Illuminator bracket for a night vision device

A bracket for coupling a flashlight having a removable infrared filter to a night vision device, said bracket comprising:

• a longitudinal tubular member having a first and second end and having a stem emanating from the periphery thereof, said stem having means to pivotally couple said bracket to said night vision device, said means for pivotally coupling said bracket includes an eyelet, said stem further including a support member extending from said tubular member proximate said eyelet, wherein said support member has a section that overhangs a portion of a screw used to fasten said bracket to the night vision device to provide additional support, said tubular member being adapted to encircle a flashlight barrel of a given diameter, whereby said flashlight is insertable within said tubular member to direct infrared light and illuminate a field of view for said night vision device, said flashlight being selectively removable from said tubular member to be used for other illumination purposes.

An assembly for providing supplemental illumination to a night vision device of the type having an image intensifier tube, an objective lens, an ocular lens arrangement and an independent power supply contained within a housing, said assembly comprising:

• illumination means having a separate power source from said night vision device;
• bracket for holding said illumination means and attaching to said night vision device, said bracket including support means for supporting and holding said illumination means, said support means being attachable to said housing of said night vision device, said support means including a protruding stem having an eyelet for use with an adjustment screw for pivotally attaching said bracket to said night vision device, wherein said stem further includes a hood which overhangs a portion of said screw when said bracket is mounted to said housing to thereby increase stability of said bracket and allow adjustability of said screw, said illumination means being selectively operable to illuminate a field of view substantially in front of said night vision device without draining power from said power supply of said night vision device.