Photoluminescent identifier system for firefighting equipment

Abstract

The present system provides a lightweight fire-resistant photoluminescent identifier system for firefighters, which is suitable for use on the firefighter's facemask, as well as other equipment. The system is lightweight and provides individual recognition of an individual firefighter. The identifier system lights up automatically in a low-light environment without batteries, yet prevents glare to the firefighter using the system. The components that comprise the system are fire-resistant to temperatures up to and exceeding 500 degrees Fahrenheit to facilitate personal recognition of the individual in dark and low-light areas.

Claims

1. A photoluminescent identifier system for firefighting or personal protective equipment comprising: a photoluminescent identifier tag for use with firefighting or personal protective equipment; and a photoluminescent identifier tag receiving band having a body configured to receive and secure said photoluminescent identifier tag thereto and configured to secure to said firefighting or personal protective equipment; said photoluminescent identifier tag comprising: an upper photoluminescent layer comprising a fire or heat resistant or self-extinguishable rigid or semi-rigid rubberized PVC material intermixed with photoluminescent pigment (s) or dye(s), thus forming a single layer that is flexible but maintains its shape unless a force is applied, said photoluminescent layer glows in the dark after being exposed to light; a bottom layer and having a first portion of a fastening system sized and shaped to secure to a portion of said photoluminescent identifier tag receiving band; a middle layer made of a material that prevents visualization of said bottom layer, said middle layer positioned between said upper photoluminescent layer and said bottom layer wherein said middle layer, said upper photoluminescent layer, and said bottom layer are bonded together to prevent separation in extreme heat and allow said photoluminescent identifier system tag to be utilized as a single assembly for attachment and use; and an indicia layer bonded to said photoluminescent layer and having a material that has a color contrast with respect to said photoluminescent layer, said indicia including at least one component that provides identification information of an individual wearing or using said photoluminescent identifier system; wherein said identifier system provides identification information when used with firefighting or personal protective equipment.

2. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein said indicia layer includes one or more letters, one or more numbers, one or more symbols, one or more patterns, or combinations thereof.

3. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein said first portion of a fastening system of said bottom layer includes a first portion of a hook and loop fastening system.

4. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 3, wherein said bottom layer includes a black background.

5. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein said photoluminescent identifier system tag is constructed and arranged to light up automatically in a low-light environment through said photoluminescent pigment or dye.

6. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein said photoluminescent layer may also include a dark colored or black border.

7. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 6, wherein said photoluminescent layer includes a second colored border.

8. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 2, wherein said indicia is outlined in a dark color or black outline.

9. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein said photoluminescent identifier tag receiving band comprises a second portion of a hook and loop fastening system sized and shaped to secure to said photoluminescent identifier tag bottom layer.

10. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein said components of said photoluminescent identifier system are fire-resistant to temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

11. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein said photoluminescent identifier system is secured to a firefighter's helmet.

12. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein said photoluminescent identifier system is secured to a firefighter's air tank.

13. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein said photoluminescent identifier system is secured to one or more firefighting or personal protective equipment straps.

14. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said photoluminescent identifier system is infrared reflective.

15. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of said indicia is infrared reflective.

16. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein said middle layer is made from a heat transfer vinyl with at least 500-600 microns thickness.

17. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 9, wherein said photoluminescent identifier receiving band is made of an aramid polymer.

18. The photoluminescent identifier system according to claim 1, wherein said indica is made of a reflective material or a fire retardant reflective material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the photoluminescent identifier system secured to the frame of a facemask;

(2) FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of the photoluminescent identifier system secured to the clear portion, or lens, of a facemask, represented in a low-light environment;

(3) FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the photoluminescent identifier system secured to the clear portion, or lens, of a facemask, represented in a full-light environment;

(4) FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the photoluminescent identifier system secured to the clear portion, or lens, of a facemask, represented in a full-light environment;

(5) FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of the photoluminescent identifier system secured to the clear portion, or lens, of a facemask represented in a full-light environment;

(6) FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating the layered construction of the photoluminescent identifier system;

(7) FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the photoluminescent identifier system secured to a firefighter's helmet, shown half in full light and half in low light;

(8) FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating the photoluminescent identifier system secured to a firefighter's helmet, shown secured under leather with cutouts;

(9) FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating the photoluminescent identifier system secured to a firefighter's helmet, shown secured under leather with cutouts;

(10) FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the photoluminescent identifier system secured to a firefighter's tank, shown secured to a leather strap;

(11) FIG. 11 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the photoluminescent identifier;

(12) FIG. 12 is back side view of the photoluminescent identifier shown in FIG. 11;

(13) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the photoluminescent identifier shown in FIG. 11, illustrating the layered construction of the photoluminescent identifier system;

(14) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a photoluminescent identifier receiving band;

(15) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the photoluminescent identifier receiving band, shown with the photoluminescent identifier illustrated in FIG. 11;

(16) FIG. 16 illustrates the photoluminescent identifier receiving band in an outstretched orientation;

(17) FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating the photoluminescent identifier system illustrated in FIG. 11 secured to a firefighter's helmet;

(18) FIG. 18 illustrates the photoluminescent identifier system illustrated in FIG. 11 secured to a firefighter's tank, shown secured to a leather strap via the photoluminescent identifier receiving band, and to other portions a firefighter's helmet and mask;

(19) FIG. 19 illustrates the photoluminescent identifier system illustrated in FIG. 11 secured to a firefighter's tank via the photoluminescent identifier receiving band, and to other portions of a firefighter's helmet and mask;

(20) FIG. 20 is an illustrative embodiment of a trifold photoluminescent identifier receiving band; and

(21) FIG. 21 illustrates the secreting of the securing of the trifold photoluminescent identifier receiving band to a strap or an oxygen tank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(22) While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

(23) Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, a lightweight fire-resistant photoluminescent identifier system 100 for firefighters is illustrated. The photoluminescent identifier system 100 is suitable for use on the firefighter's facemask 10, helmet 12, or tank 14, as well as other equipment. The photoluminescent identifier system 100 is lightweight and provides individual recognition of an individual firefighter. The photoluminescent identifier system 100 is constructed and arranged to light up automatically in a low-light environment through photoluminescent technology without batteries; yet, the photoluminescent identifier system 100 is constructed to prevent glare or eye adjustment to low light to the firefighter using the system. The components that construct the photoluminescent identifier system 100 are fire-resistant to temperatures up to and exceeding 500 degrees Fahrenheit. In a preferred embodiment, the photoluminescent layer 20 is constructed by 3M. The photoluminescent identifier system 100 is constructed from various layers that provide properties not typically found in photoluminescent devices. The base layer 16 includes a black or dark back face 18 to prevent light from being directed into the facemask from the photoluminescent layer 20. The back face 18 of the base layer 16 also includes a pressure sensitive and heat resistant adhesive layer 22 for attaching the base layer to the facemask 10 or other piece of equipment. The front surface 24 of the base layer 16 is constructed to be reflective silver. In this manner, photons from the photoluminescent layer 20 are reflected back out the front of the photoluminescent system 100 to create a brighter indicator. The photoluminescent layer 20 is secured to the front surface 24 of the base layer 16 with a heat sensitive adhesive 26 positioned on the back surface 25 of the photoluminescent layer 20, whereby heat is utilized to bond the photoluminescent layer 20 to the base layer 16 to prevent separation in extreme heat, and allow the layered photoluminescent identifier system 100 to be utilized as a single assembly for attachment and use. A top layer 28 is secured over the photoluminescent layer 20, also with a heat sensitive adhesive 26 positioned on the rear face 30 of the top layer 28. The top layer 28 is cut through in a desired pattern to create indicia 32 when adhered over the photoluminescent layer 20, which allows the photoluminescent layer 20 to be viewed in the sandwiched construction. In a most desirable embodiment, the color of the top layer 28 is chosen to provide a color contrast with respect to the photoluminescent layer 20. In this manner, the firefighter's name or other identifier is visible in both the light and in the dark, while the other desirable properties of the system are also provided. The photoluminescent identifier system 100 may be assembled with the base layer 16, photoluminescent layer 20 and top layer 28 in place prior to shipment, whereby the user merely needs to peel away a backing layer (not shown) for attachment with the pressure sensitive and heat resistant adhesive 22 in a desired position on the firefighter's equipment.

(24) Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, an alternative embodiment of the lightweight fire-resistant photoluminescent identifier system 200 for firefighters is illustrated. The photoluminescent identifier system 200 is suitable for use on the firefighter's equipment, such as helmet, a facemask, or an oxygen tank 14. In the same manner as described for the photoluminescent identifier system 100, the photoluminescent identifier system 200 is preferably lightweight and provides individual recognition of an individual firefighter. The photoluminescent identifier system 200 is constructed and arranged to light up automatically in a low-light environment through photoluminescent technology without batteries; yet, the photoluminescent identifier system 200 is constructed to prevent glare or eye adjustment to low light to the firefighter using the system. The components that construct the photoluminescent identifier system 200 are fire-resistant to temperatures up to and exceeding 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

(25) The photoluminescent identifier system 200 is constructed from various layers that provide properties not typically found in photoluminescent devices. In a preferred embodiment, the photoluminescent identifier system 200 may contain multiple layers of materials, including a top photoluminescent layer 210, a middle layer 212, and a securing layer 214. The photoluminescent layer 210 is preferably made of a rigid material or a semi-rigid material that is flexible but maintains its shape unless a force, such as a bending force, is applied. The photoluminescent layer 210 may be made, for example, of a rubberized poly vinyl chloride (PVC) based material, with pigments that glow, such as photoluminescent pigments manufactured by Jinan Realglow Luminous Technology Co., Ltd., Jinan City, China or Glow Nest, Mumbai, India, or Peramalight, USA. The photoluminescent layer 210 may made with other materials, such as polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate. Accordingly, the photoluminescent layer 210 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid PVC material with Realglow photoluminescent pigments. The rubberized PVC is preferably fire or heat resistant and/or self-extinguishable. The middle layer 212 is preferably a white backing (such as a heat transfer vinyl with a 500-GOO microns thickness, such as DIMENSION from Specialty Materials) which provides for photoluminescent or pigment intensification. That is, the photoluminescent layer glow is intensified by inclusion of the middle layer 212. The middle layer 212 may also be constructed of a material that prevents visualization of the layers below it. The middle layer 212 may include a pressure sensitive or heat resistant adhesive for attaching to the photoluminescent layer 210. The photoluminescent layer 210 may be configured to glow various colors, such as a green-yellow color glowing photoluminescent pigment based on Strontium Aluminate, blue-green glowing photoluminescent pigment based on Strontium Aluminate, a blue color pigment based on Strontium Silicate, or other colors such as purple, white, or orange-red. As an illustrative example, the green-yellow color glowing photoluminescent pigment may have chemical structure of Sr.sub.4Al.sub.2O.sub.4:Eu,Dy. As an illustrative example, the blue-green color glowing photoluminescent pigment may have chemical structure of Sr.sub.4Al.sub.14O.sub.25:Eu,Dy. As an illustrative example, the blue color glowing photoluminescent pigment may have chemical structure of CaAl.sub.2O.sub.4:Eu,Nd. As an illustrative example, the purple glowing photoluminescent pigment may have chemical structure of CaAl.sub.2O.sub.4:Eu,Nd. As an illustrative example, the white color glowing photoluminescent pigment may have chemical structure of CaAl.sub.2O.sub.4:Eu,Nd. As an illustrative example, the orange-red color glowing photoluminescent pigment may have chemical structure of Y.sub.2O.sub.5S:Eu,Ln.

(26) The securing layer 214 is configured to provide a mechanism for the photoluminescent identifier system 200 to be secured to an item, such as a firefighter's equipment, including a helmet, a facemask, or an oxygen tank. As shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13, securing layer 214 is illustrated as a first portion of a fastening system, illustrated herein as the hook portion 216 of VELCRO, or loop and hook fastening system. Preferably, the hook portion 216 of VELCRO is heat bonded to the middle reflective layer 212, or to the top photoluminescent layer 210 if no middle reflective layer 212 is added, and includes a black colored surface 213. Alternatively, the securing layer 214 may be a pressure sensitive and heat resistant adhesive, whereby the user merely needs to peel away a backing layer (not shown) for attachment with the pressure sensitive and heat resistant adhesive in a desired position on the firefighter's equipment.

(27) One or more of the top photoluminescent layer 210, the middle layer 212, or the securing layer 214 may utilize heat to bond one or more of the layers together in order to prevent separation in extreme heat and allow the layered photoluminescent identifier system 200 to be utilized as a single assembly for attachment and use. The photoluminescent layer 210 may include an indicia layer 218, also secured using a heat sensitive adhesive, which is cut through in a desired pattern to create indicia 220, such as letters, numbers, symbols, or combinations thereof. In a most desirable embodiment, the color of the indicia layer 218 is chosen to provide a color contrast with respect to the photoluminescent layer 210. The indicia 220, or any other part of the photoluminescent identifier system 200, may be configured to be infrared reflective. In this manner, the firefighter's name or other identifier is visible in both the light and in the dark, while the other desirable properties of the system are also provided. The indicia layer 218 may be made of a reflective tape or fire retardant reflective fabric, or heat pressed reflective vinyl. The reflective material may not be in the form of letters or numbers but may be in the form of a weave or other pattern. In any form, the photoluminescent identifier system 200 preferably includes a reflective layer or competent.

(28) The photoluminescent layer 210 may also include a black or dark border 222, inside of a secondary colored border portion 224, to prevent light from being directed into the facemask from the photoluminescent layer 210. The black or dark border 222 and the secondary colored border portion 224 also include a pressure sensitive and heat resistant adhesive for attaching the base layer to the photoluminescent layer 210. Indicia 220 may be outlined in a dark or black outline 226 in order to provide contrast. Preferably, only a black or dark border 222 is used.

(29) In an illustrative example, the photoluminescent layer 210 may be made by mixing photo photoluminescent materials such as dyes or pigments with a liquid rubberized PVC based material, at for example, 40% load of photoluminescent pigments. The other layers, such as the securing layer 214 VELCRO and the middle layer 212 white backing materials may be molded together with the photoluminescent layer 210, via heat. The reflective layer, such as the reflective lettering, may then be added to the above.

(30) FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a photoluminescent identifier receiving band 228 which is configured to secure the photoluminescent identifier system 200 thereto and secure to the firefighter's equipment. The photoluminescent identifier receiving band 228 may be made of a single body 230 that has a first end 232 and a second, opposing end 234. The first end 232 and the second, opposing end 234 are configured to secure together to form a unitary body that can be wrapped around and secured to the firefighter's equipment. For instance, the first end 232 may have the loop proportion 236 of VELCRO and the second end 234 may have the hook portion 238 of VELCRO. Alternative fastening mechanisms, such as snaps, a zipper, or buttons, may be used as well to secure the ends together. Alternatively, the photoluminescent identifier receiving band 228 may be a single band made of a flexible material so as to extend over at least a portion of a firefighter's equipment, and then return to its non-stretched shape. To secure the photoluminescent identifier system 200 thereto, the photoluminescent identifier receiving band. 228 includes a second portion of a fastening system, illustrated herein as the loop Portion 240 of VELCRO. Securing the securing layer 214 of the photoluminescent identifier system. 200 to the loop portion 240 of VELCRO allows the photoluminescent identifier receiving band 228 with photoluminescent identifier system 200 to be secured to a strap 242, see FIG. 18, or to a tank 244, see FIG. 19. The photoluminescent identifier receiving band 228 may be made of Armor AP (80% Meta/Para Aramid spun yarns (65% Meta Aramid, 35% Para-Aramid) and 20% 400 denier DuPont KEVLAR filament). Alternatively, photoluminescent identifier receiving band 228 may be made of NOMEX (meta aramid).

(31) FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 also illustrate the photoluminescent identifier system 200 being applied to helmet 246. The figures also illustrate that the photoluminescent identifier system 200 may have various indicia, including the number “29”, 200A, a shield, 200B, the name or word “GRIMA”, 200C, on mask 246, “IDENNTIF” 200D, an arrow head like pattern 200E.

(32) Referring to FIG. 20, an illustrative example of a trifold photoluminescent identifier receiving band 248 which is configured to secure the photoluminescent identifier system 200 thereto and secure to the firefighter's equipment is shown. The trifold photoluminescent identifier receiving band 248 may be made of Armor AP (80% Meta/Para Aramid spun yarns (65% Meta Aramid, 35% Para-Aramid) and 20% 400 denier DuPont KEVLAR filament. Alternatively, the trifold photoluminescent identifier receiving band 248 may be made of NOMEX (meta aramid) The trifold photoluminescent identifier receiving band 248 may comprise a first end 250, a second end 252, and main body 254 therebetween. The main body may have a hook or loop portion 256 of VELCRO, or loop and hook fastening, which secures the photoluminescent identifier system. 200 thereto. The first end 250 may include the loop portion 258 of VELCRO (top surface 257) and the second end may include the hook portion 260 of VELCRO (bottom surface 259) arranged to allow for securing onto itself. FIG. 21 illustrates a version of the photoluminescent identifier system 200 attached to two versions of trifold photoluminescent identifier receiving band 248 (indicated as 248′ and 248″) secured to a strap 262 or oxygen tank 264.

(33) All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

(34) It is to be understood that, while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

(35) One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.