US20120137406A1

US20120137406A1 - Sunrise Simulation Sleep Mask

Info

Publication number: US20120137406A1
Application number: US13/314,045
Authority: US
Inventors: Taylor Franklin Hide
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-07
Filing date: 2011-12-07
Publication date: 2012-06-07

Abstract

A sunrise simulation sleep mask for providing a mask that protect outside light from impinging on an individual's eye area during sleep and wakes an individual with light in the morning or when desired. The sunrise simulation sleep mask generally includes a mask apparatus, a light unit attached to the inside of the mask apparatus, a power supply, and a controller attached to the mask apparatus. Alternatively, a receiver and a mobile device may replace the aforementioned controller.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61420737 filed on Dec. 7, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to sleep masks and waking-up devices and more specifically it relates to a sunrise simulation sleep mask for providing a sleep mask that also wakes an individual with light.
2. Description of Related Art
Sleep is a natural part of every individual's life. It is important for normal motor and cognitive function. After sleeping people feel rested and more alert. The alternating cycle of sleeping at night and waking during the day is regulated by exposure to darkness or to light. Scientific study showed that exposure to light stimulates nerve signals from the retina in the eye to a region in the brain called suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is responsible for controlling circadian rhythms. The neuronal and hormonal activities that the SCN generates regulate the entire body to feel sleepy or wide awake. Once SCN is exposed to the first light each day, the SCN begins performing functions like raising body temperature and releasing stimulating hormones like cortisol. The SCN also modulate the production/release of other hormones like melatonin, which is associated with sleep onset.
Therefore, in order to get full sleep and feel refreshed and alert on the next day, it is necessary to sleep in a dark environment where there's no trace light that would stimulate the nerve signal pathway (from the retina in the eye to SCN) to disturb sleep. This requirement seems simple but is difficult to meet for people who need to work at night and sleep during daytime, for people who like to sleep with windows/curtains/blinds open or light on or for people who share rooms with others. Sleeping masks to prevent outside light from shining on an individual's eyes so that an individual can get full sleep without being disturbed by light are known in the art. More specifically, by way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,924,315 to Hemphill et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 2,191,937 to Low; U.S. Pat. No. 2,342,840 to Cadous; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,056 to Spilteri. Sleep masks are commercially available in the marketplace for decades. However, a sleeping mask also prevents an individual from natural awakening by light.
Being awaken up in the morning by an audible alarm clock in the early morning or at night or during winter or under bad weather when it's dark outside can be a torture due to the same mechanism discussed above—the human body needs light to stimulate nerve pathway to initiate signals that control human performing functions. Thus, artificial sunrise lamps/clocks which simulate the sunrise sequence to help people to wake more naturally easily and in a better mood are known in the art. More specifically, by way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,276,339 to Price; U.S. Pat. No. 3,727,395 to Baylor; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,889 to Chadwick. These are also commercially available Sunrise lamps/alarm clocks in the marketplace. However, for people who wear sleeping masks during their sleep cannot benefit from sunrise lamps/alarm clocks because the light will be blocked by the sleeping masks.
Therefore, there exists a need for people who wear sleeping masks during their sleep and like to wake up naturally and easily under the effect of sunrise. So far, there is no invention in the prior art that addresses this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a waking-up device which includes a mask apparatus, a light unit attached to the inside (interior) of the mask, a controller, power supply, receiver, and headphone attached to the mask apparatus, and a mobile device.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
An object of the present invention is to provide a sunrise simulation sleep mask that prevents the outside light from impinging on an individual's eye area during their sleep and wakes an individual with light.
Another object is to provide a sunrise simulation sleep mask that can be programmed to wake an individual at a specified time using light.
Another object is to provide a sunrise simulation sleep mask that illuminates the eye area of the user at a predetermined time.
Another object is to provide a sunrise simulation sleep mask that uses light emitting diode substrate fabric as its light source.
Another object is to provide a sunrise simulation sleep mask that increases the amount of light over a specified period of time.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of this application.
The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claim, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals.

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear view of the present invention showing the inside (interior) of the mask facing the user's face.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention showing the outside of the mask facing away from the user's face.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the mask, retainer, controller, speaker, and power supply affixed to the mask apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a closer view of the controller displaying user inputs and the input display.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the present invention.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B shows two diagrams illustrating two profiles for light intensity and time.

FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the controller is replaced by a receiver and mobile device.

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the mobile device application that performs the functions of the controller.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate a mask apparatus, a light unit attached to the inside of the mask apparatus, a controller, power supply, receiver, and headphone attached to the mask apparatus, and a mobile device.

B. Mask Apparatus

Referring to FIG. 1, 2, 3, there are disclosed a rear view, a front view and a side view of an embodiment according to the present invention. The mask apparatus 10 comprises a mask 12 and a retainer 11. The mask 12 is a structure that covers the face of the user, having an inside (interior) designed to face the user (FIG. 1) and an outside designed to face away from the user (FIG. 2). The mask 12 is preferably made from a fabric or other soft, moldable material that can be contoured to fit the facial features of the user. However, various materials may be utilized for the mask 12. The function of the mask 12 is to prevent light from impinging on the eye area of the user. The interior is contoured to form a cavity so that the mask 12 does not touch the eyes of the user, while still preventing light from impinging on the eye area. The mask 12 conforms to the facial features of the user. The mask 12 is connected to a retainer 11 coupling the mask 12 to the face of the user. The retainer 11 secures the mask apparatus 10 to the user's head. In some embodiments, the retainer 11 will be an elastic band with a fastening device to ensure the mask 12 fits snug on the user's face to prevent any outside light from impinging on the eyes. The mask apparatus 10 is connected to other main elements. The interior (FIG. 1) of the mask 12 is connected to a light unit 20. In some embodiments, the mask 12 comprises a top outer layer and a bottom inner layer; the light unit 20 might be affixed between the two layers. The outer layer (FIG. 2) would lie on top of the light unit 20 and hold the form of the apparatus, and a fabric inner layer beneath the light unit 20 would provide comfort to the user. The mask apparatus 10 is attached to the controller 30 and power supply 40 and headphone 70 (as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). In some embodiments, a receiver 50 in wireless communication with a mobile device 60 will replace the controller 30 and will be affixed to the mask as shown in FIG. 7.
Mask 12 can be made from a variety of fabrics and materials, but will generally seek to use materials that will be lightweight and comfortable while blocking out light. As well, in some embodiments, eye cavity may be omitted. Mask 12 can be made in different shapes, but preferably conforms to the facial features of the user.

C. Light Unit

Now turning back to FIG. 1, the light unit 20 is a structure positioned over the eye area of the user. The light unit 20 comprises a Light Emitting Diode (or “LED” hereinafter) substrate fabric. The function of the light unit 20 is to direct soft light into the user's eye area when activated by the controller 30. The light unit 20 is affixed to the interior of the mask 12 and conforms to the shape and contour of the mask 10. The light unit is connected to the controller 30 (and in some embodiments, the receiver 50 and mobile device 60). The light unit 20 is connected to and powered by the power supply 40.
The light unit 20 is controlled and activated by the controller 30 (and in some embodiments by the receiver 50 and mobile device 60). The light intensity and timing of the light unit 20 are determined by the user inputs 31, 32, 33, 35 (as shown in FIG. 4). The light unit 20 is designed to direct light into the eye area of the user at a specific time to aid in waking the user. Light emitting diode substrate fabric is an improvement over prior art. It allows the light unit to be flexible, lightweight, comfortable, and may prove to be more energy efficient.
In some embodiments, the light emitting diode substrate might be positioned under a first layer of fabric and above a second layer of fabric of the mask 12. The first layer blocks outside light from impinging on user's eye and holds the form of a mask 12; the second layer provides comfort to user and diffuses light while allows the LED light to penetrate through to wake up the user. Although the light emitting diode substrate fabric is the preferred method, other embodiments of similar luminescent fabrics and light sources may be used. As well, in some embodiments, other LED sources light sources, or electroluminescent fabric displays will be used. Different color, wavelength, temperature, arrangement and direction of light may be used.

D. Controller

Referring to FIG. 4, there is disclosed an embodiment of a controller 30 according to the present invention. The controller 30 is a unit that displays, controls, and activates user inputs. The controller 30 comprises a display 34 showing time in hours and minutes and user inputs 31, 32, 33, 35. The function of the controller 30 is to display the user inputs and activate the light unit 20 and headphone 70 as illustrated by the flow chart in FIG. 5 which will be explained in detail in later section. The controller 30 is configured to control the intensity and timing of the light unit 20 and to activate an audible alarm through the headphone 70. The controller 30 is affixed to the mask apparatus 10. The controller 30 is connected to the light unit 20 and headphone 70 through an electronic connection. The controller 30 is connected to and powered by the power supply 40. The controller 30 may have internal memory to help perform its functions. The controller 30 is programmed to activate the light source 20 at a set time and increase the intensity of the light source 20 over a predetermined time (FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B) to simulate a sunrise. The controller 30 is programmed to activate the headphone 70 at a set time to emit an audible alarm (FIG. 5). The method of or arrangement of wiring or connecting the above electronic components and mounting them will be well known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic and mechanical arts. Controller 30 is standardized, arranged to cause it to perform the functions indicated: Specifically, the controller 30 will activate the light unit 20 to simulate a sunrise sequence, where the light unit 20 slowly increases its illumination over a preset period of time (FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B). The controller 30 will activate the headphone 70 to emit an audible alarm at a predetermined time (FIG. 5). Controller 30 is programmed by user to activate the sequence. User inputs the desired alarm time on the controller 30. Sequence will linearly or exponentially increase light intensity over a predetermined time (as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B). In one embodiment, buttons control hours input 31, minutes input 32, alarm activation 33, and end light intensity input 35. In other embodiments, the button and function arrangements may be different. The light and timing profile of the activated alarm will generally follow the sequence outlined in FIG. 5.
In some embodiments, a mobile device 60 and receiver 50 will replace the controller 30 (such as an iPhone—shown in FIG. 7). Acting as a transmitter, the mobile device 60 will control all aforementioned inputs of the controller 30 (as shown in FIG. 8), communicated to and activated by the receiver 50. Alternate timings and light intensity profiles may be used as well. A number of profiles may be programmed by a user that will control the output of light over a period of time, determined by the user inputs.

E. Power Supply

The power supply is a standardized unit that powers the light unit, controller, headphone and receiver. The power supply is affixed to the mask apparatus and connected electronically to the light unit, controller, headphone, and receiver. The method of or arrangement of wiring or connecting the above electronic components and mounting them will be well known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic and mechanical arts.
FIG. 3 shows the power supply 40 (in the form of a battery) attached to the mask apparatus 10. The power supply 40 will power the light unit 20, controller 30, receiver 50 and headphone 70. Preferably, the power supply 40 will be a battery that can provide energy to all connected elements.
Power supply 40 may vary and can include disposable, long life or chargeable batteries.

F. Receiver

Referring to FIG. 7, there is disclosed an alternate embodiment of the present invention which has a mobile device 60 and receiver 50 to replace the controller 30. The receiver 50 is a unit that communicates with the mobile device 60. The function of the receiver 50 is to activate the user inputs from the mobile device 60. The receiver 50 is connected to the light unit 20 and controls the intensity and timing of the light unit 20. The receiver 50 is connected to the headphone 70 and emits an audible alarm. The receiver 50 is affixed to the mask apparatus 10. The receiver 50 is connected to the light unit 20 and headphone 70 through an electronic connection. The receiver 50 is connected to the mobile device 60 through a wireless electronic connection. The receiver 50 is connected to and powered by the power supply 70. The method of or arrangement of wiring or connecting the above electronic components and mounting them will be well known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic and mechanical arts.
Profiles for light intensity and timing will be communicated from the mobile device 60 (from the determined user inputs) and activated by the receiver 50. The receiver 50 is a unit that is in wireless communication with the mobile device 60 and performs the functions of the controller 30. The receiver 50 is standardized. The receiver is affixed to the mask apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 7. The receiver 50 is powered by the power supply 40. The receiver is connected to the light unit 20 and activates the intensity of light. The receiver is connected to the headphone 70 and emits the audible alarm. The receiver 50 is in wireless communication with the mobile device 60 and performs the determined user inputs (light intensity and timing).

G. Mobile Device

In some embodiments, a mobile device and receiver will replace the controller. The mobile device is a unit that communicates with the receiver (preferably an iPhone). The function of the mobile device is to display the user inputs and activate the light unit through the receiver. The mobile device is configured to control the intensity and timing of the light unit. The mobile device performs all the functions aforementioned by the controller, and communicates them to the receiver. The mobile device is connected to the receiver wirelessly and contains its own power supply. The method of or arrangement of wiring or connecting the above electronic components and mounting them will be well known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic and mechanical arts.
Mobile device 60 acts as a transmitter to replace the controller 30, as shown in FIG. 7. A mobile application will perform all functions aforementioned by the controller 30 (as illustrated in FIG. 8). The mobile device 60 is in communication with the receiver 50 and communicates the timing and intensity of the light of the light unit 20. The mobile device will use a software application to perform the function of the controller. Software will have user inputs that will be communicated to and activated by the receiver, as shown in FIG. 8. The mobile device 60 is a unit that displays, controls, and activates user inputs. The mobile device 60 (as shown in FIG. 8) comprises a display showing time in hours and minutes 65 and user inputs 61, 62, 63, 64. The function of the mobile device 60 is to display the user inputs and transmit the inputs to the receiver 50 to activate the light unit 20 and headphone 70 (as shown in FIG. 5). The mobile device 60 is configured to control the intensity and timing of the light unit 20 and to activate an audible alarm through the headphone 70. The mobile device 60 is programmed to activate the light source at a set time and increase the intensity of the light source 20 over a predetermined time. The mobile device 60 is programmed to activate the headphone 70 at a set time and activate an audible alarm (FIG. 5). The method of or arrangement of wiring or connecting the above electronic components and mounting them will be well known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic and mechanical arts. Specifically, the mobile device 60 communicates with the receiver 50 to activate the light unit 20 to simulate a sunrise sequence. The mobile device 60 will activate the headphone 70 to sound an audible alarm at a predetermined time (FIG. 5). Mobile device 60 is programmed by user to activate the sequence. User inputs the desired alarm time on the mobile device 60. In one embodiment, inputs control hours input 61, minutes input 62, alarm activation 63, and end light intensity input 64. In other embodiments, the button and function arrangement of the user inputs may be different.

H. Headphone

The headphone 70 is a standardized unit that, when activated, emits an audible alarm. At least one headphone 70 is affixed to the mask apparatus 10. The headphone 70 is connected to the controller 30 (and in some embodiments, the receiver 50). The headphone 70 is connected to and powered by the power supply 40.
The headphone 70 is controlled and activated by the controller 30 (and in some embodiments by the receiver 50 and mobile device 60). The timing of the audible alarm activation is determined by the user inputs 31, 32, 33. The headphone 70 is designed to sound an audible alarm at the desired alarm time. The headphone 70 is an improvement over prior art. It prevents the user from missing the intended alarm time if the light is not effective in fully arousing them. The headphone 70 may be turned off if desired.
In some embodiments, the headphone 70 can be omitted. Mask apparatus 10 may contain multiple headphones 70.

I. Connections of Main Elements and Sub-Elements of Invention

The mask apparatus 10 comprises the mask 12 and the retainer 11 as illustrated in FIG. 1 through 3 of the drawings. The mask apparatus 10 is attached to the controller 30, power supply 40, and headphone 70 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The mask apparatus 10 may be connected to the main elements via various conventional attachment methods.
The light unit 20 is affixed to the interior of the mask 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings and is positioned over the eye area of the user. The light unit 20 is in electrical communication with the power supply 40, which provides electrical power to the light unit 20. The light unit 20 is in electrical communication with the controller 30. The light unit 20 is controlled and activated by the controller 30.
The controller 30 is affixed to the mask apparatus 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The controller 30 is in electrical communication with the light unit 20 and headphone 70. The controller 30 is in electrical communication with the power supply 40, which provides electrical power to the controller 30.
The headphone 70 is affixed to the mask apparatus 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The headphone 70 is in electrical communication the controller 30. The headphone 70 is in electrical communication with the power supply 40, which provides electrical power to the headphone 70. The headphone 70 is controlled and activated by the controller 30.
FIGS. 2 and 3 shows the power supply 40 (in the form of a battery) attached to the mask apparatus 10. The power supply 40 is in electrical communication with and powers the light unit 20, controller 30, receiver 50, and headphone 70. The method of or arrangement of wiring or connecting the above electronic components and mounting them will be well known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic and mechanical arts.
1st Alternative Variation:
Alternatively, the controller 30 may be omitted and replaced instead by a receiver 50 in wireless communication with a mobile device 60 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The receiver 50 is affixed to the mask apparatus 10 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The receiver 50 is in electrical communication with the light unit 20 and headphone 70. The receiver 50 is in electrical communication with the power supply 40, which provides electrical power to the receiver 50.
The receiver 50 is in wireless connection with the mobile device 60 to activate the light unit 20 and headphone 70. The mobile device 60 will use a software application to perform the function of the controller 30. Software will have user inputs 61, 62, 63, 64 that will be communicated to and activated by the receiver 50, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The method of or arrangement of wiring or connecting the above electronic components and mounting them will be well known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic and mechanical arts.

J. Alternative Embodiments of Invention

In some embodiments, a mobile device 60 and receiver 50 will replace the controller 30, as shown in FIG. 7. The method of or arrangement of wiring or connecting the above electronic components and mounting them will be well known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic and mechanical arts. Receiver 50 will activate the light intensity and timing of the light unit 20. The receiver 50 will activate the headphone. Profiles for light intensity and timing will be communicated from the mobile device 60 (from the determined user inputs) and activated by the receiver 50. The receiver 50 is a unit that is in wireless communication with the mobile device 60 to activate the functions of the controller 30. The receiver 50 is standardized. The receiver 50 is affixed to the mask apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 7. The receiver 50 is powered by the power supply 40. The receiver 50 is connected to the light unit 20 and activates the intensity of light. The receiver 50 is connected to the headphone 70 and activates the audible alarm. The receiver 50 is in wireless communication with the mobile device 60 and performs the determined user inputs (light intensity and timing).
Mobile device 60 acts as a transmitter to replace the controller 30, as shown in FIG. 7. A mobile device 60 application will perform all functions aforementioned by the controller 30. The mobile device 60 is in communication with the receiver 50 and communicates the timing and intensity of the light. The mobile device 60 will use a software application to perform the function of the controller 30. Software will have user inputs that will be communicated to and activated by the receiver 50, as shown in FIG. 8.

K. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

Returning to FIG. 4, there is disclosed a front view of the controller of the present invention and FIG. 5, there is disclosed a flow chart illustrating operation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Before sleep, user inputs the desired alarm time and intensity on the controller 30 (or in some embodiments, the mobile device 60). User sets the alarm time by inputting the hour input 31, and the minute input 32 on the controller 30. User also sets the ending light intensity with the end light intensity input 35 on the controller 30. Desired alarm time displays on the display 34 on the controller 30 and indicates the time that the user would like to be woken up (FIG. 4). User activates the alarm with the activation input 33. User then secures the mask 12 to the user's face by adjusting the retainer 11 to a comfortable fit. 30 minutes before the desired alarm time, the controller 30 (or mobile device 60) activates the light unit 20 to start the sunrise simulation sequence (FIG. 5). The light unit 20 gradually grows brighter in a linear or exponential fashion (FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B) until it reaches the desired alarm time and intensity. At the desired alarm time, the headphone 70 emits an audible alarm to prevent the user from sleeping through the desired alarm time. Light unit 20 turns off at the end of the sequence or is deactivated by the user using the controller 30 by pressing the activation input 34.
What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.
While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are entitled.

Claims

1. A sunrise simulation sleep mask comprising:

(a) a mask apparatus comprises a mask and a retainer, the mask is a structure that covers the eye area of a user, having an inside designed to face the user and an outside designed to face away from the user, the retainer is attached to the mask and coupling the mask to the user's face and secures the mask to the user's head;

(b) a light unit designed to direct light into the eye area of the user at a specific time to aid in waking the user is attached to the mask;

(c) a means for controlling the light unit and the headphone is attached to the mask apparatus and is electronically connected to the light unit and the headphone; and

(d) a power supply is attached to the mask apparatus, providing electricity to the light unit, headphone, and means for controlling the light unit and headphone.

2. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 1 further comprising at least one headphone to emit audible alarm at a specific time is attached to the mask apparatus.

3. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 2 wherein the means for controlling the light unit and the headphone is a controller which comprises a display that shows time in clock format and user inputs that control the light unit and headphone, the controller is configured to activate the user inputs to control the intensity and timing of the light unit and to emit an audible alarm through the headphone.

4. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 3 wherein the controller has built-in programs to select to activate the light source at a set time and linearly or exponentially increase the light intensity over a predetermined time to simulate a sunrise sequence.

5. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 4 wherein the controller can be programmed by the user to simulate a sunrise sequence instead of using built-in programs.

6. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 2 wherein the means for controlling the light unit and the headphone is a receiver which is in wireless communication with a mobile device, the user's inputs that control the light unit and headphone are made through the mobile device and transmitted to the receiver which in turns activates the inputs to control the intensity and timing of the light unit and to emit an audible alarm through the headphone.

7. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 1 wherein the light unit is attached to the side of the mask facing the user.

8. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 1 wherein the mask comprises two layers, a top layer and a bottom layer, the light unit is affixed between the two layers, the top layer over the light unit can hold the form of the mask apparatus and the bottom fabric layer can provide comfort to the users eye area and allow the light from the light unit to penetrate and diffuse through.

9. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 1 wherein the mask can be made from a variety of fabrics and materials, preferably materials that are lightweight, comfortable, and can block out light.

10. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 1 wherein the mask can have eye cavity or cavities.

11. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 1 wherein the retainer is an elastic band with a fastening means to ensure the mask fits snug on the user's face to prevent any outside light from impinging on the eyes.

12. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 1 wherein various luminescent fabrics, light sources, colors, wavelengths, temperatures, arrangements and directions of light may be used in the light unit.

13. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 12 wherein the light unit comprises a light emitting diode substrate fabric.

14. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 6 further comprising a mobile device in wireless communication with the receiver, the mobile device comprises a display showing time in clock format and user inputs, and activates the user inputs and controls the light unit and the headphone through the receiver.

15. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 14 where in the mobile device is programmed to activate the light source at a set time and increase the intensity of the light source over a predetermined time, the mobile device is programmed to activate the headphone at a set time and activate an audible alarm.

16. A sunrise simulation sleep mask comprising:

(a) a mask apparatus comprises a mask and a retainer, the mask is a structure that covers the eye area of a user, having an inside facing the user and an outside facing away from the user, the retainer is attached to the mask and coupling the mask to the user's face and secures the mask to the user's head;

(b) a light unit designed to direct light into the eye area of the user at a specific time to aid in waking the user comprising a light emitting diode substrate fabric is attached to the mask;

(c) at least one headphone to emit audible alarm at a specific time is attached to the mask apparatus;

(d) a controller comprising a display that shows time in clock format and user inputs that control the light unit and headphone is attached to the mask apparatus and electronically connected to the light unit and headphone, the controller is configured to activate the user inputs to control the intensity and timing of the light unit and to emit an audible alarm through the headphone; and

(e) a power supply is attached to the mask apparatus, providing electricity to the light unit, headphone, and controller.

17. A sunrise simulation sleep mask comprising:

(d) a receiver which is attached to the mask apparatus and electronically connected to the light unit and headphone, receives and activates user's inputs to control the light unit and headphone via wireless communication with a mobile device where the user's inputs to control light unit and headphone are made through and transmitted; and

(e) a power supply is attached to the mask apparatus, providing electricity to the light unit, headphone, and receiver.

18. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 17 further comprising a mobile device in wireless communication with the receiver, the mobile device comprises a display showing time in clock format and user inputs, and activates the user inputs and controls the light unit and the headphone through the receiver.

19. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 16 wherein the mask comprises two layers, a top layer and a bottom layer, and the light unit is affixed between the two layers, the top layer over the light unit can hold the form of the mask apparatus and the bottom fabric layer can provide comfort to the users eye area and allow the light from the light unit to penetrate and diffuse through.

20. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 17 wherein the mask comprises two layers, a top layer and a bottom layer, and the light unit is affixed between the two layers, the top layer over the light unit can hold the form of the mask apparatus and the bottom fabric layer can provide comfort to the users eye area and allow the light from the light unit to penetrate and diffuse through.