Multi-Function Flare Device for Populated Areas

Abstract

The invention disclosed herein is a securely attached portable, wearable device to enhance safety, visibility and communication capability of safety personnel when such personal leave their vehicles. The device provided is configured to be securely attached to the wearer, and is capable of emitting variable visual and audio signals actuated by a control panel component which is designed so that the user can activate various options of visual and audio signals while in flight. The device may further include GPS capability for tracking, activation and deactivation functions.

1 . A personal flare apparatus comprised of:
 a protruding high-intensity beacon light having an outer casing;   a housing having at least one beacon aperture adapted to receive said outer casing of said high-intensity beacon light;   a securing component for securing said personal flare apparatus to a user;   a power source;   wiring connecting said power source to said beacon light and further capable of being encased in said housing; and   a touch-sensitive switch which may be activated by one hand to control said beacon light.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said personal flare apparatus further includes a plurality of smaller light components and wherein said casing is adapted with a plurality of apertures to receive said plurality of smaller light components. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said high-intensity beacon light has a range of visibility of at least ten feet horizontally and ten feet vertically. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said high-intensity beacon light creates a vertical beam visible at a distance of more than fifty feet. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said touch-sensitive switch has at least two positions than can be distinguished by a user by touch based on the contour of the switch. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said personal flare apparatus is code activated. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  which further includes a data storage component capable of storing medical and identification information for user. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  which further includes a video recording device. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  which further includes a touch-activated chemical disbursement component. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said plurality of smaller light components have functionality selected from a group consisting of pulsating, strobe visibility, alternate flashing, oscillating, modulating or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  which further includes a magnetic attachment component. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1  which further includes a mercury switch to determine when a user is not standing. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  which further includes a paging component. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1  which further includes a GPS component. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said housing is able to withstand high impact. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1  which further includes an audible alarm which may be activated by a touch-sensitive switch. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said touch-sensitive switch is capable of activating functions selected from a group consisting of activating a plurality of smaller lights, activating a selected plurality of smaller lights, activating an audible alarm, activating a beacon, activating a paging component, activating a video recording component, activating an audio recording component, varying the intensity of said beacon, varying the flashing pattern of said smaller lights and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said housing is contoured to fit securely on the shoulder of a user. 
     
     
         19 . A method of making personal flare apparatus comprised of:
 adapting a housing to receive a high-intensity beacon device, a power source and wiring to connect said high-intensity beacon device to said power source; and   connecting a touch-sensitive switch to said power source;   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  which further includes configuring a touch sensitive switch to control the activation of a high-intensity beacon device. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  which further includes configuring a touch sensitive switch to control the activation of a plurality of smaller lights.