US20230358375A1 - Illumination devices - Google Patents
Illumination devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230358375A1 US20230358375A1 US18/120,588 US202318120588A US2023358375A1 US 20230358375 A1 US20230358375 A1 US 20230358375A1 US 202318120588 A US202318120588 A US 202318120588A US 2023358375 A1 US2023358375 A1 US 2023358375A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- light
- battery
- coupled
- user
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 42
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 abstract description 31
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 abstract description 31
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 abstract description 31
- 230000005291 magnetic effect Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 8
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 241000282461 Canis lupus Species 0.000 description 2
- 229910052779 Neodymium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000003302 ferromagnetic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000696 magnetic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- QEFYFXOXNSNQGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N neodymium atom Chemical compound [Nd] QEFYFXOXNSNQGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052987 metal hydride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N nickel Substances [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- -1 nickel metal hydride Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000005336 safety glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
- F21L4/00—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells
- F21L4/06—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells with the light source coupled to the remainder of the device solely by cable
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/001—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electrical wires or cables
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/06—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being coupling devices, e.g. connectors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
- G02C11/00—Non-optical adjuncts; Attachment thereof
- G02C11/04—Illuminating means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/30—Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure
- A61B2090/309—Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure using white LEDs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/30—Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure
- A61B90/35—Supports therefor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
- F21V23/0414—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches specially adapted to be used with portable lighting devices
Definitions
- Illumination devices may be used to illuminate an area of interest. Illumination devices may be coupled to eyewear such as surgical loupes and dental loupes. Illumination devices may be turned on and off with light controls.
- the user may need to operate the controls to turn on the illumination device.
- the illumination device When the illumination device is removed from the face of a user, the illumination device may remain on, and the user may need to remember and then operate the controls to turn off the illumination device. This may be inconvenient, especially if the eyewear is frequently worn on and removed from the face of the user.
- an illumination device which automatically turns on when the eyewear is worn on the face of a user.
- an illumination device which automatically turns off when the eyewear is removed from the face of a user.
- Illumination devices may be turned on and off with controls that are touched with the hands. This may not be hygienic if the hands are not clean.
- Illumination devices are described. Illumination devices may be for use with eyewear capable of being worn on a face of a user.
- an illumination device may comprise a battery assembly having a battery housing and a battery connector.
- the battery assembly may be configured to be worn by the user.
- the illumination device may also comprise a light assembly having a light source coupled by a wire to a light connector.
- the light connector may be capable of being electrically coupled to the battery connector.
- the light assembly may be configured to be coupled to the eyewear.
- the illumination device may also comprise a hinge coupling hingedly coupling the light connector to the battery connector.
- the hinge coupling may have a closed configuration in which the light connector is electrically coupled to the battery connector.
- the hinge coupling may have an open configuration in which the light connector is not electrically coupled to the battery connector.
- FIGS. 1 A- 1 B show one embodiment of an illumination device 1000 .
- FIG. 1 A shows illumination device 1000 .
- FIG. 1 B shows illumination device 1000 , with battery assembly 1100 worn by a user and light assembly 1200 coupled to eyewear E.
- FIGS. 2 A- 2 C show perspective, rear, and top views of one embodiment of a battery assembly 1100 .
- FIG. 2 D shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a battery connector 1130 .
- FIG. 3 A shows one embodiment of a light assembly 1200 .
- FIGS. 3 B- 3 C show cross-sectional views of one embodiment of a light connector 1230 .
- FIG. 4 A shows one embodiment of an orientation of battery connector 1130 .
- FIG. 4 B shows another embodiment of an orientation of battery connector 1130 .
- FIGS. 5 A- 5 B show one embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300 .
- FIGS. 5 C- 5 D show another embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300 .
- FIGS. 5 E- 5 F show another embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300 .
- FIGS. 6 A- 6 B and 7 A- 7 B show one embodiment of a method of using illumination device 1000 .
- FIGS. 6 A- 6 B show a side view of the method.
- FIGS. 7 A- 7 B show a rear view of the method.
- FIGS. 8 A- 8 B show another embodiment of a method of using illumination device 1000 .
- FIGS. 1 A- 1 B show one embodiment of an illumination device 1000 .
- FIG. 1 A shows illumination device 1000 .
- FIG. 1 B shows illumination device 1000 , with battery assembly 1100 worn by a user and light assembly 1200 coupled to eyewear E.
- Illumination device 1000 may include a battery assembly 1100 .
- Battery assembly 1100 may be configured to be worn by a user.
- FIGS. 2 A- 2 C show perspective, rear, and top views of one embodiment of a battery assembly 1100 .
- FIG. 2 D shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a battery connector 1130 .
- Battery assembly 1100 may include a battery housing 1110 .
- Battery housing 1110 may be configured to be worn by a user.
- Battery housing 1110 may be configured to be worn at least partially around the neck of a user.
- Battery housing 1110 may be any suitable shape. At least a portion of the battery housing 1110 may be worn behind the neck of a user, or around the back of the neck of a user.
- Battery housing 1110 may be U-shaped. Battery housing 1110 may include a left portion 1111 and a right portion 1112 coupled to a center portion 1113 . Center portion 1113 may be configured to be worn behind the neck of a user, or around the back of the neck of a user. Center portion 1113 may have a width and/or cross-section that is smaller than left portion 1111 and/or right portion 1112 . Left portion 1111 and right portion 1112 may be configured to extend forward along the sides of the neck of a user, or over the shoulders near the neck of a user. Left portion 1111 and right portion 1112 may be able to flex outward to fit around the neck of a user. Left portion 1111 and right portion 1112 may curve downward to fit closer to the upper chest of a user. Battery housing 1110 may have a cross-section that is one or more of rectangular, circular, oval, and any other suitable shape.
- Battery housing 1110 may include a pod 1114 .
- Pod 1114 may be coupled to center portion 1113 of battery housing 1110 .
- Pod 1114 may be formed as part of or separate from battery housing 1110 .
- Battery assembly 1100 may include a light control 1115 .
- Light control 1115 may be configured to be operated by a part of the face of a user.
- Light control 1115 may be configured to be operated by one or more of the chin, jaw, cheek, and mouth of a user.
- Light control 1115 may be positioned to be operated by a part of the face of a user. Light control 1115 may be positioned within reach of a part of the face of a user. Light control 1115 may be coupled to an top surface 1110 t of battery housing 1110 , such as the top surface of left portion 1111 and/or the top surface of right portion 1112 . Alternatively, or in addition, light control 1115 may be coupled to a bottom surface of battery housing 1110 , such as the bottom surface of left portion 1111 and/or the bottom surface of right portion 1112 , and operated by activating the switch between a part of the face of a user and the upper chest of a user.
- Light control 1115 may include one or more of a button, capacitive sensor, IR sensor, or any other suitable device. Light control 1115 may include one or more devices.
- Light control 1115 may be sized to be operated by a part of the face of a user. Light control 1115 may be sufficiently large to be operated by a part of the face of a user. Light control 1115 may have a diameter and/or width of approximately 1 ⁇ 8 inch to approximately 2 inch. Light control 1115 may protrude from a surface of battery housing 1110 to allow it to be operated by a part of the face of a user. Light control 1115 may protrude approximately 1/16 inch to approximately 3 ⁇ 4 inch from a surface of battery housing 1110 .
- Light control 1115 may include a power switch 1116 .
- Light control 1115 may include a brightness control.
- Light control 1115 may include a wavelength control.
- Battery assembly 1100 may include a brightness control 1117 .
- Brightness control 1117 may be coupled to pod 1114 or any other part of battery housing 1110 .
- Brightness control 1117 may include one or more of a button, capacitive sensor, IR sensor, or any other suitable device.
- Brightness control 1117 may include one or more devices.
- Battery assembly 1100 may include a recharging port 1118 .
- Recharging port 1118 may be coupled to pod 1114 or any other part of battery housing 1110 .
- Battery assembly 1100 may include a battery connector 1130 .
- Battery connector 1130 may be coupled to a portion of battery housing 1110 worn behind the neck of a user.
- Battery connector 1130 may be coupled to center portion 1113 of battery housing 1110 .
- Battery connector 1130 may have a longitudinal axis 1130 x.
- Battery connector 1130 may include one or more battery contacts 1131 .
- Battery contacts 1131 may include one or more of a pin, contact pad, and any other suitable contact.
- Battery contacts 1131 may include contact pads that are one or more of circular, ring-shaped, and any other suitable shape.
- Battery contacts 1131 may include one or more contact pads that are concentric.
- Battery connector 1130 may include an alignment feature 1132 .
- Alignment feature 1132 may protrude from a surface of battery housing 1110 .
- Alignment feature 1132 may be circular, octagonal, hexagonal, square, or any other suitable shape.
- Battery connector 1130 may include an attachment element 1133 .
- Attachment element 1133 may be at least partially made of a magnetic material such as neodymium, a ferromagnetic material such as iron, or other suitable material.
- Attachment element 1133 may be shaped like a ring, or any other suitable shape. Attachment element 1133 may form at least a portion of alignment feature 1132 .
- Battery assembly 1100 may include one or more battery cells 1140 .
- One or more battery cells 1140 may be coupled to left portion 1111 and/or right portion 1112 .
- Battery cells 1140 may include one or more of lithium ion, nickel metal hydride, alkaline, and any other suitable power source.
- Battery assembly 1100 may have sufficient weight to resist being moved by a light assembly 1200 .
- Battery assembly 1100 may have a weight of approximately 0.5 ounces to approximately 12 ounces.
- Battery cells 1140 may weight battery housing 1110 forward when battery housing 1110 is worn by a user, and help to keep battery assembly 1100 in place when worn by a user.
- Illumination device 1000 may include a light assembly 1200 .
- Light assembly 1200 may be configured to be coupled to eyewear E.
- Light assembly 1200 may be coupled to the bridge, the temple, or any other suitable location of eyewear E.
- Eyewear E may be configured to be worn by a user.
- Eyewear E may include a surgical loupe, a dental loupe, safety glasses, or any other eyewear.
- Eyewear E may be used with an eyewear retainer R.
- Light assembly 1200 may be configured to be coupled to a mask, headwear, or any other article worn on the face or head.
- FIG. 3 A shows one embodiment of a light assembly 1200 .
- FIGS. 3 B- 3 C show cross-sectional views of one embodiment of a light connector 1230 .
- Light assembly 1200 may include a light housing 1210 .
- Light housing 1210 may be configured to be coupled to eyewear E, such as the bridge or the temple of eyewear E.
- Light assembly 1200 may include a light source 1220 .
- Light source 1220 may be coupled to light housing 1210 .
- Light source 1220 may include one or more of an LED, an incandescent bulb, and any other suitable light source.
- Light source 1220 may produce one or more of visible light, UV light, IR light, and any other suitable wavelengths.
- Light assembly 1200 may include a light connector 1230 .
- Light connector 1230 may be capable of being electrically coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Light assembly 1200 may be capable of receiving power from battery assembly 1100 when light connector 1230 is electrically coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Light connector 1230 may include a side surface 1230 s .
- Side surface 1230 s of light connector 1230 may have at least a portion that is substantially flat.
- Light connector 1230 may have a diameter and/or width of approximately 1 ⁇ 8 inch or more.
- Light connector 1230 may include one or more light contacts 1231 .
- Light contacts 1231 may be capable of being electrically coupled to battery contacts 1131 .
- Light contacts 1231 may include one or more of pins, contact pads, and any other suitable contact.
- Light contacts 1231 may include one or more pogo pins.
- Light connector 1230 may include a lip 1232 .
- Lip 1232 may at least partially surround light contacts 1231 .
- Lip 1232 may be circular, octagonal, hexagonal, square, or any other suitable shape.
- Light connector 1230 may be capable of being fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Lip 1232 of light connector 1230 and alignment feature 1132 of battery connector 1130 may align and/or center light connector 1230 with battery connector 1130 .
- Lip 1232 may include an inner surface 1232 i that is angled or beveled to align and/or center light connector 1230 with battery connector 1130 .
- Lip 1232 of light connector 1230 may be capable of fitting and/or cooperating with alignment feature 1132 of battery connector 1130 .
- Lip 1232 of light connector 1230 may be capable of fitting into and/or around alignment feature 1132 of battery connector 1130 .
- Light connector 1230 may have a clearance fit with battery connector 1130 .
- light connector 1230 When light connector 1230 is fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 , light connector 1230 is electrically coupled to battery connector 1130 . When light connector 1230 is fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 , light contacts 1231 are electrically coupled to battery contacts 1131 .
- Light connector 1230 may include an attachment element 1233 .
- Attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 may be magnetically attracted to attachment element 1133 of battery connector.
- Attachment element 1233 may be at least partially made of a magnetic material such as neodymium, a ferromagnetic material such as iron, or other suitable material.
- Attachment element 1233 may be shaped like a ring, or any other suitable shape.
- Light connector 1230 may be capable of being magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 may be capable of being magnetically coupled to attachment element 1133 of battery connector 1130 .
- Light connector 1230 may become magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 when light connector 1230 is brought close to battery connector 1130 .
- Attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 may be urged toward attachment element 1133 of battery connector 1130 when light connector 1230 is brought close to battery connector 1130 .
- Light connector 1230 may become magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 when light connector 1230 is brought approximately 1 inch or less to battery connector 1130 .
- Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 whether or not light connector 1230 is electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 . When light connector 1230 is not electrically coupled or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 , light connector 1230 may remain magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 , such as on side surface 1230 s of light connector 1230 .
- attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 of battery connector 1130 may bias light contacts 1231 against battery contacts 1131 .
- Attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 may have a size similar to attachment element 1133 of battery connector 1130 .
- Attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 may have approximately the same diameter and/or width as attachment element 1133 of battery connector 1130 .
- Attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 of battery connector 1130 may help to align and/or center light connector 1230 with battery connector 1130 .
- Light connector 1230 may include a strain relief 1239 .
- Strain relief 1239 may have a height of approximately 0.25 inches or more.
- Light assembly 1200 may include a wire 1240 .
- Wire 1240 may include a front portion 1240 f coupled to light housing 1210 and/or light source 1220 .
- Wire 1240 may include a back portion 1240 b coupled to light connector 1230 .
- Back portion 1240 b may be coupled to a center of light connector 1230 , or any other suitable portion of light connector 1230 .
- Wire 1240 may electrically couple light source 1220 to light connector 1230 .
- Wire 1240 may carry power and/or a control signal.
- Wire 1240 may be configured to be coupled to eyewear E, such as to the temple of eyewear E.
- Wire 1240 may be coupled to eyewear E at an attachment point 1240 a .
- Attachment point 1240 a may be adjusted along wire 1240 and/or on eyewear E.
- Wire 1240 may be coupled to eyewear E with an attachment 1241 , such as a clip or a loop.
- Light connector 1230 may be configured to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user. Light connector 1230 may be configured to be not electrically coupled and not fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 when eyewear E is not worn on the face of a user.
- Wire 1240 may have an actual length, which may be the length of wire 1240 between light source 1220 and light connector 1230 .
- Wire 1240 may have an effective length, which may be the length of wire 1240 between attachment point 1240 a and light connector 1230 .
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be adjusted by changing attachment point 1240 a .
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be equal to the actual length if there is no attachment point 1240 a.
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be configured to cause and/or allow light connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user.
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be long enough to cause and/or allow light connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user.
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be configured depending on a distance between attachment point 1240 a and battery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user.
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be configured depending on the size of the head of a user.
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be configured to not allow light connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 when eyewear E is not worn on the face of a user.
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be short enough to not allow light connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 when eyewear E is not worn on the face of a user.
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be configured depending on a distance between attachment point 1240 a and battery connector 1130 when eyewear E is not worn on a the face of a user, such as when eyewear E is rested on the upper torso or the chest of a user.
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be configured depending on where eyewear E is rested on a user, which may depend on a length of eyewear retainer R, which may be adjustable.
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be configured to cause and/or allow light connector 1230 to be magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user.
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be long enough to cause and/or allow light connector 1230 to be magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user.
- the effective length of wire 1240 may be configured to allow light connector 1230 to remain magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 , such as on side surface 1230 s of light connector 1230 , when eyewear E is not worn on the face of a user.
- Wire 1240 may have an actual length of approximately 10 inches to approximately 30 inches, or approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches. Wire 1240 may have an effective length of approximately 10 inches to approximately 30 inches, or approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches. Wire 1240 may have a diameter of approximately 28 AWG to approximately 16 AWG. Wire 1240 may include stranded and/or solid wire.
- FIG. 4 A shows one embodiment of an orientation of battery connector 1130 .
- Battery connector 1130 may be coupled to a back surface 1110 b of battery housing 1110 .
- Battery connector 1130 may be coupled to a back surface 1114 b of pod 1114 .
- Battery connector 1130 may face in the back direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the back direction.
- battery connector 1130 may face up, down, or any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction.
- Longitudinal axis 1130 x of battery connector 1130 may point in the back direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the back direction.
- longitudinal axis 1130 x of battery connector 1130 may point up, down, or any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction.
- strain relief 1239 and/or back portion 1240 b of wire 1240 may extend from light connector 1230 in the back direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the back direction.
- strain relief 1239 and/or back portion 1240 b of wire 1240 may extend up, down, or any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction.
- FIG. 4 B shows another embodiment of an orientation of battery connector 1130 .
- Battery connector 1130 may be coupled to a side surface 1110 s of battery housing 1110 .
- Battery connector 1130 may be coupled to a side surface 1114 s of pod 1114 .
- Battery connector 1130 may face the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the left direction or the right direction.
- Longitudinal axis 1130 x of battery connector 1130 may point in the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the left direction or the right direction.
- strain relief 1239 and/or back portion 1240 b of wire 1240 may extend from light connector 1230 in the back direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the back direction.
- strain relief 1239 and/or back portion 1240 b of wire 1240 may extend up, down, or any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction.
- Illumination device 1000 may include a hinge coupling 1300 .
- Hinge coupling 1300 may be coupled to light connector 1230 and battery connector 1130 .
- Hinge coupling 1300 may hingedly couple light connector 1230 to battery connector 1130 .
- Hinge coupling 1300 may be configured to keep light connector 1230 hingedly coupled to battery connector 1130 whether or not light connector 1230 is electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Hinge coupling 1300 may have a closed configuration and an open configuration.
- light connector 1230 may be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- light connector 1230 In the open configuration, light connector 1230 may be in any position where light connector 1230 is not electrically coupled or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Hinge coupling 1300 may be biased toward the closed configuration, and only be in the open configuration when held or maintained in the open configuration. Alternatively, hinge coupling 1300 may be stable in both the closed configuration and the open configuration.
- FIGS. 5 A- 5 B shows one embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300 .
- Hinge coupling 1300 may include a magnetic hinge 1310 .
- Magnetic hinge 1310 may include attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 of battery connector 1130 .
- Magnetic hinge 1310 may include lip 1232 of light connector 1230 and alignment feature 1132 of battery connector 1130 .
- FIG. 5 A shows magnetic hinge 1310 in a closed configuration.
- Light connector 1230 may be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- FIG. 5 B shows magnetic hinge 1310 in an open configuration.
- Light connector 1230 is not electrically coupled or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Side surface 1230 s of light connector 1230 may rest on or against battery connector 1130 .
- Edge of lip 1232 may rest against alignment feature 1132 .
- Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 when magnetic hinge 1310 is in both the closed configuration and the open configuration.
- Attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled to attachment element 1133 of battery connector 1130 when magnetic hinge 1310 is in both the closed configuration and the open configuration.
- Lip 1232 of light connector 1230 may cooperate with alignment feature 1132 of battery connector 1130 to open magnetic hinge 1310 . Lip 1232 of light connector 1230 may press against alignment feature 1132 of battery connector 1130 to open magnetic hinge 1310 .
- Magnetic hinge 1310 may be broken by separating light connector 1230 and battery connector 1130 to separate attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 of battery connector 1130 .
- light connector 1230 may be not magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- FIGS. 5 C- 5 D show another embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300 .
- Hinge coupling 1300 may include a mechanical hinge 1320 .
- Mechanical hinge 1320 may include a first leaf 1321 and a second leaf 1322 coupled by a joint 1323 .
- First leaf 1321 may be coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Second leaf 1322 may be coupled to light connector 1230 .
- First leaf 1321 may be separably coupled to second leaf 1322 .
- Mechanical hinge 1320 may be spring-loaded to be biased toward the closed configuration.
- FIG. 5 C shows mechanical hinge 1320 in a closed configuration.
- Light connector 1230 may be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- FIG. 5 D shows mechanical hinge 1320 in an open configuration.
- Light connector 1230 is not electrically coupled or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 or not.
- Mechanical hinge 1320 may be broken by disassembling joint 1323 to separate second leaf 1322 and first leaf 1321 .
- FIGS. 5 E- 5 F show another embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300 .
- Hinge coupling 1300 may include a tether coupling 1330 .
- Tether coupling 1330 may include a first end portion 1331 and a second end portion 1332 .
- First end portion 1331 may be coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Second end portion 1332 may be coupled to light connector 1230 .
- FIG. 5 E shows tether coupling 1330 in a closed configuration.
- Light connector 1230 may be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- FIG. 5 F shows tether coupling 1330 in an open configuration.
- Light connector 1230 is not electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 or not.
- FIGS. 6 A- 6 B and 7 A- 7 B show one embodiment of a method of using illumination device 1000 .
- FIGS. 6 A- 6 B show a side view of the method.
- FIGS. 7 A- 7 B show a rear view of the method.
- Battery assembly 1100 is worn by a user.
- Light assembly 1200 is coupled to eyewear E.
- Hinge 1300 hingedly couples light connector 1230 to battery connector 1130 .
- FIGS. 6 A and 7 A show wearing eyewear E on the face to cause and/or allow light connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Wearing eyewear E on the face gives enough of wire 1240 to cause and/or allow hinge coupling 1300 to close into the closed configuration, and causes and/or allows light connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 of battery connector 1130 urges light connector 1230 toward battery connector 1130 , and light connector 1230 is magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- FIGS. 6 B and 7 B show removing eyewear E from the face to cause light connector 1230 to be not electrically coupled and/or not fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Removing eyewear E from the face pulls enough of wire 1240 to cause hinge coupling 1300 to open into the open configuration, and/or to cause light connector 1230 to be not electrically coupled and/or not fittingly coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Attachment element 1233 of light connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 of battery connector 1130 may keep light connector 1230 magnetically coupled to battery connector 1130 .
- Side surface 1230 s of light connector 1230 may rest on or against battery connector 1130 .
- Removing eyewear E from the face exerts a pull force on wire 1240 , overcomes the magnetic attraction between light connector 1230 and battery connector 1130 , and causes hinge coupling 1300 to open into the open configuration.
- the pull force needed on wire 1240 may be reduced by a moment arm created by the height of strain relief 1239 and/or the width of light connector 1230 .
- FIGS. 8 A- 8 B show another embodiment of a method of using illumination device 1000 .
- FIG. 8 A shows battery assembly 1100 worn by a user, light assembly 1200 coupled to eyewear E, and eyewear E worn on the face of the user.
- FIG. 8 B shows operating light control 1115 with a part of the face of a user.
- Operating light control 1115 may include pressing a power switch 1116 with the chin of the user to turn on light source 1220 .
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Abstract
Illumination devices are described. Illumination devices may be for use with eyewear capable of being worn on a face of a user. In one embodiment, an illumination device may comprise a battery assembly having a battery housing and a battery connector. The battery assembly may be configured to be worn by the user. The illumination device may also comprise a light assembly having a light source coupled by a wire to a light connector. The light connector may be capable of being electrically coupled to the battery connector. The light assembly may be configured to be coupled to the eyewear. The illumination device may also comprise a hinge coupling hingedly coupling the light connector to the battery connector. The hinge coupling may have a closed configuration in which the light connector is electrically coupled to the battery connector. The hinge coupling may have an open configuration in which the light connector is not electrically coupled to the battery connector.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/718,131, filed Apr. 11, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/677,617, filed Nov. 7, 2019. The applications listed above are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
- Illumination devices may be used to illuminate an area of interest. Illumination devices may be coupled to eyewear such as surgical loupes and dental loupes. Illumination devices may be turned on and off with light controls.
- When an illumination device is worn on the face of the user, the user may need to operate the controls to turn on the illumination device. When the illumination device is removed from the face of a user, the illumination device may remain on, and the user may need to remember and then operate the controls to turn off the illumination device. This may be inconvenient, especially if the eyewear is frequently worn on and removed from the face of the user.
- What is needed is an illumination device which automatically turns on when the eyewear is worn on the face of a user. What is needed is an illumination device which automatically turns off when the eyewear is removed from the face of a user.
- Illumination devices may be turned on and off with controls that are touched with the hands. This may not be hygienic if the hands are not clean.
- What is needed is an illumination device that may be turned on and off without being touched by the hands.
- Illumination devices are described. Illumination devices may be for use with eyewear capable of being worn on a face of a user. In one embodiment, an illumination device may comprise a battery assembly having a battery housing and a battery connector. The battery assembly may be configured to be worn by the user. The illumination device may also comprise a light assembly having a light source coupled by a wire to a light connector. The light connector may be capable of being electrically coupled to the battery connector. The light assembly may be configured to be coupled to the eyewear. The illumination device may also comprise a hinge coupling hingedly coupling the light connector to the battery connector. The hinge coupling may have a closed configuration in which the light connector is electrically coupled to the battery connector. The hinge coupling may have an open configuration in which the light connector is not electrically coupled to the battery connector.
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FIGS. 1A-1B show one embodiment of anillumination device 1000. -
FIG. 1A showsillumination device 1000.FIG. 1B showsillumination device 1000, withbattery assembly 1100 worn by a user andlight assembly 1200 coupled to eyewear E. -
FIGS. 2A-2C show perspective, rear, and top views of one embodiment of abattery assembly 1100.FIG. 2D shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of abattery connector 1130. -
FIG. 3A shows one embodiment of alight assembly 1200.FIGS. 3B-3C show cross-sectional views of one embodiment of alight connector 1230. -
FIG. 4A shows one embodiment of an orientation ofbattery connector 1130.FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of an orientation ofbattery connector 1130. -
FIGS. 5A-5B show one embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300. -
FIGS. 5C-5D show another embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300.FIGS. 5E-5F show another embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300. -
FIGS. 6A-6B and 7A-7B show one embodiment of a method of usingillumination device 1000.FIGS. 6A-6B show a side view of the method.FIGS. 7A-7B show a rear view of the method. -
FIGS. 8A-8B show another embodiment of a method of usingillumination device 1000. -
FIGS. 1A-1B show one embodiment of anillumination device 1000. -
FIG. 1A showsillumination device 1000.FIG. 1B showsillumination device 1000, withbattery assembly 1100 worn by a user andlight assembly 1200 coupled to eyewear E. -
Illumination device 1000 may include abattery assembly 1100.Battery assembly 1100 may be configured to be worn by a user. -
FIGS. 2A-2C show perspective, rear, and top views of one embodiment of abattery assembly 1100.FIG. 2D shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of abattery connector 1130. -
Battery assembly 1100 may include abattery housing 1110.Battery housing 1110 may be configured to be worn by a user.Battery housing 1110 may be configured to be worn at least partially around the neck of a user. -
Battery housing 1110 may be any suitable shape. At least a portion of thebattery housing 1110 may be worn behind the neck of a user, or around the back of the neck of a user. -
Battery housing 1110 may be U-shaped.Battery housing 1110 may include a left portion 1111 and aright portion 1112 coupled to acenter portion 1113.Center portion 1113 may be configured to be worn behind the neck of a user, or around the back of the neck of a user.Center portion 1113 may have a width and/or cross-section that is smaller than left portion 1111 and/orright portion 1112. Left portion 1111 andright portion 1112 may be configured to extend forward along the sides of the neck of a user, or over the shoulders near the neck of a user. Left portion 1111 andright portion 1112 may be able to flex outward to fit around the neck of a user. Left portion 1111 andright portion 1112 may curve downward to fit closer to the upper chest of a user.Battery housing 1110 may have a cross-section that is one or more of rectangular, circular, oval, and any other suitable shape. -
Battery housing 1110 may include apod 1114.Pod 1114 may be coupled tocenter portion 1113 ofbattery housing 1110.Pod 1114 may be formed as part of or separate frombattery housing 1110. -
Battery assembly 1100 may include alight control 1115.Light control 1115 may be configured to be operated by a part of the face of a user.Light control 1115 may be configured to be operated by one or more of the chin, jaw, cheek, and mouth of a user. -
Light control 1115 may be positioned to be operated by a part of the face of a user.Light control 1115 may be positioned within reach of a part of the face of a user.Light control 1115 may be coupled to antop surface 1110 t ofbattery housing 1110, such as the top surface of left portion 1111 and/or the top surface ofright portion 1112. Alternatively, or in addition,light control 1115 may be coupled to a bottom surface ofbattery housing 1110, such as the bottom surface of left portion 1111 and/or the bottom surface ofright portion 1112, and operated by activating the switch between a part of the face of a user and the upper chest of a user. -
Light control 1115 may include one or more of a button, capacitive sensor, IR sensor, or any other suitable device.Light control 1115 may include one or more devices. -
Light control 1115 may be sized to be operated by a part of the face of a user.Light control 1115 may be sufficiently large to be operated by a part of the face of a user.Light control 1115 may have a diameter and/or width of approximately ⅛ inch to approximately 2 inch.Light control 1115 may protrude from a surface ofbattery housing 1110 to allow it to be operated by a part of the face of a user.Light control 1115 may protrude approximately 1/16 inch to approximately ¾ inch from a surface ofbattery housing 1110. -
Light control 1115 may include apower switch 1116.Light control 1115 may include a brightness control.Light control 1115 may include a wavelength control. -
Battery assembly 1100 may include abrightness control 1117.Brightness control 1117 may be coupled topod 1114 or any other part ofbattery housing 1110.Brightness control 1117 may include one or more of a button, capacitive sensor, IR sensor, or any other suitable device.Brightness control 1117 may include one or more devices. -
Battery assembly 1100 may include a rechargingport 1118. Rechargingport 1118 may be coupled topod 1114 or any other part ofbattery housing 1110. -
Battery assembly 1100 may include abattery connector 1130.Battery connector 1130 may be coupled to a portion ofbattery housing 1110 worn behind the neck of a user.Battery connector 1130 may be coupled tocenter portion 1113 ofbattery housing 1110.Battery connector 1130 may have alongitudinal axis 1130 x. -
Battery connector 1130 may include one ormore battery contacts 1131.Battery contacts 1131 may include one or more of a pin, contact pad, and any other suitable contact.Battery contacts 1131 may include contact pads that are one or more of circular, ring-shaped, and any other suitable shape.Battery contacts 1131 may include one or more contact pads that are concentric. -
Battery connector 1130 may include analignment feature 1132.Alignment feature 1132 may protrude from a surface ofbattery housing 1110.Alignment feature 1132 may be circular, octagonal, hexagonal, square, or any other suitable shape. -
Battery connector 1130 may include an attachment element 1133. Attachment element 1133 may be at least partially made of a magnetic material such as neodymium, a ferromagnetic material such as iron, or other suitable material. Attachment element 1133 may be shaped like a ring, or any other suitable shape. Attachment element 1133 may form at least a portion ofalignment feature 1132. -
Battery assembly 1100 may include one ormore battery cells 1140. One ormore battery cells 1140 may be coupled to left portion 1111 and/orright portion 1112.Battery cells 1140 may include one or more of lithium ion, nickel metal hydride, alkaline, and any other suitable power source. -
Battery assembly 1100 may have sufficient weight to resist being moved by alight assembly 1200.Battery assembly 1100 may have a weight of approximately 0.5 ounces to approximately 12 ounces.Battery cells 1140 may weightbattery housing 1110 forward whenbattery housing 1110 is worn by a user, and help to keepbattery assembly 1100 in place when worn by a user. -
Illumination device 1000 may include alight assembly 1200.Light assembly 1200 may be configured to be coupled to eyewearE. Light assembly 1200 may be coupled to the bridge, the temple, or any other suitable location of eyewear E. Eyewear E may be configured to be worn by a user. Eyewear E may include a surgical loupe, a dental loupe, safety glasses, or any other eyewear. Eyewear E may be used with an eyewear retainerR. Light assembly 1200 may be configured to be coupled to a mask, headwear, or any other article worn on the face or head. -
FIG. 3A shows one embodiment of alight assembly 1200.FIGS. 3B-3C show cross-sectional views of one embodiment of alight connector 1230. -
Light assembly 1200 may include alight housing 1210.Light housing 1210 may be configured to be coupled to eyewear E, such as the bridge or the temple of eyewear E. -
Light assembly 1200 may include alight source 1220.Light source 1220 may be coupled tolight housing 1210.Light source 1220 may include one or more of an LED, an incandescent bulb, and any other suitable light source.Light source 1220 may produce one or more of visible light, UV light, IR light, and any other suitable wavelengths. -
Light assembly 1200 may include alight connector 1230.Light connector 1230 may be capable of being electrically coupled tobattery connector 1130.Light assembly 1200 may be capable of receiving power frombattery assembly 1100 whenlight connector 1230 is electrically coupled tobattery connector 1130. -
Light connector 1230 may include a side surface 1230 s. Side surface 1230 s oflight connector 1230 may have at least a portion that is substantially flat. -
Light connector 1230 may have a diameter and/or width of approximately ⅛ inch or more. -
Light connector 1230 may include one or morelight contacts 1231.Light contacts 1231 may be capable of being electrically coupled tobattery contacts 1131.Light contacts 1231 may include one or more of pins, contact pads, and any other suitable contact.Light contacts 1231 may include one or more pogo pins. -
Light connector 1230 may include alip 1232.Lip 1232 may at least partially surroundlight contacts 1231.Lip 1232 may be circular, octagonal, hexagonal, square, or any other suitable shape. -
Light connector 1230 may be capable of being fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130.Lip 1232 oflight connector 1230 andalignment feature 1132 ofbattery connector 1130 may align and/orcenter light connector 1230 withbattery connector 1130.Lip 1232 may include an inner surface 1232 i that is angled or beveled to align and/orcenter light connector 1230 withbattery connector 1130.Lip 1232 oflight connector 1230 may be capable of fitting and/or cooperating withalignment feature 1132 ofbattery connector 1130.Lip 1232 oflight connector 1230 may be capable of fitting into and/or aroundalignment feature 1132 ofbattery connector 1130.Light connector 1230 may have a clearance fit withbattery connector 1130. - When
light connector 1230 is fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130,light connector 1230 is electrically coupled tobattery connector 1130. Whenlight connector 1230 is fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130,light contacts 1231 are electrically coupled tobattery contacts 1131. -
Light connector 1230 may include anattachment element 1233.Attachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 may be magnetically attracted to attachment element 1133 of battery connector.Attachment element 1233 may be at least partially made of a magnetic material such as neodymium, a ferromagnetic material such as iron, or other suitable material.Attachment element 1233 may be shaped like a ring, or any other suitable shape. -
Light connector 1230 may be capable of being magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130.Attachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 may be capable of being magnetically coupled to attachment element 1133 ofbattery connector 1130. -
Light connector 1230 may become magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130 whenlight connector 1230 is brought close tobattery connector 1130.Attachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 may be urged toward attachment element 1133 ofbattery connector 1130 whenlight connector 1230 is brought close tobattery connector 1130.Light connector 1230 may become magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130 whenlight connector 1230 is brought approximately 1 inch or less tobattery connector 1130. -
Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130 whether or notlight connector 1230 is electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130. Whenlight connector 1230 is not electrically coupled or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130,light connector 1230 may remain magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130, such as on side surface 1230 s oflight connector 1230. - When
light connector 1230 is magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130, andlight connector 1230 is electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130,attachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 ofbattery connector 1130 may biaslight contacts 1231 againstbattery contacts 1131. -
Attachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 may have a size similar to attachment element 1133 ofbattery connector 1130.Attachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 may have approximately the same diameter and/or width as attachment element 1133 ofbattery connector 1130.Attachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 ofbattery connector 1130 may help to align and/orcenter light connector 1230 withbattery connector 1130. -
Light connector 1230 may include astrain relief 1239.Strain relief 1239 may have a height of approximately 0.25 inches or more. -
Light assembly 1200 may include awire 1240.Wire 1240 may include afront portion 1240 f coupled tolight housing 1210 and/orlight source 1220.Wire 1240 may include a back portion 1240 b coupled tolight connector 1230. Back portion 1240 b may be coupled to a center oflight connector 1230, or any other suitable portion oflight connector 1230.Wire 1240 may electrically couplelight source 1220 tolight connector 1230.Wire 1240 may carry power and/or a control signal. -
Wire 1240 may be configured to be coupled to eyewear E, such as to the temple ofeyewear E. Wire 1240 may be coupled to eyewear E at an attachment point 1240 a. Attachment point 1240 a may be adjusted alongwire 1240 and/or oneyewear E. Wire 1240 may be coupled to eyewear E with anattachment 1241, such as a clip or a loop. -
Light connector 1230 may be configured to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user.Light connector 1230 may be configured to be not electrically coupled and not fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130 when eyewear E is not worn on the face of a user. -
Wire 1240 may have an actual length, which may be the length ofwire 1240 betweenlight source 1220 andlight connector 1230.Wire 1240 may have an effective length, which may be the length ofwire 1240 between attachment point 1240 a andlight connector 1230. The effective length ofwire 1240 may be adjusted by changing attachment point 1240 a. The effective length ofwire 1240 may be equal to the actual length if there is no attachment point 1240 a. - The effective length of
wire 1240 may be configured to cause and/or allowlight connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user. The effective length ofwire 1240 may be long enough to cause and/or allowlight connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user. - The effective length of
wire 1240 may be configured depending on a distance between attachment point 1240 a andbattery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user. The effective length ofwire 1240 may be configured depending on the size of the head of a user. - The effective length of
wire 1240 may be configured to not allowlight connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130 when eyewear E is not worn on the face of a user. The effective length ofwire 1240 may be short enough to not allowlight connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130 when eyewear E is not worn on the face of a user. - The effective length of
wire 1240 may be configured depending on a distance between attachment point 1240 a andbattery connector 1130 when eyewear E is not worn on a the face of a user, such as when eyewear E is rested on the upper torso or the chest of a user. The effective length ofwire 1240 may be configured depending on where eyewear E is rested on a user, which may depend on a length of eyewear retainer R, which may be adjustable. - The effective length of
wire 1240 may be configured to cause and/or allowlight connector 1230 to be magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user. The effective length ofwire 1240 may be long enough to cause and/or allowlight connector 1230 to be magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130 when eyewear E is worn on the face of a user. The effective length ofwire 1240 may be configured to allowlight connector 1230 to remain magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130, such as on side surface 1230 s oflight connector 1230, when eyewear E is not worn on the face of a user. -
Wire 1240 may have an actual length of approximately 10 inches to approximately 30 inches, or approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches.Wire 1240 may have an effective length of approximately 10 inches to approximately 30 inches, or approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches.Wire 1240 may have a diameter of approximately 28 AWG to approximately 16 AWG.Wire 1240 may include stranded and/or solid wire. -
FIG. 4A shows one embodiment of an orientation ofbattery connector 1130.Battery connector 1130 may be coupled to a back surface 1110 b ofbattery housing 1110.Battery connector 1130 may be coupled to a back surface 1114 b ofpod 1114.Battery connector 1130 may face in the back direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the back direction. Alternatively,battery connector 1130 may face up, down, or any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction. -
Longitudinal axis 1130 x ofbattery connector 1130 may point in the back direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the back direction. Alternatively,longitudinal axis 1130 x ofbattery connector 1130 may point up, down, or any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction. - When
light connector 1230 is electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130,strain relief 1239 and/or back portion 1240 b ofwire 1240 may extend fromlight connector 1230 in the back direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the back direction. Alternatively,strain relief 1239 and/or back portion 1240 b ofwire 1240 may extend up, down, or any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction. -
FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of an orientation ofbattery connector 1130.Battery connector 1130 may be coupled to a side surface 1110 s ofbattery housing 1110.Battery connector 1130 may be coupled to a side surface 1114 s ofpod 1114.Battery connector 1130 may face the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the left direction or the right direction. -
Longitudinal axis 1130 x ofbattery connector 1130 may point in the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the left direction or the right direction. - When
light connector 1230 is electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130,strain relief 1239 and/or back portion 1240 b ofwire 1240 may extend fromlight connector 1230 in the back direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from the back direction. Alternatively,strain relief 1239 and/or back portion 1240 b ofwire 1240 may extend up, down, or any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction, or up to approximately 45 degrees from any direction perpendicular to the left direction or the right direction. -
Illumination device 1000 may include a hinge coupling 1300. Hinge coupling 1300 may be coupled tolight connector 1230 andbattery connector 1130. Hinge coupling 1300 may hingedly couplelight connector 1230 tobattery connector 1130. Hinge coupling 1300 may be configured to keeplight connector 1230 hingedly coupled tobattery connector 1130 whether or notlight connector 1230 is electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130. - Hinge coupling 1300 may have a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration,
light connector 1230 may be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130. In the open configuration,light connector 1230 may be in any position wherelight connector 1230 is not electrically coupled or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130. - Hinge coupling 1300 may be biased toward the closed configuration, and only be in the open configuration when held or maintained in the open configuration. Alternatively, hinge coupling 1300 may be stable in both the closed configuration and the open configuration.
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FIGS. 5A-5B shows one embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300. Hinge coupling 1300 may include a magnetic hinge 1310. Magnetic hinge 1310 may includeattachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 ofbattery connector 1130. Magnetic hinge 1310 may includelip 1232 oflight connector 1230 andalignment feature 1132 ofbattery connector 1130. -
FIG. 5A shows magnetic hinge 1310 in a closed configuration.Light connector 1230 may be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130. -
FIG. 5B shows magnetic hinge 1310 in an open configuration.Light connector 1230 is not electrically coupled or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130. Side surface 1230 s oflight connector 1230 may rest on or againstbattery connector 1130. Edge oflip 1232 may rest againstalignment feature 1132. -
Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130 when magnetic hinge 1310 is in both the closed configuration and the open configuration.Attachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled to attachment element 1133 ofbattery connector 1130 when magnetic hinge 1310 is in both the closed configuration and the open configuration. -
Lip 1232 oflight connector 1230 may cooperate withalignment feature 1132 ofbattery connector 1130 to open magnetic hinge 1310.Lip 1232 oflight connector 1230 may press againstalignment feature 1132 ofbattery connector 1130 to open magnetic hinge 1310. - Magnetic hinge 1310 may be broken by separating
light connector 1230 andbattery connector 1130 to separateattachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 ofbattery connector 1130. When magnetic hinge 1310 is broken,light connector 1230 may be not magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130. -
FIGS. 5C-5D show another embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300. Hinge coupling 1300 may include a mechanical hinge 1320. Mechanical hinge 1320 may include a first leaf 1321 and asecond leaf 1322 coupled by a joint 1323. First leaf 1321 may be coupled tobattery connector 1130.Second leaf 1322 may be coupled tolight connector 1230. First leaf 1321 may be separably coupled tosecond leaf 1322. Mechanical hinge 1320 may be spring-loaded to be biased toward the closed configuration. -
FIG. 5C shows mechanical hinge 1320 in a closed configuration.Light connector 1230 may be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130.Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130. -
FIG. 5D shows mechanical hinge 1320 in an open configuration.Light connector 1230 is not electrically coupled or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130.Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130 or not. - Mechanical hinge 1320 may be broken by disassembling joint 1323 to separate
second leaf 1322 and first leaf 1321. -
FIGS. 5E-5F show another embodiment of a hinge coupling 1300. Hinge coupling 1300 may include a tether coupling 1330. Tether coupling 1330 may include afirst end portion 1331 and asecond end portion 1332.First end portion 1331 may be coupled tobattery connector 1130.Second end portion 1332 may be coupled tolight connector 1230. -
FIG. 5E shows tether coupling 1330 in a closed configuration.Light connector 1230 may be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130.Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130. -
FIG. 5F shows tether coupling 1330 in an open configuration.Light connector 1230 is not electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130.Light connector 1230 may be magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130 or not. -
FIGS. 6A-6B and 7A-7B show one embodiment of a method of usingillumination device 1000.FIGS. 6A-6B show a side view of the method.FIGS. 7A-7B show a rear view of the method. -
Battery assembly 1100 is worn by a user.Light assembly 1200 is coupled to eyewear E. Hinge 1300 hingedly coupleslight connector 1230 tobattery connector 1130. -
FIGS. 6A and 7A show wearing eyewear E on the face to cause and/or allowlight connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130. Wearing eyewear E on the face gives enough ofwire 1240 to cause and/or allow hinge coupling 1300 to close into the closed configuration, and causes and/or allowslight connector 1230 to be electrically coupled and/or fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130.Attachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 ofbattery connector 1130 urgeslight connector 1230 towardbattery connector 1130, andlight connector 1230 is magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130. -
FIGS. 6B and 7B show removing eyewear E from the face to causelight connector 1230 to be not electrically coupled and/or not fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130. Removing eyewear E from the face pulls enough ofwire 1240 to cause hinge coupling 1300 to open into the open configuration, and/or to causelight connector 1230 to be not electrically coupled and/or not fittingly coupled tobattery connector 1130.Attachment element 1233 oflight connector 1230 and attachment element 1133 ofbattery connector 1130 may keeplight connector 1230 magnetically coupled tobattery connector 1130. Side surface 1230 s oflight connector 1230 may rest on or againstbattery connector 1130. - Removing eyewear E from the face exerts a pull force on
wire 1240, overcomes the magnetic attraction betweenlight connector 1230 andbattery connector 1130, and causes hinge coupling 1300 to open into the open configuration. The pull force needed onwire 1240 may be reduced by a moment arm created by the height ofstrain relief 1239 and/or the width oflight connector 1230. -
FIGS. 8A-8B show another embodiment of a method of usingillumination device 1000. -
FIG. 8A showsbattery assembly 1100 worn by a user,light assembly 1200 coupled to eyewear E, and eyewear E worn on the face of the user. -
FIG. 8B shows operatinglight control 1115 with a part of the face of a user. Operatinglight control 1115 may include pressing apower switch 1116 with the chin of the user to turn onlight source 1220. - While the foregoing has been with reference to particular embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes in these embodiments may be made without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention.
Claims (7)
1-20. (canceled)
21. An illumination device, comprising:
a battery assembly configured to be worn by a user, the battery assembly having a battery housing that is U-shaped, the battery housing having a left portion and a right portion coupled to a center portion, the center portion of the battery housing configured to be worn behind a neck of the user, the left portion and the right portion of the battery housing configured to extend forward along the sides of the neck of the user; and
a light control coupled to at least one of the left portion and the right portion, the light control configured to be operated by a part of a face of the user.
22. The illumination device of claim 21 , wherein the light control includes one or more buttons.
23. The illumination device of claim 21 , wherein the light control is coupled to a top surface of at least one of the left portion and the right portion.
24. The illumination device of claim 21 , wherein the light control includes a power switch.
25. The illumination device of claim 21 , wherein the light control includes a brightness control.
26. The illumination device of claim 21 , wherein the part of the face of the user includes one or more of the chin, jaw, cheek, and mouth.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/120,588 US20230358375A1 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2023-03-13 | Illumination devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/677,617 US11300252B2 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2019-11-07 | Illumination devices |
US17/718,131 US20220307657A1 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2022-04-11 | Illumination devices |
US18/120,588 US20230358375A1 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2023-03-13 | Illumination devices |
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US18/120,588 Pending US20230358375A1 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2023-03-13 | Illumination devices |
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GB2536650A (en) | 2015-03-24 | 2016-09-28 | Augmedics Ltd | Method and system for combining video-based and optic-based augmented reality in a near eye display |
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US11766296B2 (en) | 2018-11-26 | 2023-09-26 | Augmedics Ltd. | Tracking system for image-guided surgery |
US11980506B2 (en) | 2019-07-29 | 2024-05-14 | Augmedics Ltd. | Fiducial marker |
US11382712B2 (en) | 2019-12-22 | 2022-07-12 | Augmedics Ltd. | Mirroring in image guided surgery |
KR102438151B1 (en) * | 2021-01-29 | 2022-08-29 | 정재준 | Neckband type headlight system for medical use |
US11896445B2 (en) | 2021-07-07 | 2024-02-13 | Augmedics Ltd. | Iliac pin and adapter |
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US11300252B2 (en) | 2022-04-12 |
US20210140593A1 (en) | 2021-05-13 |
US20220307657A1 (en) | 2022-09-29 |
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