Automatic weapon light system

Abstract

A weapon light for a firearm, having an aiming point comprising a body having a mounting facility configured to connect to a firearm, an illuminator operable to generate illumination in a direction based on the firearm aiming point, control circuitry connected to the illuminator and operable to selectively turn the illuminator on and off, an angle sensor operable to determine an angular disposition of the body and connected to the control circuitry, and the control circuitry operable to determine whether to illuminate the illuminator based on the determined angular position of the body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 746,258, filed on Jan. 17, 2025, entitled “AUTOMATIC WEAPON LIGHT SYSTEM”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present disclosure relates to firearms, namely weapon-mounted illumination systems.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0003] Weapon lights have become an essential part of any gun owner's tool kit, but many gun owners unfortunately do not have, or do not make time for, regular firearms training. When situations like home invasions arise, the adrenaline will cause most people without extensive training to forget basic things like loading a round into the chamber or activating a weapon light at the appropriate time.

[0004] The above disadvantages are addressed by a weapon light for a firearm, having an aiming point comprising a body having a mounting facility configured to connect to a firearm,

[0005] an illuminator operable to generate illumination in a direction based on the firearm aiming point, control circuitry connected to the illuminator and operable to selectively turn the illuminator on and off, an angle sensor operable to determine an angular disposition of the body and connected to the control circuitry, and the control circuitry operable to determine whether to illuminate the illuminator based on the determined angular position of the body.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 depicts the design blocks for how the automatic weapon light electronics system

[0007] functions.

[0008] FIG. 2 depicts the disassembled prototype model for the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 depicts the assembled prototype model of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 depicts the PCB / microprocessor for the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 depicts a final mockup of the completed prototype AWLS.

[0012] FIG. 6 provides a visual depiction of how the angle-based light activation works.

[0013] FIG. 7 provides a visual depiction of how the rotation-based feature activation works.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A CURRENT EMBODIMENT

[0014] The purpose of the disclosure is to minimize the things that the average gun owner must think about when in a dangerous situation like a home invasion. This technology will allow a gun owner to activate or deactivate their weapon light entirely based on the angle of the weapon itself, eliminating the need for extensive training on light manipulation and when to turn the light on or off.

[0015] If the weapon is pointed down, the light is off, if the weapon barrel is raised within a specified angle range, it will activate the light, illuminating any potential targets. If a consumer knows how to rack their shotgun, then they will have the basic ability to protect their home.

[0016] As a supplement to our system, the design will allow for complete customization of the light, angle activation, color, and other features. This will allow for each user to utilize the light system in the best possible way for their physical build, particular weapon system, and size.

[0017] The disclosure's electronics are designed to awaken upon any movement detected by the vibration activated switch. This is not light activation, which is only activated by the gyroscope. The mechanical switch is what allows electricity to flow to the system so that it is ready to activate when the set angles are detected by the gyroscope. The switch allows for the system to conserve energy, which lengthens the battery life by years. When the AWLS equipped weapon is not physically moved for a set amount of time (five minutes being the default), the switch turns off, blocking electrical flow from the battery to the rest of the system, thus eliminating battery drain. For example, if the weapon is in a safe, or leaned up against the wall, or mounted to a wall in some manner, the system has no electricity flowing. As soon as the switch senses vibration from the act of picking up the weapon, the electricity flows to the printed circuit board, readying the device to activate the light when the selected angle range is met.

[0018] The angle activation feature exists to accommodate users with different arm lengths, heights, preferred weapon positions, and weapons of various lengths. The gyroscope can be calibrated by the user, which allows for a customizable level setting, off which the gyroscope can then determine whether the gun has been raised or lowered into the activation range. Once the device has been calibrated for “level” (most likely with the weapon shouldered in a ready-to-fire position), the angle range can be manipulated to be widened or narrowed based on the preference of the user. For example, if the user lives in a two-story house, it would be advisable to increase the light activation angle range to account for aiming down a flight of stairs, while someone living in a single-story home could set the range much narrower.

[0019] While angle activation is the intended primary method of activating and deactivating the AWLS, rotational activation is also a feature that can be used both for weapon light activation, and other features that are included in the AWLS. For example, a user may want to have disorienting strobe light to utilize on a home intruder or attacked. Once the gun is lifted to the activation angle, a flick of the wrist clockwise or counterclockwise could activate the strobe light to disorient an attacker. Alternatively, a flick of the wrist turning the weapon to the other side could change the light to a lower profile red light or activate a targeting laser.

[0020] There is a wide array of customization elements to be included in the disclosure. The angle and rotational activation range can be calibrated for the user and can even include multiple calibration presets in the case of multiple people in the home using the same firearm. Strobe light and color changing functions can also be included to allow for users to adjust their AWLS per their exact needs for their situation. On some of the AWLS iterations, a laser sight could be included alongside the main light, to allow for maximum ease when targeting a threat, activated by a rotating motion of the weapon.

[0021] FIG. 1 depicts the design blocks for how the automatic weapon light electronics system functions. The battery is charged by USB-C, but other options like Micro-USB, or standard USB 3.0 could also be used in future iterations of the design. The charge status of the LI-ON 3.7-volt battery is indicated by a red and green LED. The microprocessor will be activated using a vibration activated mechanical switch which serves to extend the standby battery life. When the switch senses movement (from someone picking up the firearm), the switch allows power from the battery to flow to the system. When the MOFSET receives power, it keeps the device on for a set amount of time. When there is no movement for the set amount of time, the device automatically disconnects to conserve energy and lengthen battery life. When the microprocessor (printed circuit board) receives the power, the information obtained from the accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope, such as angle and rotation, will determine when the light turns on and when it turns off. The determined angle and rotation movements to activate the light will be hard set for prototypes, but will eventually be programmable via a mobile app. There is also potential for the app to allow for a fully customizable product, allowing the user to control light color, brightness, strobe function and other features. The MOFSET can even be used to send out security alerts to the owner in case of theft. We could also add a manual override activation switch in the future which would override the gyroscope activation in favor of the user, allowing them to turn the light on or off if the situation required it. Additionally, we could also combine the light system with an aiming laser function and thermal threat identification.

[0022] FIG. 2 depicts the disassembled prototype model for the disclosure. On the actual mechanical design, there are seven primary components. There is an overall aluminum housing that encases all the components. That system housing can vary in shape based on the weapon system it is made for (rifle, handgun, shotgun, etc.). For power, a USB-C or other common charging port can be used, and its charge status is indicated by an LED below the port. The rechargeable battery will be seated in the bottom of the system housing, with the microprocessor built on a removeable frame inside of the housing. The light is mounted and wired in at the front of the mounted system housing. Finally, the mounting system is a variable design with many different options for how it can mount to the firearm. Picatinny, M-LOK, Weaver Rail, Dovetail Mounts, and other common systems are all viable options for mounting the AWLS system. The mounting system pictured here is for initial prototype reference.

[0023] FIG. 3 depicts the assembled prototype model for the disclosure. This graphic shows a mockup of the assembly mounted to a shotgun barrel. There are many variations for the actual mounting system, and an endless array of weapons it could be mounted to. See FIG. 2 description for individual part breakdown.

[0024] FIG. 4 depicts the PCB / microprocessor for the disclosure. This figure is a basic design for the Printed Circuit Board that contains the gyroscope and accelerometer, and functions as the brain of the AWLS. The actual layout of the components is variable.

[0025] FIG. 5 depicts a final mockup of the completed prototype AWLS. This solid model shows a completely assembled automatic weapon light system mounted onto a shotgun. This is a not a final mockup, as the housing, mounting system, and weapon can be swapped for many different styles and systems specific to the requirements of the customer.

[0026] FIG. 6 provides a visual depiction of how the angle-based light activation works. This graphic demonstrates how the AWLS is activated based on the angle it is raised to. While the angle range could be increased or decreased, the graphic gives the example of a plus / minus 15 degree range from where the gun is calibrated to be level. If it is inside of that 30-degree range, then the light will be turned on. If the gun is raised or lowered outside of the range, it immediately shuts off.

[0027] FIG. 7 provides a visual depiction of how the rotation-based feature activation works. The gyroscope will allow the weapon to be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to activate certain actions by the AWLS. This could be laser activation, color change, or strobe light.

Claims

1. A weapon light for a firearm having an aiming point comprising:a body having a mounting facility configured to connect to a firearm;an illuminator operable to generate illumination in a direction based on the firearm aiming point;control circuitry connected to the illuminator and operable to selectively turn the illuminator on and off;an angle sensor operable to determine an angular disposition of the body and connected to the control circuitry; andthe control circuitry operable to determine whether to illuminate the illuminator based on the determined angular position of the body.

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