom opening.

6. The firearm accessory of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a front surface and a bottom surface extending from the front surface at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, wherein the first direction is generally perpendicular to the front surface, and wherein the second direction is generally perpendicular to the bottom surface.

7. The firearm accessory of claim 1, wherein the first light source includes at least one LED, and wherein the second light source includes at least one LED.

8. The firearm accessory of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to activate the second light source for an illumination time period when the motion sensor senses that the housing is moving, and wherein the controller is configured to deactivate the second light source at the end of the illumination time period.

9. The firearm accessory of claim 8, wherein the illumination time period is reset when the motion sensor detects motion while the second light source is activated.

10. The firearm accessory of claim 1, wherein the motion sensor is an accelerometer.

11. The firearm accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory rail of the firearm has opposite sides extending along a length of the accessory rail and a recess between the opposite sides, wherein the mount includes a first rail engagement arm and a second rail engagement arm, the first and second rail engagement arms being spaced from each other to define a gap for receiving the accessory rail therein, the first and second rail engagement arms being shaped and arranged to engage the opposite sides of the accessory rail when the accessory rail is received in the gap for mounting the housing on the firearm, wherein the housing defines at least one lug receiver positioned adjacent the first and second rail engagement arms, and further comprising at least one lug received by the at least one lug receiver, the at least one lug sized and shaped to interface with the recess of the accessory rail to prevent forward movement of the housing along the length of the accessory rail.

12. The firearm accessory of claim 11, wherein the housing has an accessory axis along which the length of the accessory rail extends when the housing is mounted on the firearm, wherein the housing defines a plurality of lug receivers that are spaced apart longitudinally along the accessory axis, each of the plurality of lug receivers configured to receive the at least one lug.

13. The firearm accessory of claim 1, wherein the mount is positioned at a top of the housing, wherein the housing defines a battery compartment configured to receive a battery, the battery compartment accessible through a battery opening in the bottom of the housing, and further comprising a battery door pivotably coupled to the housing adjacent the battery compartment, the battery door movable between a closed position, in which the battery door covers the battery opening and releasably engages a portion of the housing, and an open position, in which the battery compartment is accessible through the battery opening.

14. The firearm accessory of claim 13, wherein the housing has an accessory axis along which the length of the accessory rail extends when the housing is mounted on the firearm, the firearm accessory further comprising first and second battery contacts positioned at opposite ends of the battery compartment and spaced apart longitudinally along the accessory axis, and wherein the battery door is pivotable with respect to the housing along a pivot axis that is transverse to the accessory axis.

15. The firearm accessory of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a top, a bottom, and opposing sides extending between the top and bottom, wherein a width of the housing extends between the opposing sides, and wherein the second light source is positioned below the first light source.

16. The firearm accessory of claim 1, wherein the firearm is a pistol including a trigger guard positioned behind the accessory rail, and further comprising first and second actuators coupled to the housing and positioned adjacent left and right sides, respectively, of the trigger guard when the housing is mounted on the accessory rail of the pistol, each of the first and second actuators configured to be actuated by a finger of a user gripping the pistol for activating or deactivating the first light source.

17. A firearm accessory for mounting on a firearm, the firearm including an accessory rail having opposite sides extending along a length of the accessory rail and having a recess between the opposite sides, the firearm accessory comprising:

a housing comprising a mount including a first rail engagement arm and a second rail engagement arm, the first and second rail engagement arms being spaced from each other to define a gap for receiving the accessory rail therein, the first and second rail engagement arms being shaped and arranged to engage the opposite sides of the accessory rail when the accessory rail is received in the gap for mounting the housing on the firearm, wherein the housing defines at least one lug receiver positioned adjacent the first and second rail engagement arms;

at least one lug received by the at least one lug receiver, the at least one lug sized and shaped to interface with the recess of the accessory rail to prevent forward movement of the housing along the length of the accessory rail;

a first light source supported by the housing, wherein the first light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a first direction to assist a user in aiming the firearm; and

a second light source supported by the housing, wherein the second light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a second direction to assist the user in seeing a travel path of the user, the second direction positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction.

18. The firearm accessory of claim 17, wherein the first direction extends outward from a front of the housing, and wherein the second direction extends outward from a bottom of the housing.

19. The firearm accessory of claim 17, wherein the first direction is parallel to a rail axis of the accessory rail when the mount is mounted on the accessory rail, wherein the length of the accessory rail extends along the rail axis.

20. The firearm accessory of claim 17, wherein the housing defines a front opening through which light from the first light source is emitted, and wherein the housing defines a bottom opening through which light from the second light source is emitted.

21. The firearm accessory of claim 20, wherein one or more lenses cover the front opening and the bottom opening.

22. The firearm accessory of claim 17, wherein the housing comprises a front surface and a bottom surface extending from the front surface at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, wherein the first direction is generally perpendicular to the front surface, and wherein the second direction is generally perpendicular to the bottom surface.

23. The firearm accessory of claim 17, wherein the first light source includes at least one LED, and wherein the second light source includes at least one LED.

24. The firearm accessory of claim 17, wherein the housing has an accessory axis along which the length of the accessory rail extends when the housing is mounted on the firearm, wherein the housing defines a plurality of lug receivers that are spaced apart longitudinally along the accessory axis, each of the plurality of lug receivers configured to receive the at least one lug.

25. The firearm accessory of claim 17, wherein the mount is positioned at a top of the housing, wherein the housing defines a battery compartment configured to receive a battery, the battery compartment accessible through a battery opening in the bottom of the housing, and further comprising a battery door pivotably coupled to the housing adjacent the battery compartment, the battery door movable between a closed position, in which the battery door covers the battery opening and releasably engages a portion of the housing, and an open position, in which the battery compartment is accessible through the battery opening.

26. The firearm accessory of claim 25, wherein the housing has an accessory axis along which the length of the accessory rail extends when the housing is mounted on the firearm, the firearm accessory further comprising first and second battery contacts positioned at opposite ends of the battery compartment and spaced apart longitudinally along the accessory axis, and wherein the battery door is pivotable with respect to the housing along a pivot axis that is transverse to the accessory axis.

27. The firearm accessory of claim 17, wherein the housing comprises a top, a bottom, and opposing sides extending between the top and bottom, wherein a width of the housing extends between the opposing sides, and wherein the second light source is positioned below the first light source.

28. The firearm accessory of claim 17, wherein the firearm is a pistol including a trigger guard positioned behind the accessory rail, and further comprising first and second actuators coupled to the housing and positioned adjacent left and right sides, respectively, of the trigger guard when the housing is mounted on the accessory rail of the pistol, each of the first and second actuators configured to be actuated by a finger of a user gripping the pistol for activating or deactivating the first light source.

29. A firearm accessory comprising:

a housing comprising a top, a bottom, opposing sides extending between the top and bottom, and a mount at the top configured to mount on an accessory rail of a firearm, wherein a width of the housing extends between the opposing sides;

a first light source supported by the housing, wherein the first light source is positioned between the top and the bottom of the housing, wherein the first light source is positioned between the opposing sides of the housing, and wherein the first light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a first direction to assist a user in aiming the firearm; and

a second light source supported by the housing, wherein the second light source is positioned below the first light source, wherein the second light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a second direction to assist the user in seeing a travel path of the user, the second direction positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction.

30. The firearm accessory of claim 29, wherein the first direction extends outward from a front of the housing, and wherein the second direction extends outward from the bottom of the housing.

31. The firearm accessory of claim 29, wherein the first direction is parallel to a rail axis of the accessory rail when the mount is mounted on the accessory rail, wherein a length of the accessory rail extends along the rail axis.

32. The firearm accessory of claim 29, wherein the housing defines a front opening through which light from the first light source is emitted, and wherein the housing defines a bottom opening through which light from the second light source is emitted.

33. The firearm accessory of claim 32, wherein one or more lenses cover the front opening and the bottom opening.

34. The firearm accessory of claim 29, wherein the housing comprises a front surface and a bottom surface extending from the front surface at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, wherein the first direction is generally perpendicular to the front surface, and wherein the second direction is generally perpendicular to the bottom surface.

35. The firearm accessory of claim 29, wherein the first light source includes at least one LED, and wherein the second light source includes at least one LED.

36. The firearm accessory of claim 29, wherein the firearm is a pistol including a trigger guard positioned behind the accessory rail, and further comprising first and second actuators coupled to the housing and positioned adjacent left and right sides, respectively, of the trigger guard when the housing is mounted on the accessory rail of the pistol, each of the first and second actuators configured to be actuated by a finger of a user gripping the pistol for activating or deactivating the first light source.

37. The firearm accessory of claim 29, wherein the second light source is vertically aligned with the first light source across the width of the housing when the top is generally horizontal and positioned above the bottom.

38. An illuminator configured for mounting on a pistol, the pistol including an accessory rail positioned forward of a trigger guard, the illuminator comprising:

a housing comprising a pistol mount configured to mount on the accessory rail of the pistol;

a second light source supported by the housing, wherein the second light source is oriented with respect to the housing to emit light away from the housing in a second direction to assist the user in seeing a travel path of the user, the second direction positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the first direction; and

first and second actuators coupled to the housing and positioned adjacent left and right sides, respectively, of the trigger guard when the housing is mounted on the accessory rail of the pistol, each of the first and second actuators configured to be actuated by a finger of a user gripping the pistol for activating or deactivating the first light source.

39. The firearm accessory of claim 38, wherein the first direction extends outward from a front of the housing, and wherein the second direction extends outward from a bottom of the housing.

40. The firearm accessory of claim 38, wherein the first direction is parallel to a rail axis of the accessory rail when the mount is mounted on the accessory rail, wherein a length of the accessory rail extends along the rail axis.

41. The firearm accessory of claim 38, wherein the housing defines a front opening through which light from the first light source is emitted, and wherein the housing defines a bottom opening through which light from the second light source is emitted.

42. The firearm accessory of claim 41, wherein one or more lenses cover the front opening and the bottom opening.

43. The firearm accessory of claim 38, wherein the housing comprises a front surface and a bottom surface extending from the front surface at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, wherein the first direction is generally perpendicular to the front surface, and wherein the second direction is generally perpendicular to the bottom surface.

44. The firearm accessory of claim 38, wherein the first light source includes at least one LED, and wherein the second light source includes at least one LED.