Patent Publication Number: US-11642429-B2

Title: Oral device container and oral device sanitation system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/406,173, filed on Aug. 19, 2021, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/192,690, filed on Mar. 4, 2021, which claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/986,276, filed on Mar. 6, 2020, the entireties of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a container for an oral device such as a mouthguard, retainer, clear aligners, or other dental, medical, or personal devices associated with use in the mouth, and a sanitation system useful with such oral devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Oral devices, such as mouthguards, are used by individuals to protect at least their teeth, upper jaw (maxilla), and/or lower jaw (mandible) from injury during athletic events. Cases or containers for mouthguards are used to store and protect the mouthguard when not in use. Similar dental devices, such as retainers, night guards or other bruxism-care devices, aligners, etc., can be stored in cases to reduce the likelihood that these devices are misplaced or damaged. However, these cases are themselves easily misplaced, frequently become dirty, and are difficult to clean or otherwise inconvenient and unsanitary. Microbes and viruses present on the dental device may be transferred to the case, whereupon the microbes may remain present and active. In some cases, these microbes may potentially increase in number, and can be re-introduced into a user&#39;s mouth. Conventional cases are typically used to store a retainer, night guard, or related device that is retrieved for wear overnight. However, the case may be especially difficult to identify and locate in a dark environment such as a bedroom or bathroom. There is a need, therefore, for a more easily identifiable, secure, and sanitary oral device container. 
     The oral device container and sanitizing system of the present disclosure may solve one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems in the art. The scope of the current disclosure, however, is defined by the attached claims, and not by the ability to solve any specific problem. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, an oral sanitation system may include a case including: a support portion defining a lower end of the case; and a container portion extending from the support portion. The container portion may define a wall extending from the support portion to a top end of the container portion. The oral sanitation system may further include a closure including a lid formed with a peripherally-extending wall; a lower cavity defined by the wall of the container portion; an upper cavity defined by the peripherally-extending wall of the closure; and a light-guiding floor that is substantially transparent to UVC light, the light-guiding floor forming a bottom of the container portion that is surrounded by the wall. 
     In a further aspect of the present disclosure, an oral sanitation system may comprise a disinfecting base; a source of UVC light disposed within the disinfecting base; a container portion defining a wall extending to a top end of the container portion, the container portion including an opening configured for ventilation; a closure including an opaque lid that is positionable over the disinfecting base so as to cover an oral device supported by the container portion; a lower cavity defined by the wall of the container portion; and an upper cavity defined within the opaque lid, wherein the opaque lid is sized so as to permit leakage of at least some of the UVC light outside of the disinfecting base, and the closure when the opaque lid covers the oral device supported by the container portion. 
     In a further aspect according to the present disclosure, a method for an oral sanitation device, may include: forming a case including: a support portion at a lower end of the case; a container portion extending from the support portion, the container portion having a wall defining a lower cavity sized to receive an oral device for sanitation; and a light-guiding floor at a bottom of the lower cavity configured to support the oral device; forming a lid having a peripherally-extending wall defining an upper cavity, the lid shaped so as to at least partially enclose the lower cavity; and defining a path for light to travel toward the lower cavity through the light-guiding floor such that a visible amount of light exits from the base and the lid. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    shows a front perspective view of an oral device container of an oral disinfection system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    shows a bottom perspective view of the oral device container shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3 A  is a view of a disinfecting base of the oral disinfection system containing a dental device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a view of the disinfecting base of  FIG.  3 A  with the dental device removed and the disinfecting base activated. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a view of the disinfecting base and closure of the oral disinfection system in an open position. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a view of the disinfecting base and closure of  FIG.  4 A  in a closed position. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a perspective view of a mobile storage system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a perspective view of the bottom of the mobile storage system of  FIG.  5 B . 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In this disclosure, the term “based on” means “based at least in part on.” The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context dictates otherwise. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.” The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” or other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, or product that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Relative terms, such as, “substantially” and “generally,” are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% of a stated or understood value. 
       FIG.  1    shows a front perspective view of an oral disinfection system  12  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Oral disinfection system  12  may include a plurality of separate pieces for storing and disinfecting an oral appliance or dental device such as a retainer, bruxism-care device, aligner, etc. (e.g., oral device  14  as shown in  FIG.  3 A ). As shown in  FIG.  1   , oral disinfection system  12  may include a two-piece assembly including a closure  20  and case  50 . System  12  may have an overall height ranging from about 25 mm to about 50 mm, a depth ranging from about 73 mm to about 85 mm, and a width ranging from about 73 mm to about 85 mm. Closure  20  may have an overall height ranging from about 19 mm to about 21 mm. 
     Closure  20  may include a lid  30  that forms a cap or cover that may be placed on case  50 . A peripherally-extending wall  32  of lid  30  may extend from an upper cap  38  to define an upper cavity  34 . Wall  32  and upper cavity  34  may have any suitable shape, and may define, for example, a circle, ovoid, rectangle, square, as well as other polygonal or irregular shapes. A surface of wall  32  may form a rim  36  that defines a bottom lip of lid  30 . While closure  20  and case  50  are illustrated as separate components, closure  20  may instead be permanently or removably affixed to case  50 , e.g., by one or more hinges. In addition, closure  20  may be securely and durably fit to case  50 , to provide closure for ease of storage and carrying of the system  12  for travel. 
     Closure  20  may also include an illuminable body, such as a body  22 , which may extend outward from a peripheral surface of lid  30 . In some embodiments, closure  20  may have a rectangular exterior surface formed by walls  24 , and a rounded interior surface shaped to match a shape of an exterior shape of lid  30 . Each wall  24  of body  22  may itself form a planar rectangular side surface, thereby collectively forming a prism as the exterior shape of the closure  20 . Body  22  may be formed of a relatively hard, clear or translucent material, such as an engineered material, such as acrylic or plastic, and, more specifically, Tritan™, Lucite, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (such as Food Contact Safe TPE), or food-safe silicone. For example, body  22  may be formed of a hard plastic within which lid  30 , which may be opaque, is embedded (e.g., by molding). In addition, lid  30  may be formed of a relatively hard, clear, or translucent material, such as an engineered material, such as acrylic or plastic, and, more specifically, such as Tritan™, Lucite, polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (such as Food Contact Safe thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)), or food-safe silicone. In addition or alternatively, components of closure  20  may be formed from a biocompatible material. Further, closure  20  may be shatterproof and may be configured to remain intact and secure to case  50  even when dropped from a height of several feet, for example, up to 3 feet. When provided as a translucent illuminable body or prism, body  22  may include coloring and may be colored differently than lid  30 , case  50 , or both. Alternatively, illuminable body  22  may be a translucent, colored body that has the same color or a similar color as one or both of lid  30  and case  50 . As one particular example, the body  22  may be crystal clear in color, formed of clear Tritan™, with a 90% gloss finish, while the lid  30  may be PMS 11-4800 TPX in color, formed of silicone (80 Shore A), with MT-11004 finish, and the body  22  and the lid  30  may be insert molded together. As another example, the entirety of the closure  20  may be PMS 11-4800 TPX in color, formed of silicone (85 Shore A), with MT-11004 finish, and may include a high-gloss, debossed logo (e.g., personalization, as described below). The above-described shape and materials of body  22  may be configured to distribute light to an exterior thereof to become illuminated in a substantially regular manner. For this reason, a surface finish and a clarity of at least a portion of closure  20  may be selected so as to provide ambient light, as described below. A bottom face  26  of body  22  may be aligned or flush with rim  36 . Alternatively, bottom face  26  may extend below rim  36 , or terminate at a height between rim  36  and cap  38 . 
     Case  50  may form a structure configured to receive a dental device and may further be configured to sanitize or disinfect a dental device stored therein. In an exemplary configuration, case  50  may include a lower support portion  52  from which an upper container portion  70  extends. Support portion  52  may include a peripherally-extending outer surface  54 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , surface  54  may be formed by a textured surface having a plurality of grooves and recesses. An upward-facing surface of support portion  52  may form a support surface  56 . Support surface  56  may have substantially the same shape as rim  36  and may be configured to receive rim  36  so as to support both body  22  and lid  30  of closure  20 . Case  50  may also include a bottom insert, to which a personalization  62 , described below, may be added. The components of case  50 , including support portion  52  and container portion  70 , may be formed of a suitable material, such as an engineered material, such as plastic or silicone. More specifically, the material may be Tritan™, Lucite, polycarbonate (PC), TPE (such as Food Contact Safe TPE), or food-safe silicone, such as 80 Shore A silicone. A color of the components of case  50  may be, for example, PMS 11-4800 TPX, translucent white, neutral clear, PMS Grey B, or translucent with a light-diffusing additive. A finish of the components of case  50  may be MT-11004, 15% gloss, 90% gloss, or soft touch. As a more specific example, body  22  may be formed of polycarbonate, in color PMS 11-4800 TPX, with a finish of MT-11004, container portion  70  may be formed of silicone, 80-Shore A, in color PMS 11-4800 TPX, with a finish of MT-11004, and lid  30  may be formed of polycarbonate, in color translucent white, with a finish of 15% gloss. The materials, colors, and finishes of the components of case  50  are not, however, limited to those described above. 
     In some aspects, case  50  may be formed such that connection points between the components thereof are not visible. In addition, case  50  may be configured to remain intact when dropped from a height of several feet, for example, 3 feet. In some instances, system  12 , including case  50  and closure  20 , may be rated as IP67 (ingress protection rating set by the International Electrotechnical Commission). 
     Container portion  70  may include an upwardly-extending peripheral wall  72  that defines an internal lower cavity  74 . A bottom of lower cavity  74  may be defined by a textured light-guiding floor  76 . Light-guiding floor  76  may have a raised center portion or central protrusion  73 , surrounded by a generally-circular recess  75 , so as to form a macro-texture of light-guiding floor  76 . The generally-circular recess  75  may be shaped, for example, to receive opposite arches of dental device  14  ( FIG.  3 A ). An outer periphery of light-guiding floor  76  may be raised above recess  75 . 
     One or more sides of peripheral wall  72  may have an opening  80  forming an air vent for permitting ventilation of case  50 . While two symmetrically arranged openings  80  are shown in  FIG.  1   , one, three, four, or more symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged openings  80  may be present along (e.g., extending through) wall  72 . Each of the openings  80  may extend approximately 5 mm to approximately 6 mm in length, and about 1 mm to about 2 mm in height along a peripheral direction of wall  72 . 
     Support portion  52  and container portion  70  of case  50  may be formed together as a single monolithic structure, or may instead be separate pieces that are permanently joined together. Support portion  52  may be formed of any suitable material, including polymer materials having antimicrobial properties and/or antimicrobial coatings. The same or similar materials may be included in container portion  70 . If desired, textured surface  54  may be formed of a compliant material. 
       FIG.  2    is a bottom perspective view showing closure  20  and case  50  of oral disinfection system  12  in an assembled state. In this assembled or closed position, closure  20  may surround and close lower cavity  74 . A bottom surface  60  may define the bottom of case  50  so as to support case  50  and closure  20 . One or more vents  58  formed at the periphery of bottom surface  60  may extend to an interior of case  50 , e.g., so as to extend through light-guiding floor  76 , such that upper and lower cavities  34  and  74  fluidly communicate with an exterior of case  50 . If desired, a region of support portion  52 , such as bottom surface  60 , may include a personalization  62 , such as a relief, which may contain name, address, contact, or any other desired information or ornamental decoration. In addition or alternatively, the personalization  62  may be provided on closure  20 . Personalization  62  may be added in any suitable manner, such as by laser etching a portion of case  50 , closure  20 , or both. 
     Illuminable body  22  of closure  20  may include portions that extend outward with respect to case  50  when closure  20  and case  50  are assembled. For example, as shown in  FIG.  2   , a plurality of (e.g., four) portions may define a body  22  that extends outward with respect to case  50 . These portions may have an approximately triangular cross-sectional shape (e.g., with a curved surface and two straight edges, as shown in  FIG.  2   ). Each of these outwardly-extending portions may include a bottom face  26 , for example. While each bottom face  26  may be formed as separately sections, bottom faces  26  may instead form a continuous surface at the bottom of body  22  and, if desired, the bottom of closure  20 . 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate an exemplary disinfecting base  51  according to embodiments of the disclosure. Base  51  may be configured for use with closure  20  described above, for example, and may include a container portion  70  for receiving closure  20 . In at least some aspects, base  51  may include a cavity ( FIG.  4 A ) within which case  50 , including support portion  52 , may be received, such that container portion  70  of case  50  protrudes from base  51 . For example, base  51  may include a substantially rectangular receiver portion  64  defining an upward-facing support surface  66  from which container portion  70  protrudes. In some aspects, receiver portion  64  may have a shape that is approximately the same as the shape of body  22  such that receiver portion  64  is configured to oppose, and if desired, contact and support, bottom face  26  ( FIG.  2   ). Removably securing container portion  70  to receiver portion  64  may be desirable, for example, to facilitate cleaning or replacement of container portion  70 , and/or of a light source secured within receiver portion  64 . While container portion  70  may be removably secured to receiver portion  64  of disinfecting base  51 , in some aspects, container portion  70  may instead be integrally-formed with receiver portion  64 , allowing disinfecting base  51  to itself form a case. 
     Textured light-guiding floor  76  may be configured to support a dental device  14  contained within the lower cavity  74  defined by wall  72 . Dental device  14 , which may be a retainer, mouthguard, night guard, aligner, or other similar device, may be supported such that at least a portion of device  14  is received by recess  75  and positioned adjacent to one or more raised portions (e.g., central protrusion  73 ), as shown in  FIG.  3 A . 
     An interior of receiver portion  64  may include a suitable source of energy for generating radiation that inhibits or prevents microbial growth. For example, an interior of receiver portion  64  may secure a source of ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light may be, for example, ultraviolet C (“UVC”) light. By virtue of the UVC light, the dental device  14  may be sanitized when placed within the system  12 , and exposed to the UVC light. That is, an intensity of the UVC light is suitable for sanitizing an object, such as the dental device  14 , placed within the system  12 , while meeting regulatory certifications for safety and emissions relating to UVC light. For example, the UVC light may kill 90% to 100% of pathogens, for example, 99.9%, within a given amount of time when the dental device  14  is exposed to the UVC light. In one example, 99% of pathogens may be killed within 60 minutes of exposure of the dental device  14  to the UVC light. In addition, by virtue of the UVC light, the system  12  may promote safety in use of the dental device  14 , particularly with respect to oral hygiene. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 B , when a source of UVC light (e.g., light source  82 ,  FIG.  4 A ) is activated, light  81  may pass through light-guiding floor  76 , formed of a substantially UVC-transparent material, so as to fill lower cavity  74 . Light  81  may include UVC light having a wavelength within a range of about 100 nm and about 280 nm. For example, light  81  may include UVC light having a wavelength (e.g., a peak emission) within about 100 nm and about 280 nm. In particular, light  81  may include light emitted with a peak emission of about 220 nm and about 270 nm, or about 250 nm to about 260 nm. As described below, light  81  may also include light having a wavelength within a spectrum of light visible to a user (e.g., violet light, blue light, etc.). Visible light may be used, for example, to provide a status light (indicating, for example, a charge state of system  12 ), or ambient light (such as when system  12  operates in a nightlight mode), while UVC light is used for sanitization and disinfection. Light source  82  may include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). 
     Light pipes or guides  80  may be formed so as to extend within wall  72  of container portion  70 . In some aspects, light guides  80  may extend from light source  82  to the inner surface of wall  72  so as to facilitate cleaning of a dental device  14  with UVC light  81 . Light  81  may be directed from an end face of light guides  80  that faces lower cavity  74 , as described above. Light guides  80  may be formed of a suitable light-guiding material, such as a substantially UVC-transparent copolyester, such as Tritan. Alternatively, light guide  80  may include acrylic, polycarbonate, UVC-transparent glass, or other suitable materials. In some aspects, one or more light guides  80  may include an outwardly-facing end that directs light toward a space between walls  32  and  72  so as to facilitate leakage of a controlled amount of light outside of cavities  34  and  74 , as described below. 
     In addition to light guides  80 , the structure of light-guiding floor  76  may facilitate distribution of UVC light to a dental device supported thereon. For example, by providing a macro-textured recess  75 , raised portions of floor  76  may surround portions of dental device  14 . For example, a raised outer periphery of floor  76 , as well as central protrusion  73  may direct at least some UVC light in a lateral direction toward a portion of device  14  resting in recess  75 , thereby facilitating coverage of device  14  with UVC-containing light. 
     In order to facilitate drainage of moisture (e.g., moisture transferred from dental device  14 ), light-guiding floor  76  may include a micro-texture. In the exemplary configuration best shown in  FIG.  3 B , a plurality of ridges  78  and depressions  79  may be formed in floor  76 . Depressions  79  may form fluid-receiving channels that draw away moisture from dental device  14 . Additionally, ridges  78  and depressions  79  may tend to scatter light within lower cavity  74 , promoting coverage of dental device  14  with UVC light for disinfection. 
       FIG.  4 A  is a view showing an exemplary configuration of disinfecting base  51  and closure  20  of system  12 , with closure  20  in an open position and container portion  70  removed from receiver portion  64 . Disinfecting base  51  may include a light source  82  secured within receiver portion  64 . Light source  82  may be any suitable source configured to generate light  81 . For example, light source  82  may include one or more UVC lamps (e.g., mercury lamps), UVC-emitting diodes or UVC LEDs, or xenon lamps. Light source  82  may be configured to generate the above-described light  81 , including UVC light, which may also contain at least some light having a wavelength within the visible spectrum, in addition to germicidal UVC light. In some aspects, light source  82  may include a plurality of light-generating devices, including at least one light-generating device configured to generate UVC light, and at least one light-generating device configured to generate visible light (e.g., violet light, blue light, red light, green light, etc., that is visible to the human eye). Light source  82  may include a permanently-installed light-generating device(s) (e.g., a fixed LED module), or one or more replaceable light-generating devices (e.g., one or more replaceable bulbs). Light source  82  may be secured so as to direct light in a primarily upward direction, e.g., in a direction toward the interior of container portion  70 , including lower cavity  74  ( FIG.  3 B ). For example, the light source  82  may include one or more light-generating devices having an element directed toward container portion  70 . Additionally or alternatively, light source  82  may include one or more reflectors, such as a reflective material and/or coating. Such coatings may be useful for increasing an amount of light directed toward container portion  70 . 
     Oral disinfection system  12  may include a light source  82  configured to receive power supplied by a cable  86  via a connector  84 . In the exemplary configuration illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , connector  84  may be received by receiver portion  64 . Receiver portion  64  may include a suitable receptacle (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) receptacle) configured to receive connector  84  (e.g., a USB Type-C (USB-C) connector). Accordingly, connector  84  may be removable from receiver portion  64 , to facilitate portability of disinfection system  12 . Alternatively, light source  82  may receive power supplied by one or more batteries (not shown). The one or more batteries may be rechargeable via the connector  84  and the cable  86 . A life of a battery may be, for example, up to two weeks of normal (e.g., daily, nightly, etc.) usage, or up to a dozen of more, e.g., 14, sanitization cycles (or other suitable predetermined timings). The one or more batteries may be rechargeable, and one or more indicators may be provided to indicate whether system  12  is charging, fully charged, and/or requires charging. 
     While light  81  is shown in  FIG.  4 A  while closure  20  is separated from base  51  for purposes of illustration, in at least some aspects, it may be desirable to prevent UV light source  82  from generating light  81  when system  12  is in an open position, such as when closure  20  is separated (or pivoted) from base  51 . System  12  may include a mechanism configured to disable light source  82  to prevent the generation of UV light when system  12  is in an open configuration. For example, an electronic switch, such as push-button switch (e.g., a microswitch), or another actuatable device may be secured within support surface  66  and configured to receive a protrusion extending from closure  20 . Such a microswitch may, when activated, permit or enable generation of UV light by light source  82 , while disabling light source  82  when closure  20  is separated from base  51  so as to disengage the microswitch. In addition or alternatively, light source  82  may be activated by pushing or pressing closure  20  onto base  51 . In addition or alternatively, light source  82  may be automatically shut off when closure  20  is removed from base  51 . 
     The location and arrangement of light source  82  is not limited to that shown in  FIG.  4 A . For example, light source  82  may be arranged as a downward-facing light. Alternatively or additionally, light source  82 , may be arranged as a “light bar” on upward-facing support surface  66  of base  51 , to project light substantially upwards from base  51 , or a side-facing surface of base  51 . In some aspects, light source  82  may be arranged on upward-facing support surface  66  in a rounded square, or a “squircle,” configuration, following a shape of rim  36  and inner periphery of body  22  of closure  20 . In some aspects, light source  82  may be arranged on upward-facing support surface  66  in a perimeter configuration, following a perimeter of upward-facing support surface  66 . In addition, light source  82  may be arranged on an entirety of upward-facing support surface  66 , as a planar light source. Further, light source  82  may include a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged at or near the four corners of upward-facing support surface  66 , in a path around a perimeter of upward-facing support surface  66 , or distributed across upward-facing support surface  66 . Still further, light source  82  may be arranged to emit light from the entirety of base  51  or a majority of base  51 . Light source  82  may also be arranged so as to diffuse light toward a relief, such as a logo, provided in closure  20 . 
     When light source  82  is activated and closure  20  is secured such that system  12  is in a closed position, UVC light may substantially fill the space formed by upper cavity  34  and lower cavity  74 . This light may enter cavities  34  and  74  via light-guiding floor  76 . As shown in  FIG.  4 B , at least some light  81  may leak from the enclosed cavities  34  and  74  so as to illuminate body  22 . In this manner, the light  81  may provide a backlighting effect for the closure  20 . For example, a controlled space or gap between an inner surface of wall  32  and an outer surface of wall  72  (see  FIG.  1   ) may facilitate leaking of a controlled amount of light  81 , including some visible light through closure  20 . This light  81 , which may have a blue appearance, may be indicative of a state of system  12 . In particular, the presence of light  81  (e.g., blue light) may indicate that system  12  is actively disinfecting the interior of system  12 , and a dental device  14  contained therein, via UVC light. If desired, system  12  may include circuitry (e.g., a timer, microprocessor, etc.) configured to deactivate light source  82 , and thereby stop the application of UVC light, after a predetermined timing necessary to disinfect dental device  14 . As an example, the predetermined timing, also referred to as a cycle, necessary to disinfect dental device  14  may be 60 minutes. The predetermined timing is not, however, limited to 60 minutes, and may be set to a greater or a lesser amount of time, or may be adjustable. The predetermined timing may be measured using a timer. The predetermined timing may also be set based on standards set forth by the National Science Foundation (NSF). In some aspects, after this predetermined timing, a different light source (e.g., a green light source) may be activated to indicate that disinfection is complete. Alternatively, the absence of light, or a different pattern (e.g., blinking or steady light) may indicate that disinfection is complete. 
     Additionally, system  12  may be configured for use in a continuous light mode or a nightlight mode in which illumination is provided indefinitely or for a desired period of time. For example, immediately following complete disinfection, or a predetermined time after disinfection, light  81  may be generated to present a desired color (or a white color), without the generation of UVC light. However, if desired, UVC light may be generated, in addition to visible light, during a continuous light or nightlight mode. In some aspects, system  12  may include circuitry for automatically transitioning to a continuous light or nightlight mode following complete disinfection. For example, system  12  may generate green light for a predetermined time to indicate disinfection is complete, and transition to a second color upon entering a nightlight mode. Still further, system  12  may operate in nightlight mode, for example, when motion-activated. In such an embodiment, system  12  may be equipped with a motion sensor. 
     Activation, deactivation, and durations of the lighting effects, namely, the visible light in the nightlight mode or in the continuous light mode, and/or the UVC light, may be programmable by the user and/or preset. In a case in which activation, deactivation, or durations of the lighting effects are programmable by the user, the user may set and/or program the timings for activation or deactivation, and/or durations via the circuitry provided in the system  12 . The user may set and/or program the timings for activation or deactivation, and/or the durations by connecting a device, such as a smartphone or computer, to the system  12  via the connector  84  and the cable  86 , with the device including software, such as an application (e.g., a smartphone app) for generating instructions to set and/or program the durations. In addition or alternatively, the system  12  may include a wireless transmitter and receiver for wirelessly communicating with a wireless-communication-enabled device of the user, such as a smartphone. For example, the wireless transmitter and receiver may be a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver configured to receive the instructions for setting and/or changing a timing of activation or deactivation, and/or a duration of a lighting effect from the device of the user. 
     Alternatively, activation, deactivation, and durations of the lighting effects may be controlled via one or more microswitches, e.g., provided on an exterior surface of the base  51 . The user may activate and/or program the lighting effects by pressing down on the microswitch, which may be movable directly or indirectly via the closure  20 , to toggle between an ON state and an OFF state. 
     To facilitate the above-described visual indications, system  12  may facilitate leakage of visible light to one or more particular locations, as represented in  FIG.  4 B . This leakage of light may provide the indication that oral disinfection system  12  is actively disinfecting an oral device  14  contained therein. For example, at least some leaked light may illuminate an outer periphery of lid  30  at the interface of lid  30  and body  22 , so as to provide lid illumination  90 . If desired, an interior surface of wall  32  and/or an inner surface of wall  72  may be formed with a light-reflecting coating or material in order to guide light and provide lid illumination  90 . As shown in  FIG.  4 B , lid illumination  90  may tend to follow the shape or outline of rim  36  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and the inner periphery of body  22 . Additionally, light  81 , including visible light, may provide illumination to an entirety of body  22 . This light may tend to illuminate the edge surfaces of body  22  so as to cause these surfaces to appear brighter. For example, an illuminated outer edge  88  of body  22  may appear brighter than adjacent portions of body  22 , such as central regions of walls  24 . The leakage of light may be sufficient to illuminate body  22  by an amount that allows body  22  to be readily identified by the human eye in a darkened environment, akin to a night-time light. 
     The leakage of light  81 , including visible light, may be light generated from a single type of light source  82 , e.g., a UVC light source configured to generate an amount of UVC light sufficient to disinfect oral device  14 , as described above. In some aspects, in order to control an amount of UVC light that leaks to an outside of system  12 , body  22  may be formed of a material that partially or entirely blocks UVC light. In such a case, light  81  that exits body  22  may be free or substantially free of UVC light. In some aspects, body  22  may be substantially transparent to UVC light, and an amount of UVC light that leaks outside of closure  20  is reduced to a safe intensity due to, for example, blockage of some of the UVC light by the geometry of closure  20  and wall  72 . 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate a mobile storage system  120  which may be included as part of oral disinfection system  12  or as a separate system. In some aspects, mobile storage system  120  may include case  50  having an outer textured surface  54 , as described above with respect to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , for example. Case  50  may include a personalization  62 , if desired, with suitable identification information. In order to increase the mobility of mobile storage system  120 , a lid  130  may be provided in place of lid  30 . Lid  130  may be formed without a prism or other light-directing body on an outer surface of a peripherally-extending wall  136 . Wall  136  may have similar features as wall  32  of lid  30 . Additionally, lid  130  may be formed with one or more of the features discussed above with respect to lid  30  (e.g., upper cavity  34 , rim  36 , and cap  38 ). 
     Lid  130  may include one or more features to provide ventilation via the top and/or bottom of mobile storage system  120 . For example, lid  130  may include one or more centrally-disposed central vents  132  at a top surface of lid  130 . While four central vents  132  are illustrated in  FIG.  5 A , one, two, three, five, or more central vents  132  may be formed in lid  130 . If desired, one or more upward-facing vents  134  may be formed at a peripheral portion of lid  130 . While two peripheral vents  134  are illustrated, one, three, or four peripheral vents  134  may be formed through lid  130 . Additionally, each peripheral vent  134  may include a plurality of through-holes to increase ventilation, while preventing the entry of large contaminants. Case  50  may also include one or more ventilation mechanisms, such as vents  58 , so as to provide air flow from both the top and bottom of mobile storage system  120 . By virtue of the features that provide ventilation, the mobile storage system  120  allows for proper evaporation of liquid that may be present in the case  50 . 
       FIG.  6    is a flowchart showing an exemplary process  600  for disinfection or sanitation with oral disinfection system  12 . In a step  602 , a case, e.g., case  50 , may be formed with any of the above-described features. For example, as described above, case  50  may be formed with a support portion  52 , container portion  70 , and light-guiding floor  76 . In some aspects, step  602  may also include forming disinfecting base  51 . For example, base  51  may be formed with a recess to removably receive case  50 . Alternatively, case  50  may be integrally formed with disinfecting base  51 . 
     Step  604  may include forming a lid, such as lid  30 , that is configured to at least partially enclose the lower cavity  74  formed by container portion  70  of case  50 . Lid  30  may be formed with any of the above-described features, and may be formed within a body  22  to facilitate transmission of visible light to an observer of oral disinfection system  12 . 
     Step  606  may include defining a path for light to travel, for example, to a location outside of lid  30  and through a body  22 . Step  606  may include defining a path for leakage of light between wall  32  and wall  72 , for example, such that light may exit lid  30 . Step  606  may also include providing disinfecting base  51  with a light source  82  for transmitting UVC light through light-guiding floor  76  As such, a path of light from source  82  through floor  76  may form a first path. A path for leakage of light to body  22  and outside of system  12  may form a second path formed in step  606 . 
     By virtue of the oral disinfection system  12  of the present disclosure, disinfection of an oral device  14  may be performed while providing a visual indication of this disinfection. For example, a controlled amount of light may leak from a UVC light source to an exterior of a case  50  and cap  38  so as to provide light to an illuminable body such as a body  22 . This light may be useful for locating the system  12  in a darkened environment, and may provide a user with increased confidence regarding the efficacy of sanitation. The case  50  and cap  38  of the present disclosure also provide decorative tabletop storage for a mouthguard, retainer, clear aligners, or other dental, medical, or personal devices associated with use in the mouth. In addition, the case  50  and cap  38  of the present disclosure provide storage for a mouthguard, retail, clear aligners, or other dental, medical, or personal devices that can easily be stored and carried for travel. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed oral device without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments of the oral device will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and the accompanying figures. It is intended that the specification, and, in particular, the examples provided herein be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.