Abstract:
A headlamp magnetically mounted on a magnifying loupe for use in cosmetic, dental, medical, surgical, hobby and any other fields where an individual would find the ability to simultaneously illuminate and magnify a small area to be advantageous. The headlamp would contain an internal power source, so that there is no longer a need for a cable to connect the headlamp with the bulky external power source that is found in traditional loupe mounted headlamps.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Loupes are magnification devices that can improve dental, medical, or other treatments by magnifying small areas to aid an individual&#39;s ability to make fine and precise movements and actions. Fields as diverse as dental, medical and even various hobbies, such as model building and stamp collecting, can benefit from the use of loupes. In the dental and medical fields, loupes aid in magnifying small treatment areas in which the health practitioner seeks to make fine and precise movements and actions. An example would be a dentist using loupes to magnify a patient&#39;s oral cavity in order to find areas that require treatment, and being able to perform the fine movements required for treatment with enhanced precision. Another advantage to loupe usage is that by magnifying small areas, individuals may be able to work for extended times while enhancing the ability to practice better posture and ergonomics. 
         [0002]    A headlamp used in conjunction with a loupe further enhances the advantages of loupe usage by directing light along the line of sight. By directing light in this manner, shadows that may be casted across the area being magnified can be eliminated. 
         [0003]    Loups and accompanying headlamp technology is constantly changing. Loupes are becoming smaller and lighter. Similarly, headlamps have become more compact, lighter and brighter through the use of LEDs and other light sources. The power sources for these headlamps are similarly becoming more compact and lighter. Typically, the headlamp is mounted on the loupe frame or a headband and powered by a battery pack worn on the body and connected to the light with a cable. 
         [0004]    Along with seeking to make headlamps more compact, lighter and brighter, there is also a growing demand to improve upon the output characteristics of LEDs and other lights sources. For example, creating a tighter spot of light that is projected on surface, more defined edges for the spot of light that is projected on a surface, improved collimation of the light and greater intensity. Traditional light output modifying means are often bulky, expensive and require high-precision fixtures and assemblies to accomplish their objectives. This is often at odds with the intended application and intent behind selecting a LED to begin with. The result is that there is a demand for a way to produce these improved LED output characteristics without these expensive high-precision fixtures and assemblies, and in a compact and low-cost fashion, more in-line with the objectives behind LED usage. 
         [0005]    Additionally, there is always an interest in efficient heat dissipation and the resulting efficiency increases derived from maintaining a cooler junction temperature and longer run time of the LED. 
         [0006]    Additionally, for dental, medical and surgical purposes, there is always interest in making headlamps easier to disinfect in the interest of safety for both the patient and the user. As medical and dental professionals are in contact with their patients, if they touch the headlamp to adjust the light, pathogens can be transferred to the headlamp. If the headlamp is not disinfected between procedures, pathogens can be transferred to new patients. 
         [0007]    Thus, there is a need for lights with higher intensity, more compact size, lighter weight, more efficient lighting technologies, improved optics, improved cooling, less cabling to tether the operator and more compact power sources. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The preferred embodiment encompassed within the present invention is a headlamp to be used with a magnifying loupe for use in cosmetic, dental, medical, surgical, hobby and any other fields where an individual would find the ability to simultaneously illuminate and magnify a small area to be advantageous. Such a headlamp would contain an internal power source, so that there is no longer a need for a cable to connect the headlamp with the bulky external power source that is found in traditional loupe mounted headlamps. 
         [0009]    Such a loupe and headlamp combination would contain the following elements: cordless light source powered with an internal battery; a mounting system for the headlamp that can be specific for the loupe frame, or be universally compatible with a wide range of loupe frames; the mounting system for the light can be available for both flip-up style loupes or through the lens (TTL) style loupes, as well as any other future loupe styles; and the mounting system or light should allow preferably for at least an angle of declination that would be usable by the individual wearing the system. One skilled in the art will recognize that the “battery” could include any means of powering a device. In addition, the entire system (housing, mount and charger) must be durable to survive the rigors of being handled all day long and have battery and product life that is at least comparable to current industry standard headlights. 
         [0010]    The preferred LED incorporated in the light could incorporate a masking element to improve upon the characteristics of the light output and to better shape the light output. For example, medical and dental professions prefer having a circular shaped light as it provides for the same area of illumination regardless of orientation around said area or interest. In diagnostic efforts, it is important for the illumination source to be uniform and not draw a diagnostician&#39;s focus to one particular area being highlighted geometrically (such as the corner of a square for example). In non-diagnostic efforts, the opposite may be true where the device may be intended to draw extra focus to one particular area or feature. Using an LED mask presents a lighter, smaller and more cost effective way to shape the light. 
         [0011]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that this description of the invention is not intending to be limited. Rather, there exists many possible changes, modifications and/or substitutions which can be made by one skilled in the art which does not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a top view of all the components 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the loupe with the mount 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the loupe with the mount 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the loupe with the mount 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the loupe with the housing 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the loupe with the housing 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the loupe with the housing 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the housing 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the housing 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the housing 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the housing 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the housing and the charger 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the housing and the charger 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the housing and the charger 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the charger 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the charger 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the charger 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  side view of the through-hole style assembly 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  exploded view of the through-hole style assembly 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  isometric view of the through-hole style assembly 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  side view of the surface mount style assembly 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  exploded view of the through-hole style assembly 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  side view of the pocket style assembly 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  exploded view of the pocket style assembly 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  side view of the integrated heat sink style assembly 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  exploded view of the integrated heat sink style assembly 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  isometric view of surface mount style assembly 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  isometric view of the integrated heat sink style 
           [0040]      FIG. 29  isometric view of the pocket style assembly 
           [0041]      FIG. 30   a  is a side view of LED mask with integrated heat sink 
           [0042]      FIG. 30   b  is an isometric view of LED mask with integrated heat sink 
           [0043]      FIG. 30   c  is a top view of the LED mask with integrated heat sink 
           [0044]      FIG. 31   a  is a side view of through-hole style LED mask 
           [0045]      FIG. 31   b  is an isometric view of through-hole style LED mask 
           [0046]      FIG. 31   c  is top view of through-hole style LED mask 
           [0047]      FIG. 32   a  is a side view of the surface mount LED mask 
           [0048]      FIG. 32   b  is an isometric view of the surface mount LED mask 
           [0049]      FIG. 32   c  is a top view of the surface mount LED mask 
           [0050]      FIG. 33   a  is a side view of the single block pocket style LED mask 
           [0051]      FIG. 33   b  is an isometric view of the single block pocket style LED mask 
           [0052]      FIG. 33   c  is top view of the single block pocket style LED mask 
           [0053]      FIG. 34   a  is a side view of the multi-layer pocket style LED mask 
           [0054]      FIG. 34   b  is an isometric view of the multi-layer pocket style LED mask 
           [0055]      FIG. 34   c  is a top view of the multi-layer pocket style LED mask 
           [0056]      FIG. 35   a  is a view of the spot after passing through the LED mask 
           [0057]      FIG. 35   b  is a view of the spot after passing through the LED mask 
           [0058]      FIG. 36   a  is a view of the spot without passing through the LED mask 
           [0059]      FIG. 36   b  is a view of the spot without passing through the LED mask 
           [0060]      FIG. 37  is an exit face contour plot 
           [0061]      FIG. 38  is an exit face contour plot 
           [0062]      FIG. 39   a  is a grey shaded plot 
           [0063]      FIG. 39   b  is an over-exposed grey shaded plot 
           [0064]      FIG. 40   a  is a grey shaded plot 
           [0065]      FIG. 40   b  is an over-exposed grey shaded plot 
           [0066]      FIG. 41   a  is an exploded view of the end cap assembly 
           [0067]      FIG. 41   b  is an isometric view of the end cap assembly 
           [0068]      FIG. 42   a  is an exploded view of the battery assembly 
           [0069]      FIG. 42   b  is an isometric view of the battery assembly 
           [0070]      FIG. 43   a  is an exploded view of the light pod subassembly 
           [0071]      FIG. 43   b  is an isometric view of the light pod assembly 
           [0072]      FIG. 44   a  is an exploded view of the headlamp 
           [0073]      FIG. 44   b  is an isometric view of the headlamp 
           [0074]      FIG. 45   a  is an exploded view of the headlamp and lens 
           [0075]      FIG. 45   b  is an isometric view of the headlamp mounted lens 
           [0076]      FIG. 46   a  is an exploded view of the headlamp and O-ring 
           [0077]      FIG. 46   b  is an isometric view of the headlamp mount O-ring 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0078]    The present invention is for a headlamp to be mounted on a frame commonly found in loupes used for medical, dental and hobby purposes. Such a headlamp would have the same light properties as traditional loupe mounted headlamps, but without the added bulk of a bulky external battery pack, and clutter created by the cabling between the bulk external battery pack and the headlamp. 
         [0079]    Traditionally, medical and dental headlamps demanded a high level of luminance, which in turn required a lot of power. The only way to meet these power requirements was through a bulky and heavy external power pack. Because of the bulk and weight of these external power packs, they could not be located on the loupe frame itself, but rather, they had to be supported somewhere else, typically, worn around the waist and connected to the headlamp by a cord. The presence of the cord can be a hindrance to the user because it can be entangled with itself, the user, the instruments or furniture. 
         [0080]    However, due to advances in battery and lighting technology, it is now possible to create a headlamp with the luminance properties of traditional headlamps, yet powered by internal batteries and doing away with the bulky external power packs. By removing the need for bulky external power pack, the headlamp would now be free of all external cabling. The benefits of a cordless headlamp include lighter weight of the device and all associated components, better weight distribution and fewer cords to entangle the user. 
         [0081]    The weight of the system would be in the range of 10-200 g, with a preferred weight of approximately 20-40 g. The mount that connects the headlamp to the loupe frame is preferably articulated so that the location of the spot can be adjustable. For most standard medical and dental applications, the runtime would preferably be up to 960 minutes, so the headlamp could be used for a full day in an operatory. Although, operating within the limitations of current battery technology, a runtime of 60-90 minutes is desirable. Currently battery-charging technology has a charge time of 80% of the run time, however, it is anticipated that the charge time will decrease as battery and battery-charging technology improves. 
         [0082]    A wide range of accessories would be available to customize the headlamp for use with particular applications. Such accessories would include different lights sources to change the spot shape, removable sleeves for cosmetic and/or asepsis purposes, light filters, extended life batteries, locking mechanisms, hinges, spot lights which can be indexed, clean spots, dimmers, carrying cases and travel cases. 
         [0083]      FIG. 1  depicts a kit containing all of the components that make up the present invention. These components include a frame  1  for mounting the headlamp on the user&#39;s head, a mount  2 , at least one headlamp  3  and a charger  4 . The frame  1  can simply be similar to an eyeglass frame, or it can be a more complex instrument, such as a through the lens (TTL) style pair of loupes. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 2-4  depicts frame  1  without the headlamp  3  mounted on it. Mount  2  is connected to the loupe frame  1  by any means commonly known in the art to connect a headlamp mounts to frames. The mount  2  can either be a universal-style mount designed to accommodate a wide variety of frames, or it can be a mount specifically designed for a particular frame. The mount  2  also will contain metal component  5 . Metal component  5  can be constructed of any number of metals, which magnetic materials are attracted to and can be in any desired shape or configuration. Metal component  5  can be a single piece of metal or it can be a multiple pieces of metal. Metal component  5  may be exposed or it may be embedded within mount  2 . The purpose of metal component  5  is to have some metal contained within mount  2  which is attracted to magnetic fields, so that the magnet  10  in headlamp  3  will secure headlamp  3  to mount  2 . If frame  1  is a pair of loupes, it will also contain a pair of loupe barrels  6 .  FIG. 2  depicts the loupe barrels  6  as being of the through the lens (TTL) type, however, the loupe barrels  6  can be of any style of loupes, including, flip-ups. 
         [0085]    Headlamp  3  is attached to mount  2  via a magnet  10  located within headlamp  3  as illustrated in  FIG. 41   a . The magnetic source can be any type of magnetic source such as: rare earth magnets, ferromagnets or electromagnets. In an alternative embodiment, the locations of magnet  10  and metal component  5  can be swapped, so that metal component  5  is located on headlamp  3  and magnet  10  is located on mount  2 . 
         [0086]    While the preferred embodiment illustrates the use of a magnet as a mechanism to mount the headlamp to the mount, those skilled in the art can adapt any number of attachment mechanisms to attaching the headlamp to the mount. For example, a bayonet mount where the pins are located on the headlamp and fit into slots located on the mount. Other possible mounts includes clips, retaining rings, hook and loop fasteners, and any other attachments which one skilled in the art could adapt to mount the headlamp onto the mount. 
         [0087]      FIGS. 5-7  depicts frame  1 , but with the headlamp  3  connected to the mount  2 , which is attached to frame  1 . The magnet should be sufficiently strong enough to hold headlamp  3  to mount  2  such that headlamp  3  will not fall off mount  2  during normal use. However, magnet should not be too strong such that headlamp  3  cannot be removed from mount  2 . 
         [0088]    In order to operate the device, the user needs only to place the headlamp  3  onto mount  2 . Only when headlamp  3  is mounted onto mount  2 , the light source  9  can be activated in any number of ways. For example, the mere act of placing headlamp  3  onto mount  2  could activate light source  9 , while removing headlamp  3  from mount  2  would deactivate light source  9 . Other options for light activation includes can be: a disposable sleeve which acts as both a asepsis solution as well as a light activation solution (e.g. placement of the disposable sleeve onto headlamp  3  also activates light source  9 ), a motion sensor (e.g. when a user waves their hand in front of the motion sensor it activates or deactivates light source  9 ), twisting headlamp  3 , a switch or knob, wireless means (e.g. IR, radio or Bluetooth), a moment circuit, or any other means known in the art to activate and deactivate a light source. 
         [0089]      FIGS. 9-11  depicts headlamp  3 . Headlamp  3  consists of the housing  7  that houses all of the internal components. Battery contacts  12  are located on the exterior of the housing. Battery contacts  12  functions to provide an electrical connection to mount  2  and to charger  4 . The electrical connection between headlamp  3  and mount  2  could facilitate certain functions of headlamp  3  while the electrical connection between headlamp  3  and charger  4  charges battery  24 . Light source  9  can be of the type that emits a single wavelength, a range of wavelengths or multiple discrete wavelengths. 
         [0090]    While light source  9  can be any type of light source with the size and illumination properties that meets the desired lighting specifications, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are the preferred light source. LEDs are the preferred light source because of their combination of size, low power consumption, reliability, efficiency, durability and brightness. 
         [0091]    The desired luminance output from light source  9  will be in the range of 0-100,000 Lux, with a preferred range of 25,000-30,000 Lux. As discussed in the foregoing, medical and dental professionals prefer to have a light output be as a circular shaped spot. The dimensions of such a circular shaped spot would be approximately 2-15 cm in circumference, with a preferred circumference of about 7 cm. While circular shaped spots are preferred for medical and dental applications of headlamp  3 , the headlamp  3  as described herein should not be construed as to being limited to circular shaped spots. For example, oval shaped spots are possible, with the dimensions of this oval spot be from approximately 1.5×2 cm, up to 10×15 cm with a preferred size of about 5×7 cm. However, any other shapes are possible with the only limitations being the ability to shape the light output. 
         [0092]    The size of the spot is partially dependent on the distance of focus. Distance of focus is the distance between the lens and point it is concentrated on. The preferred embodiment contemplates a distance of focus of 5″-40″, preferably at a range of 14″-26″. However, this device could accommodate any desirable distance of focus depending on the users&#39; preference and intended use of the device. The only limitation for the distance of focus would be the currents state of the art of optical technology. 
         [0093]    Similarly, color temperature and wavelength could vary according to the user&#39;s preference of intended application of the light. In the preferred embodiment, a color temperature of about 6300 Kelvin and white light are desired. However, this device could accommodate any desirable color temperature. While white light is mixture of all colors of visible spectrum, this device could accommodate more specific wavelengths. The only limitation for the color temperature and wavelength are the current state of the art for available light sources. 
         [0094]    While the headlamp  3  is depicted as being generally cylindrical in shape, any shape can be used, provided that the internal volume of the headlamp  3  is sufficient to contain all of internal components. Preferably, headlamp  3  will be constructed of aluminum because of its advantageous heat dissipation properties. However, headlamp  3  can be made of any suitable material, such as carbon fiber, other metals (e.g. titanium, stainless steel), plastics, composites or any other materials that have the desired weight, durability and heat dissipation characteristics. The method of manufacturing headlamp  3  can be of any known method of manufacturing such materials, for example, casting or machining If the headlamp  3  is intended to be used for medical, dental or surgical purposes, the material should be sufficient durable and resilient to withstand the additional cleaning requirements inherent with such devices, such as the use of potentially caustic cleaning chemicals, autoclaving or ultrasonic cleaning. Alternatively, disposable asepsis housing sleeves specifically fitted for headlamp  3  can be used. 
         [0095]    The device can incorporate multiple headlamps  3 , either as spares or for different lighting characteristics. For example, a range of headlamps  3  could be available, with each headlamp having a different run time, wavelength, color temperature or brightness. Headlamps can also have colors or designs for cosmetic purposes. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 41   a - 46   b  depicts the various component subassemblies that are housed within headlamp  3 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 41   a  depicts the individual components that make up end cap assembly  23 . End cap assembly  23  consists of end cap  21  and magnet  10 , which is affixed to the exterior of end cap  21 . Battery contacts  12  will also be found on the end cap  21  as depicted in  FIG. 11 . In an alternative embodiment, magnet  10  can be affixed to the interior of the end cap  21 . In yet another embodiment, end cap assembly may consist of end cap  21  and metal component  5 , with magnet  10  affixed to mount  2 . End cap  21  can be constructed from any material that is sufficient rigid and durable, such as plastics, metals or carbon fiber. 
         [0098]      FIGS. 42   a - 42   b  depicts the individual components that make up battery assembly  27 . Battery assembly  27  is comprised of battery  24 , control circuitry  25  and heat sink  26 . Battery  24  will be electrically connected to battery contacts  12  to enable a connection to charger contacts  11  located on charger  4  so that battery  24  can be charged. Control circuitry  25  controls at least some of the headlamp  3  functions, such as on/off, dimming, etc . . . Heat sink  26  dissipates heat generated by internal components, such as the light source  9  and battery  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, heat sink  26  consists of a gold disc, however, it can consist of any known heat sink technology, such as fans, liquid cooling, phase change materials, heat dissipating metals, etc . . . 
         [0099]    Alternatively, control circuitry  25  can be located in mount  2  instead of part of battery assembly  27 . In yet another embodiment, control circuitry  25  can be located in both mount  2  and part of battery assembly  27 . For example, mount  2  can contain a series of pins, and light intensity can change depending on which pins are engaged by the headlamp  3 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 43   a  depicts an exploded view of the light pod subassembly  28 , while  FIG. 43   b  shows a completed light pod subassembly  28 . Light pod subassembly is comprised of the battery assembly  27  combined with end cap assembly  23 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 44   a  is an exploded view of headlamp  3  which depict the light pod subassembly  28  and housing  7 . As the arrow illustrates, light pod subassembly  28  is located within one end of housing  7 .  FIG. 44   b  depicts headlamp  3  where light pod subassembly  27  inserted and secured within housing  7 . Light pod subassembly can be secured to housing  7  in any number of ways. In the embodiment depicted by  FIGS. 44   a - 44   b , end cap  21  features a plurality of tabs  30  which engage corresponding retention features within the housing  7  to secure end cap  21  in place. However, other means are possible, such as adhesives, screws, friction fit or threading, with the only requirement being that end cap  21  should be secured such that end cap  21  is retained within housing  7  when headlamp  3  is removed from mount  2 . 
         [0102]      FIG. 45   a  is an exploded view showing that the lens  8  is located at the opposite end of housing  7  from where light pod subassembly  28  is inserted into housing  7 .  FIG. 45   b  depicts the lens  8  as mounted within housing  7 .  FIG. 46   a  is an exploded view of headlamp  3  showing an O-ring  29  that is used to secure lens  8  in place.  FIG. 46   b  shows headlamp  3  with all components in place. While an O-ring  29  is depicted in this embodiment as the means to secure the lens in place, any other conventional means can be used to secure the lens in place, such as adhesives, retention features (e.g. lugs or ribs), threaded caps, friction fit, etc . . . 
         [0103]      FIGS. 12-14  depicts headlamp  3  on charger  4 , while  FIGS. 15-17  depicts the charger  4  by itself. Charger  4  contains the components to charge the battery  24  located within headlamp  3 . Such components include charger contacts  11 . When headlamp  3  is placed on charger  4 , battery contacts  12  creates an electrical connection with charger contacts  11  allowing the battery  24  located in housing  7  to be charged. So when the headlamp  3  is not in use, it can be placed on charger  4 , to ensure that the user will always have a charged battery. 
         [0104]    An alternative embodiment to the charging system would be the use of an inductive charging system. However, in an inductive charging system, housing  7  could omit battery contacts  12  and charger  4  does not have charger contacts  11  since inductive charging is a non-contact charging, thus, battery contacts  12  and charger contacts  11  would not be needed. 
         [0105]    As discussed in the foregoing, LEDs are the preferred light source  9  because of their combination of desirable properties. However, LEDs typically output light in a square shape, not in the round shape that is desired by medical and dental professionals. In order to shape the light output of LEDs from a square shape to a round shape requires additional optical elements, such as multi-optics groups consisting of aspheric elements or reflectors. The addition of such optical elements adds considerable weight and bulk to the light source. 
         [0106]    In a device such as the one described herein, weight and size are at a premium. Size is at a premium so that the device remains unobtrusive to the users while it is in use. The combination of weight and size is important so that the certain of gravity is such that it does not fall off and to reduce the fatigue of wearing the device for hours at a time. 
         [0107]    A novel way of accomplishing the goals of having a circular spot without the additional optical elements to shape the spot is to incorporate a masking element for the LED. While the masking element was developed in conjunction with LEDs, one skilled in the art would know to adapt this technology to work with any type of light source. The advantages of the inclusion of an LED mask over conventional methods of shaping light outputs can include lower costs, lower weight, decreased design complexity, smaller overall assemblies, reduced manufacturing costs and higher reliability. 
         [0108]    A conventional LED assembly would typically consist of a substrate [e.g. a printed circuit board (PCB) or a metal-core printed circuit board (MCPCB)], at least one LED mounted on the substrate, optical elements and any other associated components. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the control circuitry  25  can act as the substrate. The assembly is mounted within a housing. Above the LED is typically, but not always, at least one optical element such as lenses, reflectors, light pipes, and the like. 
         [0109]    The use of a mask introduces an additional element to the conventional LED assembly. In this modified assembly, there is the substrate, at least on LED, optical elements, there is a additional element, the LED mask. The LED mask will be mounted immediately above the LED, so that it is between the LED and the optical element. This LED mask is a separate element from the optical element. 
         [0110]    As demonstrated by the following embodiments, the LED mask can be mounted on the substrate with any type of structural support assembly such that it is located immediately above the LED. It can be mounted by any number of conventional methods, such as, but not limited to soldering by using surface-mount (SMT) techniques, through-hole techniques, or wire-bond (welding) techniques. The LED mask can also be mounted directly to a LED with a submount assembly. 
         [0111]    The LED mask can be made of any material that has a non-reflective surface, such as, but not limited to metals, plastics and composites. The LED mask will have a hole that is aligned with the LED. Typically, the hole will be round in shape with a diameter of about 0.1 mm to 2 mm, or any diameter that is roughly tied to up to 100% of the LED&#39;s emission surface. While the shape of the hole will typically be a circle, any other shape and size that is desired can be used, such as, but not limited to: triangles, squares, rectangles, ellipses, polygons, and the like. In addition, the hole can be also be a symbol. The LED mask with a shape or symbol has the primary advantage of preventing stray light from being emitted from the LED. This can improve the effectiveness of the other optical elements in the system and eliminate common light abnormalities that have a detrimental effect on the performance of lighting systems, such as halos, rings, stray light and other abnormalities. 
         [0112]      FIGS. 18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  31   a ,  31   b  and  31   c  depict an embodiment of the present invention where the LED mask  15  is mounted to the substrate by way of a through-hole style of mounting. The LED mask  15  contains a hole  18  for light emitted from the LED  13  to pass through to reach the lens  8 .  FIGS. 18 and 20  depict the lens  8  mounted above the substrate  16 , where the LED mask  15  and LED  13  are mounted.  FIG. 19  is an exploded view, which depicts the lens  8 , LED mask  15 , LED  13  and the substrate  16 .  FIGS. 31   a - 31   c  depict various angles of the LED mask  15   a  itself. As seen in  FIGS. 14   a - 14   c , the LED mask contains a plurality of legs  17  that pass through corresponding through-holes on the substrate  16 . The legs  17  are then affixed to the substrate  16  by any known method associated with through-hole mounting, such as friction (press-fit), adhesive, soldering, forming/bending, or the like, which effectively mounts the LED mask  15  to the substrate  16 . 
         [0113]      FIGS. 21 ,  22 ,  27 ,  32   a ,  32   b  and  32   cc  depict an alternative mounting style of the present invention where the LED mask is mounted on the surface of the substrate by way of surface mount technique.  FIGS. 21 and 27  depicts the lens  8  mounted above the substrate, but the LED mask  15  is mounted on the substrate by way of solder, adhesive or any other known surface mounting techniques.  FIG. 22  is an exploded view, which depicts the lens  8 , LED mask  15 , LED  13  and the substrate  16 . LED mask  15  contains a plurality of tabs  19  which are used to mount the LED mask  15  to substrate  16 .  FIGS. 32   a - 32   c  depict various angles of the LED mask  15  itself, along with tabs  19 . 
         [0114]      FIGS. 23 ,  24 ,  29 ,  33   a ,  33   b  and  33   c  depict another alternative embodiment of the present invention where the LED mask  15  is manufactured from a single piece of material with a plurality of mounting points  14 . The method of manufacture can be any known method of manufacturing such parts, such as, but not limited to, machining, milling, forming or molding. The mounting points  14  are the areas on the LED mask  15  where mounting hardware interfaces with the LED mask  15  and the substrate  16  to mount the LED mask  15  onto substrate  16 . The mounting hardware can be any conventional type of mounting hardware, such as screws, clips or pushpins.  FIGS. 23 and 29  depict the lens  8  mounted above the substrate  16 , but the LED mask  15  is mounted on the substrate  16  by way of mounting hardware with the mounting points  14 .  FIG. 24  is an exploded view, which depicts the lens  8 , LED mask  15 , LED  13  and the substrate  16 .  FIGS. 33   a - 33   c  depict various angles of the LED mask  15 , along with the hole  18  and mounting points  14 . In this particular embodiment, the mounting points consist of a pair of depressions, or pockets, with screw holes. The LED mask  15  is then secured to the substrate  16  by screws. 
         [0115]      FIGS. 34   a ,  34   b  and  34   c  depict an alternate embodiment of the LED mask  15  that is mounted to the substrate  16  by way of mounting points  14  and mounting hardware. However, in this embodiment, the LED mask  15  is not made from a single piece of material. As illustrated, this embodiment depicts the LED mask  15  made from multiple components—specifically, two layers. However, the LED mask  15  can be made by any number of components arranged in any number of ways and is not limited to two layers. This approach would be advantages if the LED mask  15  were constructed from multiple materials and components. 
         [0116]      FIGS. 25 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30   a ,  30   b  and  30   c  depict another alternative embodiment where the LED mask is integrated with a heat sink  20 . Possible heat dissipation elements include construction from materials known to dissipate heat, such as, but not limited to, copper and aluminum. In the alternative, the LED mask  20  can have heat dissipation features, such as heat pipes, cooling fins or hollowed areas filled with heat dissipating materials, for example, phase change materials. The heat sink integrated with the LED mask  20  can be mounted to the substrate  16  by any suitable method, such as, but not limited to what is described herein.  FIGS. 25 and 28  depicts the lens  8  is mounted above the heat sink integrated LED mask  20 .  FIG. 26  is an exploded view, which depicts the lens  8 , heat sink integrated LED mask  20 , LED  13  and substrate  16 .  FIGS. 30   a ,  30   b  and  30   c  are various angles of the heat sink integrated LED mask  20  with hole  18 . 
         [0117]    Other embodiments include incorporating the LED mask  15  into the optical element, for example integrating the LED mask  15  with the lens  8 . In yet another embodiment, the LED mask  15  is incorporated as part of the LED  13 . 
         [0118]    Initially, the purpose of incorporating the LED mask was to incorporate a cost effective way of changing the shape of the light that is projected from the LED. Also, the small form factor of the LED mask versus the optical elements of traditional methods made it particularly advantageous for small form-factor illumination devices, particularly ones where only a single LED source is used. However, the LED mask can be adapted to illumination devices where multiple LED sources are used. 
         [0119]    However, an unexpected effect of incorporating this LED mask with LED is that not only was it a cost effective way of changing the shape of the light projected from the LED, it also improved the light output qualities of the LED. Some of these light output qualities includes: cleaner, more defined spot of light with edges that are sharper, or have more contrast than the surface that the light is projected on. 
         [0120]    As an illustration of the measureable advantages that the LED mask presents over not having the LED mask, two test runs were performed: Test Run AB and Test Run AC. An examination of Tables 1 below shows that the parameters of Test Run AB and Test Run AC are identical (identical LEDs, same drive current, same lens specifications, same distance, etc . . . ), with the only difference being the presence of the LED Mask in Test Run AB and the absence of the LED Mask  15  in Test Run AC. These test runs compared the use of LED mask against not using LED mask in achieving a circular spot with a diameter of 65 mm at a distance of 350 mm from the optic exit face. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Iteration 
                 Run AB 
                 Run AC 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 LED 
                 Lumileds Luxeon Z 
                 Lumileds Luxeon Z 
               
               
                   
                 ES LXZ2-5790-y 
                 ES LXZ2-5790-y 
               
               
                 Nominal CCT 
                 5700k 
                 5700k 
               
               
                 Min CRI 
                 90 
                 90 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Drive Current 
                 350 
                 mA 
                 350 
                 mA 
               
               
                 Assumed Junction 
                 85° 
                 C. 
                 85° 
                 C. 
               
               
                 Temperature 
               
               
                 Assumed LED Output 
                 105 
                 lm 
                 105 
                 lm 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Lens Material 
                 Polycarbonate 
                 Polycarbonate 
               
               
                   
                 (n = 1.586) 
                 (n = 1.586) 
               
               
                 Housing/PCB Material 
                 Semi-gloss black 
                 Semi-gloss black 
               
               
                 Cover Lens 
                 None 
                 None 
               
               
                 LED Mask 
                 0.2 mm think, 
                 None 
               
               
                   
                 1.6 mm dia. Opening 
               
               
                 Design Style 
                 Entrance Shaft 
                 Entrance Shaft 
               
               
                   
                 Collimator, 
                 Collimator, 
               
               
                   
                 axially symmetric, 
                 axially symmetric 
               
               
                   
                 LED Mask 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Lens Diameter (Optical) 
                 23.1 
                 mm 
                 23.1 
                 mm 
               
               
                 Lens Diameter (Total) 
                 25.5 
                 mm 
                 25.5 
                 mm 
               
               
                 Lens Height 
                 15.0 
                 mm 
                 15.0 
                 mm 
               
               
                 (exit surface) 
               
               
                 from PCB 
               
               
                 Fillet Radius 
                 0.1 
                 mm 
                 0.1 
                 mm 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Outer Lip Thickness 
                 1.6 mm (thickness 
                 1.6 mm (thickness 
               
               
                   
                 added towards LED) 
                 added towards LED) 
               
               
                 % Emitted Light Falling 
                 90% 
                 87% 
               
               
                 Within 65 mm Dia. 
               
               
                 (350 mm from optic 
               
               
                 exit face) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0121]      FIGS. 35   a - 35   b  are from Test Run AB, and it depicts that with the LED mask, the shape of the spot in test run  1  is easily shown to be circular, which, as stated in the foregoing is the desired shape for Test Run AB.  FIG. 35   a  has a 65 mm diameter circle superimposed on the light to illustrate the desired diameter that was being sought in Test Run AB, and as a visual cue as to how the closely shape of the actual spot compares relative to the desired circular shape.  FIG. 35   b  is the same image, just without the 65 mm diameter circle superimposed onto the figure. 
         [0122]    Similarly,  FIGS. 36   a - 36   b  are from Test Run AC. With these figures, it clearly demonstrates that the shape of the spot generated in Test Run AC is not circular in nature. Rather, the shape is more akin to a square shape, but with rounded sides.  FIG. 36   a  depicts the spot generated in Test Run AC with the 65 mm diameter circle superimposed as a visual cue for the desired 65 mm diameter spot that was sought after in Test Run AC. As  FIG. 36   a  demonstrates, the spot is not circular, and the four corners of the spot extend beyond the superimposed circle. Thus, without the LED mask, the shape of the light is less than desirable and exceeds the desired parameters.  FIG. 36   b  is the same image, but without the superimposed circle. So, a comparison of the images presented in  FIGS. 35   a - 35   b  and  36   a - 36   b  demonstrates that the use of the LED mask results in a spot that is more closely achieves the desired spot shape. 
         [0123]      FIG. 37  is a depiction of the exit face contour plot for Test Run AB, which measures the light intensity. Similarly,  FIG. 38  is a depiction of the exit face contour plot for Test Run AC. A comparison of  FIGS. 37 and 38  confirms that with the LED mask, the light has a clearly defined circular shape, which is once again, the desired shape sought in both Test Run AB and Test Rub AC. 
         [0124]      FIG. 39   a  is a grey shaded plot that depicts the relatively light intensity, where the light intensity correlates with the greyscale of the image. The more intense the light, the lighter the grey color, whereas the less intense the light, the darker the grey color is.  FIG. 39   b  is the same image, except that the image is over-exposed, so that any luminance over a certain level is white in color. What  FIGS. 39   a  and  39   b  demonstrate once again, is that the spot with the LED mask has uniform circular shape, which is the ideal shape that Test Run AB was seeking 
         [0125]      FIGS. 40   a  and  40   b  are similar to  FIGS. 39   a  and  39   b , except that those figures came from Test Run AC, which is the test run without the LED mask  15 . Once again,  FIG. 40   a  is a greyscale image of the light, whereas  FIG. 23   b  is the same image as  40   a,  except that it is over-exposed.  FIGS. 40   a  and  40   b  demonstrates that without the LED mask, the spot of light is square shaped, not the circular shape that is desired. 
         [0126]    Thus, as demonstrated by the foregoing, usage of the LED mask is an effective method of changing the shape of the light output of LED  13 . Furthermore, because the use of the LED mask provides a way to change the shape of the light output of LED without the need for complex optical systems. As a result, the use of LED mask, it is a cost effective method of changing the shape of the light output without affecting peak intensity and improving the output quality of the light. Furthermore, because the use of the LED mask is able to achieve the same results as using complex optical elements, the end result are lower costs, lower weight, decreased design complexity, smaller overall assemblies, reduced manufacturing cost and high reliability relative to convention methods of shaping the output LED. 
         [0127]    The foregoing description represents the exemplary embodiments of this invention. It is intended to be descriptive of the invention and not limiting. Those skilled in the art will know that additional modifications, changes and substitutions can be made without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention.