Luminating garment inspection device

Abstract

A luminating protective hood inspection device includes a luminating device within a designated inspection zone where a garment can be viewed. A transparent dome for the garment “protective hood” can be fit over to simulate a garment function. A rotating system provides a method where the garment can pass in front of the inspection zone. Various controls are provided including an on/off switch and or brightness control, a foot operated control switch, and a lightweight portable compact frame.

Claims

1. A luminating protective hood inspection device for a garment, comprising: a luminating device coupled to a base; a transparent dome coupled to the base and surrounding the luminating device, the transparent dome configured to simulate a garment function; a designated inspection zone within the transparent dome where the garment can be viewed; a rotating system coupled to the base and configured to permit rotation of the transparent dome relative to the luminating device, whereby the garment can pass through the inspection zone; and a power switch coupled to the base and configured to regulate power to the luminating device; wherein the garment is a hood; and the luminating protective hood inspection device further comprising a light blocking device covering a face opening of the hood.

2. The luminating protective hood inspection device of claim 1, wherein the luminating device is a low voltage LED luminating device.

3. The luminating protective hood inspection device of claim 1, further comprising: a reflector that focuses the lumens generated from the luminating device to the inspection zone.

4. The luminating protective hood inspection device of claim 1, further comprising: a foot switch control to regulate power to the luminating device.

5. The luminating protective hood inspection device of claim 4, wherein the foot switch control to reduce eye strain and prolong luminating device life.

6. A method of inspecting a garment with a luminating device, comprising: obtaining the luminating protective hood inspection device of claim 1; identifying the garment to be inspected; orienting the garment over the transparent dome; engaging at least one control interface to selectively luminate the luminating device; placing a light mask over an opening of the garment; and rotating the garment relative to the luminating device within the transparent dome so as to view light through the garment.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: adjusting the brightness of the luminating device.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising: noting any faults or defects in the garment.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising: adjusting the brightness of the luminating device; and noting any faults or defects in the garment.

10. The method of claim 6, further comprising: wherein the transparent dome rotates about the luminating device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a first embodiment of a luminating firefighter protective hood inspection device according to an embodiment of the present application.

(3) FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the luminating firefighter protective hood inspection device of FIG. 1 showing the reflector with the luminating device in position for the inspection area.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side view of the luminating firefighter protective hood inspection device of FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of the luminating firefighter protective hood inspection device of FIG. 1 showing the reflector with the luminating device in position for the inspection area.

(6) FIG. 5 is a view of the foot switch and power supply used with the luminating firefighter protective hood inspection device of FIG. 1 and their connectors.

(7) FIG. 6 is a view of the invention with a protective hood in place for inspection.

(8) FIG. 7 is a view a light blocking device used to cover a hood face opening in the protective hood of FIG. 6.

(9) While the embodiments and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(10) Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

(11) In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the embodiments described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

(12) The embodiments and method will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the assembly may be presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise described.

(13) Referring now to the Figures wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views. The following Figures describe embodiments of the present application and its associated features. With reference now to the Figures, embodiments of the present application are herein described. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

(14) The following callouts found in the drawings will be associated with the corresponding parts: 1. Transparent dome 2. Silicon adhesive 3. Platform 4. Base 5. Male power connector 6. Rubber foot 7. Mounting screw 8. Base cover plate 9. Brightness control 10. Light reflector 11. Illuminating device 12. Lazy susan bearing 13. Rubber position spacer 14. Threaded spacer 15. Connecting wires 16. Mounting screws 17. Electrical insulator 18. Locknut 19. J nut 20. Mounting screw 21. Mounting screw 22. Locknut 23. Foot Switch 24. Foot switch AC power connector 25. Power supply 26. Female power supply power connector 27. Inspection Zone 28. Light blocking Mask 29. Garment, protective hood

(15) Although the disclosure is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structure. The scope of the invention is defined in the claims appended hereto.

(16) In particular, the invention is a luminating inspection device for protective hoods worn by firefighters and other safety personnel, comprising:

(17) a) Luminating source;

(18) b) a transparent dome;

(19) c) rotating base;

(20) d) foot switch control;

(21) e) power supply;

(22) f) luminating device brightness control; and

(23) g) hood face opening cover, light mask

(24) In the first embodiment discussed in more detail below, the transparent dome provides a simulated head shape that the protective hood covers. In the second embodiment, the inspection zone comprises a portion of the dome where the illumination is directed.

(25) Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7 in the drawings, views of the luminating protective hood inspection device are illustrated. The luminating protective hood inspection device of the invention is illustrated. As illustrated, the device has an inspection area 27 (FIG. 2) for the viewing of the garment placed over the dome 1 (see FIG. 4). Preferably the inspection zone 27 (FIG. 2) encompasses the full height of the dome 1 (FIG. 4) but may only be sized to partially cover the dome 1.

(26) The luminating protective hood inspection device uses any type of light emitting component. An example of a preferred component is a LED “light emitting diode” 11 (FIG. 2) configuration. The light emitting component provides an even display of lumens in the inspection zone 27.

(27) A reflector 10 (FIG. 2) reflects and focuses the light to a designated area within inspection zone 27 (FIG. 4). Both the luminating device 11 (FIG. 2) and reflector 10 (FIG. 2) are secured to the device's base 4 (FIG. 2). The transparent dome 1 (FIG. 2) that incapsulates the luminating device 11 (FIG. 2) and the reflector 10 (FIG. 2) is fixed to the rotating platform 3 (FIG. 2). The platform 3 (FIG. 2) mounted to lazy-susan bearing assembly 12 (FIG. 2) that permits the dome 1 (FIG. 2) to rotate independent of the luminating device 11 (FIG. 2) and the reflector 10 (FIG. 2). It is understood that reflector 10 may be used as a heat sink to aid in dispersing heat. One or more types of ventilation may be used with dome 1, reflector 10, and device 11. An additional heat sink material could be included with reflector 10 as well.

(28) The base 8 (FIG. 2) may include a plurality of feet (i.e. four rubber feet 6) (see FIG. 2) for providing a stable and an antiskid feature to the embodiment.

(29) A male electrical power connector 5 (FIG. 3) located on back side of the base 4 (FIG. 3) is for connecting the electrical power for the luminating device 11 (FIG. 2). The male connector 26 (FIG. 5) on the power supply 25 (FIG. 5) connects to the power connector 5 (FIG. 3). The power supply 25 (FIG. 5) can be plugged directly to a 120-volt AC wall outlet. In this configuration the on off switch or dimmer control 9 (FIG. 3) is used to turn on device and or brightness level.

(30) The device includes a control interface that may include any of the following: switch control 23, plug 24, power supply 25, and brightness control 9. An optional foot switch control 23 (FIG. 5) can be inserted to free up operators' hands. The foot switch plug 24 (FIG. 5) plugs in to a 120-volt AC outlet. The power supply 25 (FIG. 5) plugs into the back of foot switch AC power connector 24 (FIG. 5). The main power switch 9 (FIG. 3) is located on the front of the base 4 (FIG. 3). A momentary on off foot switch 23 (FIG. 5) provides an option to the operator to control the luminating device during inspection when the brightness control 9 (FIG. 3) is in the on position. The brightness is adjusted according to type of protective hood being inspected. Adjustment of switch 23 can regulate the amount of light emitted. It should be understood that operation of foot switch control 23 can be used in a manner to aid in the control of heat distribution by adequately regulating the time and duration of device 11.

(31) To use the invention in the preferred embodiments shown herein, the following items are optionally required: a) Access to a 120-volt AC outlet. It is understood that any type of electrical power source may be uses, such as a battery providing direct current or a power source providing alternating currently. Where batteries are used, such batteries may be rechargeable. b) Convenient location for test, such as a table or counter-top etc.

(32) To operate the invention, preforming a visual inspection of a protective hood: 1. Place invention on a stable surface, tabletop or countertop. 2. Plug foot switch AC power connector 24 (FIG. 5) in to a 120-volt AC wall outlet. 3. Plug power supply 25 (FIG. 5) into the back of foot switch AC power connector 24 (FIG. 5). 4. Plug female power supply connector 26 (FIG. 5) into the male power connector 5 (FIG. 3) located on the back side of the base 4 (FIG. 3). 5. While pressing the foot switch 23 (FIG. 5) adjust brightness control 9 (FIG. 3) located on base 4 (FIG. 3) to midrange. The luminating devices 11 (FIG. 4) will turn on and remain on while the foot switch 23 (FIG. 5) is pressed. 6. Releasing the pressure off the foot the switch 23 (FIG. 5) will interrupt power and the luminating devices 11 (FIG. 2) will turn off. 7. Identify garment “protective hood” to be inspected. 8. Carefully slide protective hood over dome 1 (FIG. 6) as indicated in FIG. 6. 9. Make sure the hood face opening is in proper position for domes with a fixed hood face opening light blocker. 10. For domes without a fixed light blocker, place light mask 28 (FIG. 5) over hood face opening as indicated in FIG. 6. 11. Press the foot switch 23 (FIG. 5) to turn on the luminating devices 11 (FIG. 2) 12. While maintaining pressure on foot switch 23 (FIG. 5) view the protective hood with in the luminate inspection zone 27 (FIG. 4). 13. Adjust the brightness of the light using the brightness control 9 (FIG. 9) to a comfortable level, bright enough to detect defects and low enough for eye comfort. Protective hoods come in a variety of designs and materials so brightness adjustments may be required different protective hoods are inspected. 14. Slowly rotate hood 29 (FIG. 6) 360 degrees while viewing the inspection zone 27 (FIG. 4). 15. Note any and all faults, defects, ware spots, holes and tears identified with in the luminated inspection zone 27 (FIG. 4). 16. Faults, defects, ware spots, holes and tears should be noted on an inspection sheet and or marked on the hood for future reference. 17. Once a 360-degree inspection of the protective hood has been completed release pressure on foot switch 23 (FIG. 5) turning off the luminating device 11 (FIG. 4). 18. Remove the light mask 28 (FIG. 6) for later use. 19. Remove the protective hood 29 (FIG. 6) from dome 1 (FIG. 6) by carefully sliding it off the dome 1 (FIG. 6). 20. A protective hood with identified faults, defects, ware spots, tears and holes should be taken out of service.

(33) The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.