Rotatable lights, pan and tilt assemblies, and mounting systems are known in the art. Existing systems are limited, however, to single-use applications. Stated differently, each housing could only accommodate a single device, such as a light or camera. Interchangeability of these devices is not possible in prior art systems. Further, continuous horizontal rotation is not provided, nor does a user have the ability to select the speed at which horizontal rotation occurs. Units which provide vertical tilt and rotation do not allow manual manipulation to adjust the vertical angle or rotate the unit without causing potential harm to the unit and its drive systems.
The foregoing example of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.
The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tool and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.
The disclosed device is designed to simultaneously accommodate two systems. Selected systems can include any combination of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, halogen lights, cameras or infra red or heat sensitive devices. Optionally, a powered vertical tilt may be included which can be manually adjusted without harm to the unit. A continuous 360° rotation ability is provided in addition to a limited stop to stop capability. A user has the ability to select a speed for the rotation, in addition to selecting a home position, to which the unit will return at the touch of a button.
The disclosed device has a simple and weather proof design, which allows for easy assembly and maintenance. A device according to the present disclosure provides improved durability and weather resistance.
A rotatable mounting system is disclosed. The mounting system comprises a base gasket, a base plate mounted on said base gasket, a base mounted on said base plate, a bearing rotatably mounted on said base, a lower yoke mounted over said bearing, a horizontal gear rotatably mounted to said lower yoke, an upper yoke mounted over said horizontal gear. The upper yoke comprises a first arm and a second arm. The first arm comprises a horizontal motor. The second arm comprises a vertical tilt motor. A housing means is also disclosed. The housing means is pivotally connected to the first arm and the second arm. Means for the horizontal motor to turn said horizontal gear and means for the vertical motor to tilt the housing means vertically are also disclosed.
The disclosed housing comprises a heat sink. The heat sink has a first side and a second side. A first optical mean is attached to the first side of the heat sink. A second optical means is attached to the second side of the heat sink. The housing has a top and a bottom. A top cap covers the top of the housing and a bottom cap covers the bottom of the housing.
In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.
Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
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In use, the entire assembly rotates around horizontal gear 220. Power is supplied from horizontal motor 250 to idler gear 230, which engages horizontal gear 220, thereby rotating the entire yoke assembly 200, including housing assembly 500. In the depicted embodiment, yoke assembly 200 rotates 360° continuously. The continuous horizontal rotation of the yoke assembly 200 rotates the two optical means in the housing assembly 500 horizontally in a continuous circle, allowing the user to point either optical mean in any given horizontal direction. The depicted embodiment includes an optional speed feature, which allows a user to select the speed of the rotation. A slip ring (not shown) with two wires (not shown) on each side allows for continuous rotation. In the depicted embodiment, fixed pivot (not shown) can house radio control or a home position electronic component, for example. Opposite this there is a “live” pivot (depicted in
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Vertical gear profile 290 mounts in second arm 380. Vertical gear profile 290 includes protrusion 420 and shaft 425. A screw 440 is inserted through protrusion 420. A vertical gear clutch disk 300 mounts on protrusion 420. Spring 390 is mounted on protrusion 420, immediately adjacent to vertical gear clutch disk 300. In use, spring 390 holds the clutch in an engaged condition. Vertical gear base 320 then mounts onto protrusion 420, covering vertical gear clutch disk 300 and spring 390. Vertical gear base 320 has a lip 430. A vertical gear 330 is mounted over vertical gear base 320 and rests on lip 430. A washer 400 and nut 410 are then placed on screw 440, capturing the intervening parts. While a screw, nut and washer are depicted as the method for attaching the foregoing parts to second arm 380, one skilled in the art would understand that other methods could be used and still be within the scope of the disclosure.
A vertical motor cradle 310 is attached to second arm 380 adjacent to vertical gear profile 290. Vertical motor cradle 310 includes void 460. A vertical tilt motor 450 is attached to vertical motor cradle 310. Vertical tilt motor 450 includes worm 340, which protrudes through void 460. In the depicted embodiment, worm 340 is a single thread worm. While a single thread worm is depicted, multi-thread worms could be used and still be within the present disclosure. A worm saddle cap 350 attaches worm 340 to second arm 380 via projection 470. First arm cover 360 supports moving aspects of tilt device and encloses the components in yoke assembly 200.
In use, worm 340 engages vertical gear 330. When vertical tilt motor 450 causes worm 340 to rotate, vertical gear 330 also rotates, causing housing assembly 500 to tilt vertically. Vertical gear clutch disk 300 allows manual movement of housing assembly 500 up and down without harm. The depicted embodiment allows both faces, optical means, of housing assembly 500 to rotate vertically in an approximately 135 degree arc from 45 degrees+ down from horizontal to 0 degrees (straight up) and any position in between. The combination of the continuous horizontal rotation and the large arc of vertical rotation allows a user to direct either optical means to just about any direction around the vehicle or other device the light is mounted on to see a desired object. The only areas the optical means could not be pointed towards are highly likely to be the body of the vehicle the optical system is mounted on. This eliminates potential “blind spots” of some of the prior art devices where a user could not point the optical means in a chosen line of sight direction without turning the vehicle.
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In use, base plate 120 is permanently attached to a vehicle by four screws (not shown). While screws are described, one having an ordinary level of skill in the art will understand that alternate fasteners could be used and still be within the scope of the disclosure. The entire assembled device is attached or removed easily by use of the four lateral screws into the base plate 120. The unit is then hardwired to the vehicle and operated using a joystick (not shown). Alternatively, a radio receiver and transmitter can be used to communicate with the unit. In the depicted embodiment, gasket 110 comprises rubber. One having an ordinary level of skill in the art will understand that other materials having similar properties to rubber could be substituted. In the depicted embodiment, base 140 comprises carbon fiber filled plastic. In the depicted embodiment, the plastic is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). One skilled in the art will understand that other materials having similar strength and durability to carbon fiber filled plastic could be substituted and still be within the scope of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, wiper bearing 150 comprises a very high molecular weight polyethylene. One having an ordinary level of skill in the art will understand that other materials having similar properties to polyethylene are contemplated by this disclosure.
Yoke assembly 205 comprises a lower yoke 210, which sits on top of wiper bearing 150. Horizontal gear 220 is attached to lower yoke 210 by four screws (not shown). While screws are depicted, one having ordinary skill in the art will understand that alternate fasteners could be used within the scope of the present disclosure. Lower yoke 210 and wiper bearing 150 are compressed and held together by the four screws holding down horizontal gear 220. Belt 235 is mounted over horizontal gear 220. A belt tensioner 255 is mounted on lower yoke 210 adjacent to horizontal gear 220 and belt 235. A horizontal motor 455 with an integral sprocket 465 is mounted in upper yoke 240 in contact with housing inner shell 280 and housing outer shell 260. Electronics, speed control and radio receiver are located inside the enclosure formed by housing outer shell 260, housing inner shell 280 and fixed pivot 285. Second arm cover 365 encloses housing outer shell 260, housing inner shell 280 and fixed pivot 285 in yoke assembly 200. Upper yoke 240 engages with base 140 to enclose all the parts in between. Housing assembly 500 mounts in upper yoke 240.
In use, the entire assembly rotates around horizontal gear 220. Power is supplied from horizontal motor 455 to belt 235 through sprocket 465. Belt 235 engages horizontal gear 220, thereby rotating the entire yoke assembly 205, including housing assembly 500. Belt tensioner 255 maintains proper tension on belt 235 as it transfers power from horizontal motor 455 to horizontal gear 220 and prevents belt slippage.
In the depicted embodiment, horizontal motor 455 is either a 12 v DC or 24 v DC motor and sprocket 465 is a 16 groove sprocket. In the depicted embodiment, belt 235 is a 3 millimeter pitch, 0.24 inch wide HTD belt. In the depicted embodiment, horizontal gear 220 is a 120 groove gear. One having an ordinary level of skill will understand that other components having similar properties to those specifically described could be used and still be within the scope of the present disclosure. In use, the grooves on belt 235 interact with the grooves on horizontal gear 220. This interaction provides a more uniform distribution of shear stresses within the teeth and a transition of tooth loads to the tensile members in the belt. The addition of belt tensioner 255 ensures that belt 235 is correctly tensioned, which prevents slippage and allows belt 235 to run at constant speed. Optionally, a clutch device may be added on the end of horizontal motor 455.
In the depicted embodiment, yoke assembly 205 can rotate 360° continuously. The depicted embodiment includes an optional speed feature, which allows a user to select the speed of the rotation. A set screw (not shown) in base 140 holds a slip ring (not shown) with two wires (not shown) on each side. In the depicted embodiment, horizontal motor 455 has a fixed pivot 285. Fixed pivot 285 can house radio control or a home position electronic component, for example. A home position electronic component would allow a user to select a position in the horizontal rotation of yoke assembly 200 and program the unit to return the yoke assembly 200 to the selected position at the push of a button. Fixed pivot 285 is part of a water tight enclosure.
Vertical gear profile 290 mounts in second arm 380. Vertical gear profile 290 includes protrusion 420 and shaft 425. A screw 440 is inserted through protrusion 420. A vertical gear clutch disk 300 mounts on protrusion 420. Spring 390 is mounted on protrusion 420, immediately adjacent to vertical gear clutch disk 300. In use, spring 390 holds the clutch in an engaged condition. Vertical gear base 320 then mounts onto protrusion 420, covering vertical gear clutch disk 300 and spring 390. Vertical gear base 320 has a lip 430. A vertical gear 330 is mounted over vertical gear base 320 and rests on lip 430. A washer 400 and nut 410 are then placed on screw 440, capturing the intervening parts. While a screw, nut and washer are depicted as the method for attaching the foregoing parts to second arm 380, one skilled in the art would understand that other methods could be used and still be within the scope of the disclosure.
A vertical motor cradle 310 is attached to second arm 380 adjacent to vertical gear profile 290. Vertical motor cradle 310 includes void (not visible). A vertical tilt motor 450 is attached to vertical motor cradle 310. Vertical tilt motor 450 includes worm 340, which protrudes through void 460. In the depicted embodiment, worm 340 is a single thread worm. While a single thread worm is depicted, multi-thread worms could be used and still be within the present disclosure. A worm saddle cap 350 attaches worm 340 to second arm 380 via projection 470. First arm cover 360 supports moving aspects of tilt device and encloses the components in yoke assembly 200.
In use, worm 340 engages vertical gear 330. When vertical tilt motor 450 causes worm 340 to rotate, vertical gear 330 also rotates, causing housing assembly 500 to tilt vertically. Vertical gear clutch disk 300 allows manual movement of housing assembly 500 up and down without harm. The depicted embodiment allows both faces of housing assembly 500 to tilt from 45 degrees+ down to 0 degrees (straight up) and any position in between.
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Turning to the side of first housing 510 opposite LEDs 530, a first notch 610 is provided. First notch 610 is sized to accept a complimentary-shaped bearing 620. An opposing bearing 620 mounts in a second notch 630 in second housing 640. Another set of bearings 625 is mounted on the opposite side of first housing 510 and second housing 640. In the depicted embodiment, bearings 620 have a flat portion and bearings 625 do not have a flat portion. When first housing 510 and second housing 640 are attached, bearing 620 interacts with fixed pivot 285 and vertical gear profile 290 in yoke assembly 200 to allow housing assembly 500 to tilt vertically. In use, the flat portion of bearings 620 allows the tilt force to be transferred to the assembly.
A halogen lamp 650 is mounted in second housing 640. A second bezel 660 is mounted over halogen lamp 650 using screws (not shown), which pass through voids 670 in second bezel 660 and voids 680 in second housing 640. Once both faces of first housing 510 and second housing 640 are assembled, using 4 screws, a top cap 690 and bottom cap 700 are added to housing assembly 500 to close housings 510 and 640 together. Top cap 690 and bottom cap 700 include openings 710. Opening 710 allow air to enter housing assembly 500. Air enters openings 710 in bottom cap 700 and travels over fins 525 of heat sink 520, and exits through openings 710 in top cap 690, allowing for convection and air cooling.
In one embodiment, an infrared filter is incorporated into second bezel 660. In this embodiment second bezel 660 is also composed of infrared material. In this embodiment, the infrared filter and second bezel are molded as one piece. In the depicted embodiment, first housing 510 houses LEDs and second housing 640 houses a halogen lamp 650. However, housing assembly 500 is not limited to this configuration. First housing and second housing could hold any combination of LEDs, halogen lights, cameras and/or high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps.
The entire assembly is water tight. The depicted unit, once assembled, has an Ingress Protection rating, or IP code, of IP 65 or better, meaning that the unit is totally protected against dust and protected against low pressure water jets from any direction; limited water ingress is permitted. Water proof connectors protect against any water that does enter the unit. The depicted unit can be produced to be as a 24 v DC unit or as a 12 v DC unit. The depicted unit is MIL-STD-461F compliant.
While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations therefore. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims hereinafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations are within their true spirit and scope. Each apparatus embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.
The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Whenever a range is given in the specification, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of the group and all combinations and subcombinations possible of the group are intended to be individually included in the disclosure.
In general the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journal references and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The above definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of the invention.
All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent that there is no inconsistency with the disclosure of this specification. Some references provided herein are incorporated by reference herein to provide details concerning additional starting materials, additional methods of synthesis, additional methods of analysis and additional uses of the invention.
This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of provisional application No. 61/511,835 filed Jul. 26, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US12/48410 | 7/26/2012 | WO | 00 | 1/21/2014 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61511835 | Jul 2011 | US |