Hands-free light controller for headgear mounted illumination device

A control device is provided, for controlling the supply of power from a remote power source to a headgear mounted illumination device to selectively turn the corresponding illumination source on and off. The control device includes an attachment feature that facilitates donning the control device on the body of a user. To operate the control device, the wearer causes hands-free, tactile contact with a switch contact surface of the control device, e.g., by bumping, pressing or otherwise engaging the switch contact surface against a limb or external structure.

BACKGROUND

Various embodiments of the present invention relate in general, to headgear mounted illumination devices utilized by dental and medical professionals, jewelers, electronics technicians, etc., to provide illumination to an area of work, and more particularly, to controller devices that provide hands-free operation of the illumination source provided with such headgear mounted illumination devices.

In certain fields, particularly, dental and medical fields, it is sometimes necessary for a professional to illuminate an area of interest, e.g., to provide clear visibility of a selected part of a patient being worked on, examined or otherwise evaluated. Moreover, the professional often cannot be encumbered by the requirement to hold a light as both of the professional's hands may be required for carrying out a necessary task. Accordingly, the professional may utilize a headgear mounted illumination device that allows targeted positioning of light provided by the corresponding illumination source, e.g., based upon the orientation and positioning of the head of the professional.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various aspects of the present invention, a control device for controlling the supply of power from a remote power source to a headgear mounted illumination device, comprises a housing having a first major surface, a switch secured within the housing and a switch contact surface arranged with respect to the first major surface of the housing such that suitable tactile contact with the switch contact surface causes corresponding operation of the switch.

The switch has at least a first contact, a second contact and a switch element. A first electrical interconnect is electrically connected to the first contact of the switch and a second electrical interconnect is electrically connected to the second contact of the switch. Further, the first electrical interconnect has a terminal end having a coupler that electrically couples with a corresponding power input of the headgear mounted illumination device. Similarly, the second electrical interconnect has a terminal end having a coupler that electrically couples with the remote power source.

The control device also includes an attachment feature that facilitates donning the housing of the control device on the body of a user so as to position the control device for operation of the switch by the user, wherein the user operates the switch by causing hands-free, tactile contact with the switch contact surface to selectively make and break electrical continuity between the first electrical interconnect and the second electrical interconnect, thus turning the illumination source on the headgear mounted illumination device on and off at the discretion of the user in a hands-free manner.

According to further aspects of the present invention, a control device for controlling the supply of power from a remote power source to a headgear mounted illumination device comprises a housing having a first major surface. The housing contains a switch secured within the housing, a battery connector electrically connected in series with the switch, and a coupler electrically connected to the switch and battery connector. The switch has a switch element that is operable to transition the switch between open and closed states. The battery connector holds and electrically connects a battery, e.g., a battery comprised of at least one rechargeable battery cell, to the circuit within the housing. For instance, the battery connector may include at least a first terminal and a second terminal that form an electrical circuit with the switch and coupler.

The coupler is electrically connected to the switch and battery connector such that when a battery is installed in the battery connector, closing the switch makes electrical continuity from the battery to the coupler and opening the switch electrically breaks electrical continuity from the battery to the coupler. Additionally, the coupler connects a cable between the housing and the corresponding head mounted illumination source. The coupler may be implemented, for example, as a jack socket connected to the housing, which is configured to receive a jack of corresponding interconnecting cable.

A switch contact surface extends from the first major surface of the housing such that suitable tactile contact with the switch contact surface causes corresponding operation of the switch element. Additionally, an attachment feature is provided on the housing that facilitates donning the housing on the body of a user so as to position the control device for operation of the switch by the user, wherein the user operates the switch by causing hands-free, tactile contact with the switch contact surface to selectively make and break electrical continuity between the battery connector and the coupler, thus turning the illumination source of the headgear mounted illumination device on and off at the discretion of the user in a hands-free manner.

According to still further aspects of the present invention, a method of activating a headgear-mounted light in a sterile environment comprises wearing headgear including the mounted light, wearing a control device having a switch that electrically couples to the light of the headgear and bumping the switch without using hands, thus toggling the headgear-mounted light on and off. As described more fully herein, the control device includes a housing having a first major surface including an aperture there through, a switch within the housing including at least two positions for selectively controlling the light and a switch contact surface arranged with respect to the first major surface of the housing. The light is active when the switch is in a first position and the light is inactive when the switch is in a second position. To toggle the light, the switch contact surface is arranged with respect to the first major surface of the housing such that suitable tactile contact with the switch contact surface causes corresponding operation of the switch element. Accordingly, operation of the switch is controlled, for example, by bumping the switch without using hands to transition the switch position, thus toggling the headgear-mounted light on and off. For instance, the control device may be worn between the elbow and rib cage, around the waist, or other suitable location for tactile, bump contact using the user's elbow, hip, or other suitable, hands-free body part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, toFIG. 1, a control device10is provided according to various aspects of the present invention. The control device10allows for hands-free, tactile operation of a switch to selectively energize and de-energize an illumination source in a headgear mounted illumination device, as will be described in greater detail herein. The control device10comprises a housing12that contains electronics including a switch. The control device10also comprises a first electrical interconnect14and a second electrical interconnect16.

The first electrical interconnect14in the illustrative example, includes a first electrically conductive, flexible cable length that extends through and out of the housing12. The first electrical interconnect14further terminates at a terminal end14A, which includes a coupler that electrically couples the switch within the housing12to a corresponding power input of the headgear mounted illumination device when the control device10is suitably connected to the headgear mounted illumination device. In this regard, the coupler located at the terminal end14A in the illustrative example is implemented as a socket. More particularly, the illustrated socket is a 1/8  inch (3.5 millimeter) socket, e.g., a female 1/8  stereo tip, ring, sleeve (TRS) mini-plug socket, having a molded socket enclosure that secures to the terminal end of the cable length. Alternatively, other coupler arrangements may be utilized, e.g., any complimentary, mating connectors, may be implemented for temporarily connecting and disconnecting the first electrical interconnect14of the control device10to the headgear mounted illumination device.

Correspondingly, the second electrical interconnect16in the illustrative example, includes a second electrically conductive, flexible cable length that extends through and out of the housing12. The second electrical interconnect16further terminates at a terminal end16A, which includes a coupler that electrically couples the switch within the housing12to a corresponding remote power source when the control device10is suitably connected to the remote power source. In this regard, the coupler located at the terminal end16A in the illustrative example is implemented as a jack plug, e.g., a ⅛″ (3.5 millimeter) stereo jack. Alternatively, other coupler arrangements may be utilized, e.g., any complimentary, mating connectors, may be implemented for temporarily connecting and disconnecting the second electrical interconnect16of the control device10to the power supply.

The control device10also includes a switch contact surface18arranged with respect to the housing12such that suitable tactile contact with the switch contact surface18causes corresponding operation of the switch contained within the housing12. The illustrated switch contact surface18extends outward from the housing to provide a generally dome shaped extension from a major surface of the housing12. As will be described in greater detail herein, the switch within the housing12is intended for hands-free operation thereof. As such, the switch contact surface18is sized and dimensioned to be suitable for hands-free operation. For example, the user may operate the switch by bump contact of the switch contact surface18with an elbow, hip, arm, leg or other body part of the user. Still further, the user may wear the control device10on their person, and bump the switch contact surface18to operate the switch with a structure external to the body of the user, e.g., by bumping the switch contact surface18on the edge of a work table, dental chair, etc. In this regard, the fingers of the user are not required to operate the switch.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the control device10also includes an attachment feature20. The attachment feature20facilitates donning and wearing the housing12of the control device10on the body of a user. For example, as illustrated, the attachment feature20includes a clip that can be attached to a belt, a pocket, gown or other article of clothing. The implementation of the attachment feature20as a clip is provided by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation. The attachment feature20may thus be implemented using other arrangements or configurations, e.g., so long as the housing12can be temporarily secured to the user in a manner that provides accessibility to the switch contact surface18for hands-free operation of the switch contained within the housing12. As a few alternative and illustrative examples, the attachment feature18may be implemented as a pin, hook, loop, fastener, bracket, latch, buckle, spring biased jaws, Velcro® or other hook and loop fastener, magnets, etc.

Referring specifically toFIG. 3, the housing12may be implemented as a clam shell casing having a first clamshell section12A and a second clamshell section12B that mate together. In the illustrated implementation, the first clamshell section12A has an aperture there through. The switch contact surface18extends across the aperture and also extends slightly outward from the surface of the first clamshell section12A, as illustrated. For instance, the switch contact surface18may be implemented as a switch cover, e.g., a membrane that extends across the aperture and projects out from the aperture so as to provide an area that is actuated by hands-free bump contact. In this regard, the cover may be plastic, rubber or other suitable material. The switch contact surface18may also provide a seal, e.g., to protect the switch within the housing12.

By way of illustration, the switch contact surface18can cover a significant portion of the top (i.e., major) surface of the housing for the control device10, e.g., the first clamshell12A as illustrated inFIG. 3A. For instance, the contact surface18can cover as much as approximately 25% or even greater surface area of the associated major surface. In other exemplary implementations, the contact surface18can cover as much as approximately 50% or even greater surface area of the associated major surface. Still further, in exemplary implementations, the contact surface18has a large diameter, e.g., greater than approximately 1″ or more such that operation of the switch is suitable for hands-free operation. In this regard, the large, tactile contact surface18is not suitable for positioning on the side of a slim profile housing if finger operation is practically necessary to operate the switch. Moreover, the size of the contact surface18should not be so small that finger operation is practically necessary to operate the switch.

The second clamshell section12B, opposite the first clamshell section12A, includes a generally flattened surface portion for cooperation with the attachment feature20, which is implemented as a clip in the illustrative example.

Referring toFIG. 4, electronics are included within the housing12for selectively coupling power from a remote power source to a headgear mounted illumination device. In an illustrative implementation, the electronics are implemented by a switch22secured within the housing12. The switch22, e.g., a mechanical, push button, latching switch, includes a first contact24, a second contact26and a switch element28. A conductor within the first electrical interconnect14is electrically connected to the first contact24of the switch22. Correspondingly, a conductor within the second electrical interconnect16is electrically connected to the second contact26of the switch22. As such, when the switch element28is toggled to an “ON” position, the first contact surface24is electrically shorted to the second contact surface26, thus electrically connecting the conductor of the first electrical interconnect14, which is connected to the first contact24, to a corresponding conductor of the second electrical interconnect16, which is connected to the second contact26. Similarly, when the switch element28is toggled to an “off” position, the first contact surface24is electrically isolated from the second contact surface26, thus breaking the electrical connection between the conductor of the first electrical interconnect14, which is connected to the first contact24, and the corresponding conductor of the second electrical interconnect16, which is connected to the second contact26.

In practice, the first electrical interconnect14and/or the second electrical interconnect16may carry one or more conductive wires. For instance, the headgear mounted illumination device may require direct current (DC) power in the range of 5-10 volts DC, to operate the corresponding illumination source. In this regard, the first electrical interconnect14and the second electrical interconnect16may each contain at least a first insulated wire that serves as a hot connection and a second wired that serves as a ground wire. Under this arrangement, the switch22may only be required to electrically make and break the connection between one of the two wires to control operation of the illumination source. However, the power and connection requirements of the headgear mounted illumination device will dictate the manner in which the switch22functions, and which wires define the most appropriate to switch between an open circuit and a closed circuit.

Referring toFIG. 5, when the housing is assembled, the switch element28is brought in register or is otherwise aligned with the switch contact surface18. That is, the switch contact surface18is arranged with respect to the housing12such that suitable tactile contact with the switch contact surface18causes corresponding operation of the switch element28of the switch22. In the illustrative example, a spring30is utilized to facilitate the interaction between the switch contact surface18and the switch element28of the switch22. The spring30may be utilized, for example, to supply a slight outward force to maintain the switch contact surface18in a suitable “ready” position. The spring30also helps to ensure that a predetermined amount of force is required to actuate the switch element28of the switch22. Further, the spring30compresses as the switch contact surface18is depressed, which serves to reduce the likelihood of damage to the switch element28, e.g., from an overly exerted force. In practice, other suitable arrangements may be implemented as an alternative to the spring30.

Referring toFIG. 6, according to further aspects of the present invention, the first electrical interconnect14may be contained within the housing12. Under this arrangement, the coupler at the terminal end14A of the electrical interconnect14may comprise a suitable socket mounted to the housing12that receives a corresponding jack plug of a connecting cable that electrically connects to the headgear mounted illumination device. Comparatively, as an alternative, as best illustrated inFIGS. 1-5, the first electrical interconnect14may also comprise an electrically conductive cable length that extends through and out of the housing12, as described more fully herein. Moreover, the coupler at the terminal end14A of the first electrical interconnect14may comprise a socket at the end of the cable length that receives the corresponding jack plug of a connecting cable that electrically connects to the headgear mounted illumination device. The terminal end14A may also connect directly to the headgear mounted illumination device, e.g., using a suitable connecting adapter. Still further, although the coupler at the terminal end14A is described with reference to a socket in the illustrative example ofFIG. 6, other arrangements may alternatively be implemented, as described more fully herein.

With continued reference toFIG. 6, the second electrical interconnect16may also and/or alternatively be contained within the housing12. In an analogous manner to that described above, the coupler terminal end16A of the electrical interconnect16may comprise a suitable socket mounted to the housing12that receives a corresponding jack plug of a connecting cable that electrically connects to the remote power supply. Comparatively, as an alternative, as best illustrated inFIGS. 1-5, the second electrical interconnect16may also comprise an electrically conductive cable length that extends through and out of the housing12, as described more fully herein. Moreover, the coupler at the terminal end16A of the second electrical interconnect16may comprise a jack plug at the end of the cable length that plugs into a corresponding socket of a connecting cable that electrically connects to the remote power supply. The terminal end16A may also connect directly to the remote power supply, e.g., by plugging directly into a battery pack, etc. For instance, the coupler at the terminal end16A of the second electrical interconnect16may comprise a jack plug that plugs into a corresponding socket of the remote power supply battery pack. Still further, although the coupler at the terminal end16A is described with reference to a jack plug, other arrangements may alternatively be implemented, as described more fully herein.

Referring toFIG. 7, the control device10, e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1, is schematically represented in a manner that interconnects a headgear mounted illumination device32to the control device10via the first electrical interconnect14and an additional connecting cable33. The headgear mounted illumination device may comprise any illumination source for emitting light, such as a light emitting diode (LED) light, an incandescent light, xenon light, halide light or other light source that attaches to eyeglasses, a headband, a head-worn magnification loupe, face shield, binoculars or other head mounted instrument. A remote power source34connects to the control device10via the second electrical interconnection16. In the exemplary arrangement, the second electrical interconnection16includes a coupler implemented as a jack plug that plugs directly into the remote power supply34. In practice, other coupling arrangements may be implemented, e.g., depending upon the manner in which the couplers of the control device10are implemented, and/or depending upon the manner in which connections are made to the headgear mounted illumination source32and/or the remote power supply34.

The remote power source34is typically implemented as a battery pack, e.g., a remotely located power pack that supplies the necessary power. However, it is also possible to implement the power source34as a room fixture, e.g., a power supply that plugs into an AC electrical outlet and provides power using a suitable connection cable. In this illustrative implementation, the user is tethered to the power source34.

Referring toFIG. 8, it is essential in certain operations, e.g., dental and medical procedures, that the hands of a dentist, physician, surgeon, or other professional are free for manipulating various instruments. At the same time, it may be necessary to provide illumination to a specific work area in addition to the ambient illumination provided by the room upon which the work is being performed. For these purposes, headgear mounted illumination devices may be utilized. In practice, a dentist, physician or other user places the headgear mounted illumination device32upon their head, turns on the light and begins work.

However, there is also often a need for a dental or medical practitioner to maintain sterile hands during examination, surgery and other procedures. This makes it impractical for the user to control a conventional light source, e.g., by using a finger operated toggle switch to turn the light source on and off.

According to various aspects of the present invention, the headgear mounted illumination device32is coupled to the control device10by the first electrical interconnect14and an optional additional connecting cable if necessary. The control device10is further electrically coupled to a power source34using the second electrical interconnect16and an additional connecting cable if necessary.

In a medical or dental environment, the control device10, according to various aspects of the present invention, allows a practitioner to operate a headgear mounted illumination device32at will by turning the illumination source on and off without jeopardizing manual sterility, and without requiring replacement and/or sterilization of the touched components between patients.

Rather, the control device10is donned by the user and is positioned for hands-free operation. For instance, the attachment feature20, such as a clip, facilitates donning the housing12of the control device10on the body of a user so as to position the switch for hand-free, tactile operation. Moreover, as described more fully herein, the switch contact surface18has a wide engagement surface that enables the switch22donned by a user, to be easily actuated, e.g., by bump contact. Thus, the control device10may be positioned on the body of the user such that the user can practice hands-free engagement with the switch contact surface18to selectively make and break electrical continuity between the power source34and the headgear mounted illumination device32, thus providing a hands-free way of turning the light of the headgear mounted illumination source on and off.

By way of example, the control device10may be clipped or otherwise secured to a lab coat, surgical gown, or other garment at a position suitable for hands-free operation. In the illustrative example, the remote power source32is located in the pocket of a lab coat. The control device10is clipped to the lab coat proximate to an arm or elbow portion of the lab coat. As such, the user may operate the switch of the control device10by bumping, pushing or otherwise pressing against the switch contact surface18, such as with an elbow or arm member positioned proximate to the control device10to selectively turn the light on and off. This operation can be performed as frequently as desired without jeopardizing manual sterility.

As yet another illustrative example, the control device10may be clipped to a belt or otherwise positioned on the user such that the switch contact surface18can be bumped to turn the switch on and off without requiring contact of the hands, e.g., by using a hip, elbow, leg or other body feature or limb, or by using a structure within the environment, e.g., by bumping the switch contact surface18against a dental chair, table, etc. As yet additional examples, the control device10may clip onto the inside or outside of surgical scrubs or other body location. This avoids the need to touch the switch with the hands of the user, thus for example, avoiding contaminating a sterilized environment.

As yet further exemplary illustrations, the attachment feature20of the controller10may further comprise a clasp, hook, clip, lanyard or other suitable structure that allows the device to be suitable positioned for hands-free operation. Often, the implementation of the attachment feature20will dictate how the control device10is donned by the user. Regardless, the attachment feature20facilitates donning the control device10on the body of a user so as to position the control device10for operation of the switch22by the user by causing hands-free, tactile contact with the switch contact surface18. As noted in greater detail herein, tactile contact with the switch contract surface18causes the control device10to selectively make and break electrical continuity between at least one conductor of the first electrical interconnect14and at least one corresponding conductor of the second electrical interconnect16, thus turning the illumination source on the headgear mounted illumination device on and off at the discretion of the user in a hands-free manner.

In an exemplary operation, the control device10is inserted, e.g., in series, between the headgear mounted illumination device32and the remote power source34such that operation of the control device10selectively turns the illumination source of the headgear mounted illumination device on and off, e.g., by selectively controlling the delivery of power from the remote power supply34to the headgear mounted illumination device32.

In certain applications, it is advantageous for the user of a headgear mounted illumination device32to turn the illumination source on and off multiple times during the course of completing a task. For instance, a dentist may need a light source to illuminate a work area in the mouth of a patient. However, the dentist may further wish to refrain from working periodically to stop and talk with the patient, e.g., to ask questions, explain procedures etc. However, when the dentist refocuses attention from the work area to the patient, the dentist is likely to look towards the face of the patient, thus shining a bright light directly into the eyes and face of the patient. This can be distracting and annoying to the patient. Moreover, the dentist may require a sterile environment. As such, in conventional practice, the dentist may withhold turning the light off to prevent contamination of the work area.

However, according to various aspects of the present invention, the dentist may bump contact the switch of the control device10to quickly turn the illumination source off while the light is not necessary, then quickly and easily re-engage the light to return to working Still further, the dentist can turn the illumination source of the headgear mounted illumination device32off when its light is not necessary, thus conserving battery life of the product, without requiring hand contact with a control switch on the remote power supply, thus preserving a sterile environment.

In view of the above, a method of activating a headgear-mounted light in a sterile environment comprises wearing headgear including the mounted light, and wearing a control device that electrically couples to the light of the headgear. As described more fully herein, the control device includes a housing having a first major surface including an aperture there through, a switch within the housing including at least two positions for selectively controlling the light and a switch contact surface arranged with respect to the first major surface of the housing. The light is active when the switch is in a first position and the light is inactive when the switch is in a second position. To toggle the light, the switch contact surface is arranged with respect to the first major surface of the housing such that suitable tactile contact with the switch contact surface causes corresponding operation of the switch element. Accordingly, operation of the switch is controlled, for example, by bumping the switch without using hands to transition the switch position, thus toggling the headgear-mounted light on and off. For instance, the control device may be worn between the elbow and rib cage, around the waist, or other suitable location for tactile, bump contact using the user's elbow, hip, or other suitable, hands-free body part.

Referring toFIG. 9, a control device10is illustrated for controlling the supply of power from a remote power source to a headgear mounted illumination device according to further aspects of the present invention. The control device10is illustrated in a manner that only requires a single electrical interconnect to couple a headgear mounted illumination device32to the control device10. In this illustrative example, the control device10comprises a hands-free tactile switch that is integrated with a remote power source34. More particularly, the remote power source34may comprise a battery power pack that is packaged in a housing sized to be clipped, attached or otherwise worn by the user.

As illustrated, the remote power source and control device are packaged in a housing40having a first major surface42that defines an outer face of the housing40. The housing40also includes a second major surface that is opposite the first major surface42. The second major surface may include an attachment feature20analogous to the attachment feature described more fully herein. The attachment feature20is illustrated in dashed lines to indicate that that second major surface is generally parallel to, and spaced from the first major surface by an edge surface44of the housing40.

The edge surface44is generally thin in profile. In the illustrative exemplary housing40, a coupler46is located about a top portion of the edge surface44. The coupler46may be implemented for example, as a jack socket that receives or otherwise mates with a corresponding jack48of a cable, e.g., interconnect50that further connects to the headgear mounted illumination source32. In an analogous manner to that described more fully herein, the coupler46may be implemented in any number of configurations. Moreover, the coupler46can be relocated to end of a cable that extends from the housing40, e.g., to plug into or otherwise couple with the headgear mounted illumination source32. In this regard, the interconnection cable may be hardwired to the electronics, switch and battery in the housing40and thus extend through the housing40, e.g., through the top portion of the edge surface44.

A switch contact surface18analogous to the switch contact surface set out more fully herein, is integrated with the first major surface42of the housing40. More particularly, the switch contact surface18extends from the first major surface of the housing40such that suitable tactile contact with the switch contact surface18causes corresponding operation of a switch element of a switch within the housing, in a manner that is analogous to that described more fully herein. In this regard, the first major surface42is dimensioned so as to accommodate the switch contact surface18.

Referring toFIG. 10a switch22is secured within the housing40. As noted above, the switch22includes a switch element that is operable to selectively turn on and off a headgear mounted illumination source. The housing40also includes the electronics, wiring and connections necessary to power the associated illumination source32. For instance, as illustrated, the housing40includes the coupler46, e.g., implemented for example, as a jack socket and a battery connector52. The coupler46is configured to connect a cable between the housing40and the corresponding head mounted illumination source.

The battery connector52is electrically connected in series with the switch22and is provided for holding and electrically connecting a battery to the circuit within the housing40. More particularly, the battery connector48is provided to enable a battery comprised of at least one battery cell, e.g., a rechargeable battery cell, to be placed in an electrical circuit within the housing40. In this regard, the battery connector48is electrically connected in series with the switch22. For purposes of illustration, two batteries54are shown installed in housing and are electrically coupled to the battery connector52, although other arrangements may be implemented.

The coupler46is connected to the switch22and the battery connector52such that when a battery is installed in the battery connector52, closing the switch22makes electrical continuity from the battery to the coupler46and opening the switch22electrically breaks electrical continuity from the battery to the coupler. In an illustrative example, closing the switch22couples a voltage from the battery to the coupler46and opening the switch22electrically isolates voltage from the battery to the coupler46.

More particularly, in the illustrative example, a first connection of the coupler46is coupled to a terminal52A of the battery connector52. A second terminal52B of the battery connector52couples to a first contact of the switch22, and a second contact of the switch22couples to a second contact of the coupler46. As illustrated, the battery connector52includes connections necessary to connect two rechargeable battery cells54in series. However, the circuitry, including the illustrated battery cells, is presented by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Other circuitry and/or alternative features may also be implemented. Moreover, the battery of the power source may be implemented by one or more battery cells. In this regard, the type and number of batteries will likely determine the specific implementation and structural configuration of the battery connector52.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, the attachment feature20facilitates donning the housing40on the body of a user so as to position the control device for operation of the switch22by the user, wherein the user operates the switch by causing hands-free, tactile contact with the switch contact surface18to selectively make and break electrical continuity between the battery connector52and the coupler46, thus turning the illumination source of the headgear mounted illumination device on and off at the discretion of the user in a hands-free manner. For instance, the attachment feature20may comprise a clip or other fastening arrangement to secure the housing40to a belt, belt loop or other garment worn by the user as described more fully herein.

Referring toFIG. 11, as noted above, it is essential in certain operations, e.g., dental and medical procedures, that the hands of a dentist, physician, surgeon, or other professional are free for manipulating various instruments. At the same time, it may be necessary to provide illumination to a specific work area in addition to the ambient illumination provided by the room upon which the work is being performed. Moreover, as an illustrative example, a dentist may be seated while work is being performed. For instance, the dentist may be examining a person seated in a dental chair60.

Moreover, as noted above, there is also often a need for a dental or medical practitioner to maintain sterile hands during examination, surgery and other procedures. This makes it impractical for the dentist to control a conventional light source as conventional power packs provide a finger operated toggle switch to turn the light source on and off. Thus, touching the switch will cause potential contamination.

However, according to various aspects of the present invention, the headgear mounted illumination device32is coupled to the control device10integrated into the housing40of the power source34, e.g., a battery power pack by an electrical interconnect50. The housing40also includes the electronics of the power source34, e.g., batteries, etc. As such, the wiring between the control device10and the power source34are carried out within the housing40. Moreover, the housing40may be donned by clipping the housing40to a belt62, belt loop or other article of clothing. This allows the dentist to wear a lab coat, gown or other garment over the housing40and corresponding interconnect50so that only a single wire is run neatly under garments and out of the way, thus promoting a sterile environment.

In this regard, due to positioning of the contact surface18of the switch on the first major surface of the housing40, the switch is positioned to generally avoid unintended contact with a force sufficient to trigger the switching device. Still further, the size and the predetermined pressure required to bump, press or otherwise push and actuate the contact surface18make intended hands-free actuation of the switch easy for the user, even through one or more layers of clothing. For instance, as illustrated, the dentist, while sitting down, has an elbow positioned within easy reach of a hip position where the housing40is donned. This makes frequent operation of the switch possible, even through a gown, lab coat and/or other articles of clothing, without requiring large, awkward limb movements, and does not require the use of fingers that would otherwise become contaminated by contact with a light switching device.

The description herein has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.