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 equipment comprising: a base layer, said base layer including a back face and a front face, said base layer back face having a dark color and including a pressure sensitive and heat resistant adhesive layer for attaching said base layer back face to a piece of firefighting equipment, said front face of said base layer is light reflective; a photoluminescent layer secured to said front face of said base layer with a heat sensitive adhesive on a back surface of said photoluminescent layer, whereby heat is utilized to bond said photoluminescent layer to said base layer; whereby said photoluminescent layer glows in the dark after being exposed to light to provide an identifier for firefighting equipment.

2. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 1 including a top layer secured over said photoluminescent layer with a heat sensitive adhesive 26 positioned on a rear face of said top layer, said top layer including a desired pattern cut through said top layer to create indicia when adhered over said photoluminescent layer, which allows said photoluminescent layer to be viewed in the sandwiched construction.

3. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 2 wherein the color of said top layer is chosen to provide a color contrast with respect to said photoluminescent layer, whereby said identifier is visible in both the light and in the dark.

4. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 2 wherein said photoluminescent identifier system is pre-assembled utilizing heat so that said photoluminescent identifier system is attached to said firefighting equipment as a single assembly utilizing pressure sensitive adhesive.

5. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 2 wherein said front surface of said base layer is constructed to be reflective silver to reflect photons from said photoluminescent layer back out a front surface of said photoluminescent layer.

6. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 1 wherein said firefighting equipment is a facemask, and wherein said photoluminescent identifier system is secured to a front surface of said facemask.

7. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 6 wherein said dark back face of said base layer is constructed and arranged to prevent light from being directed rearward from said photoluminescent layer.

8. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 7 wherein said dark back face is black in color.

9. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 2 wherein said photoluminescent identifier system is constructed and arranged to light up automatically in a low-light environment through photoluminescence technology.

10. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 2 wherein said photoluminescent identifier system provides recognition of an individual firefighter.

11. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 2 wherein said components of said photoluminescent identifier system are fire-resistant to temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

12. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 4 wherein said photoluminescent identifier system is secured to a firefighter's helmet.

13. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 4 wherein said photoluminescent identifier system is secured to a firefighter's air tank.

14. A photoluminescent identifier system for firefighting equipment comprising: a layered assembly, whereby said layers are assembled with heat sensitive adhesive including a base layer, said base layer including a back face and a front face, said base layer back face having a dark color and including a pressure sensitive and heat resistant adhesive layer for attaching said base layer back face to a piece of firefighting equipment, said front face of said base layer being light reflective, a photoluminescent layer secured to said front face of said base layer with a heat sensitive adhesive on a back surface of said photoluminescent layer, whereby heat is utilized to bond said photoluminescent layer to said base layer, a top layer secured over said photoluminescent layer with a heat sensitive adhesive positioned on a rear face of said top layer, said top layer including a desired pattern cut through said top layer to create indicia when adhered over said photoluminescent layer, which allows said photoluminescent layer to be viewed in the sandwiched construction, whereby said photoluminescent layer glows in the dark after being exposed to light to provide an identifier for firefighting equipment.

15. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 14 wherein said dark back face of said base layer is constructed and arranged to prevent light from being directed rearward from said photoluminescent layer.

16. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 15 wherein said dark back face is black in color.

17. The photoluminescent identifier system of claim 14 wherein said components of said photoluminescent identifier system are fire-resistant to temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the photoluminescent identifier system secured to the frame of a facemask;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of the photoluminescent identifier system secured to the clear portion, or lens, of a facemask, illustrated in low light;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the photoluminescent identifier system secured to the clear portion, or lens, of a facemask, illustrated in full light;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the photoluminescent identifier system secured to the clear portion, or lens, of a facemask, illustrated in full light;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of the photoluminescent identifier system secured to the clear portion, or lens, of a facemask, illustrated in full light;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating the layered construction of the photoluminescent identifier system;

[0026] 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;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating the photoluminescent identifier system secured to a firefighter's helmet, shown secured under leather with cutouts;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating the photoluminescent identifier system secured to a firefighter's helmet, shown secured under leather with cutouts; and

[0029] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the photoluminescent identifier system secured to a firefighter's tank, shown secured to a leather strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 strip 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 strip 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.