Patent Publication Number: US-10309633-B2

Title: Mouth activated light device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED ACTIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/456,972 filed on Feb. 9, 2017 and entitled “Light Device,” which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The subject matter described herein relates to a light device that can be operated by a mouth of a user. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many tasks occurring in the absence of natural light require sufficient lighting for the task to be performed efficiently. To overcome the deficiency caused by the absence of natural light, users often use a hand-held torch or flashlight. But when an activity requires a constant or consistent use of hands, using a hand-held torch is not optimal. For example, fishermen often need instant illumination at various times at night, but their hands are usually engaged with fishing and other activities, thereby rendering a hand-held flash light inconvenient. In another example, mechanics and/or engineers frequently are engaged with both hands in tight spaces, and cannot use a hand-held flashlight without being bothered. In yet another example, emergency medical technicians often carry hand-held flashlights, but using them is not easy when those technicians have both their hands occupied with other things, such as caring for the patient. Hand-held flashlights are therefore problematic for many people in a variety of situations that engage both the hands of a user. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a device is described that can include a first housing and a second housing. The first housing can encompass a first tact switch. The second housing can be attached to and be continuous with the first housing. The second housing can encompass a second tact switch, a battery and one or more light emitting diodes. The first tact switch can be electrically connected to the battery and the one or more light emitting diodes. The second tact switch can be electrically connected to the battery and the one or more light emitting diodes. The battery can be further connected to the one or more light emitting diodes. Each of the first tact switch and the second tact switch can be configured to be activated upon being pressurized by an external force upon a portion of the first housing or the second housing, respectively, to activate the one or more light emitting diodes. 
     In some variations, one or more of the following can be implemented either individually or in any suitable combination. The each of the first tact switch and the second tact switch can be configured to be deactivated upon being pressurized by at least one external force upon the portion of the first housing or the second housing, respectively. The deactivated tact switch can deactivate the one or more light emitting diodes. The first housing can be configured to fit within a mouth of a user. The first tact switch can be configured to be activated or deactivated by force applied by mandibles of a user. The first housing can be encompassed with a replaceable sleeve. The first housing and replaceable sleeve can mate via a ridge on the first housing and a groove on the replaceable sleeve. The first housing and replaceable sleeve can mate via a groove on the first housing and a ridge on the replaceable sleeve. The first housing can be made of plastic. The first housing can be a replaceable sleeve. The first housing can be made of rubber. The second tact switch can be configured to be activated or deactivated by force applied by one or more fingers of a user. 
     The second housing can be made of plastic. The second housing can be water-proof. The first housing can be water-proof. A combination of the second housing and the first housing can include two separate halves along a length of the light device. The two halves can be combined via screws and grooves. A combination of the second housing and the first housing can have a length of two inches. The second housing can have a width of 0.75 inches. A combination of the second housing and the first housing can be incorporated within a mask configured to be worn by a user. The one or more light emitting diodes can include a plurality of light emitting diodes. The plurality of the light emitting diodes can be placed at a plurality of locations within a combination of the second housing and the first housing. The plurality of locations can include two ends along a length of a combination of the second housing and the first housing. 
     The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a light device configured to be operated via a mouth of a user; 
         FIG. 2  is a light device configured to be operated via a mouth of another user; 
         FIG. 3  is a light device configured to be operated via a mouth of a another user; 
         FIG. 4  is a light device configured to be operated via a mouth of another user; 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed side view of the light device shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the of the light device shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a light device; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the of the light device shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a light device; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the light device shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is another exemplary embodiment of a light device; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a light device; 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a light device; and 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the light device shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a light device  102  configured to be operated via a mouth  104  of a user  106 . In this example, the user  106  is a worker with both his hands occupied. The operation of the light device  102  via the mouth  104  prevents the worker from getting distracted or inconvenienced when he needs flashlight while using both his hands. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a light device  102  configured to be operated via a mouth  202  of another user  204 . Here, the user  204  is a surgeon who has both his hands occupied in a surgery. The operation of the light device  102  via the mouth  204  prevents the surgeon from getting distracted or inconvenienced when he needs flashlight while operating with both his hands. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a light device  102  configured to be operated via a mouth  302  of a yet another user  304 . Here, the user  304  is a fisherman who has both his hands occupied with rowing his boat. The operation of the light device  102  via the mouth  304  prevents the fisherman from getting distracted or inconvenienced when he needs flashlight while rowing with both his hands. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a light device  102  configured to be operated via a mouth  402  of another user  404 . Here, the user  404  is a mechanic who has both his hands occupied with examining a vehicle. The operation of the light device  102  via the mouth  404  prevents the mechanic from getting inconvenienced when he needs flashlight while checking the vehicle. 
     It may be noted that the examples of the worker, surgeon, fisherman and mechanic are merely exemplary. Other users who have both their hands engaged can also benefit from the light device  102 . For example, this light can benefit an emergency medical technician, an engineer, or any other person whose hands are often occupied. While the people who have their hands occupied can benefit the most from the light device  102 , other individuals who do not need their hands can also benefit from the light device  102 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a detailed view of the light device  102 . The light device  102  includes a first tact switch  504 , a second tact switch  506 , a battery  508 , one or more light emitting diodes  510 , a first housing  512  partially encompassing the first tact switch  504 , and a second housing  514  partially encompassing the second tact switch  506 , the battery  508  and the one or more light emitting diodes  510 . The first tact switch  504  is electrically connected to the battery  508  and the one or more light emitting diodes  510 . The second tact switch  506  is also electrically connected to the battery  508  and the one or more light emitting diodes  510 . In one implementation, the battery  508  can be rechargeable such that it is recharged by a power source. While the light device  102  is described as including one or more light emitting diodes  510 , in other implementations the light device  102  can additionally or alternately incorporate other sources of light, such as laser light. 
     The first housing  512  is configured to fit within the mouth of an individual, such as user  106 ,  204 ,  304 , or the like. When that individual presses on the first housing  512  with his or her mandibles, the first tact switch  504  is pressed and activated. The activation of the first tact switch  504  activates the one or more light emitting diodes  510 . Thus, the individual is able to activate the one or more light emitting diodes  510  without using his or her hands. If the light is activated or on, pressing the first housing  512  again can deactivate or turn off the already activated light. 
     The second housing  514  incorporates a button  602  (described below with respect to  FIG. 6 ) that can be pressed down by the user&#39;s hand. The button  602  overlies and is electrically connected to the second tact switch  506 . When the button  602  is pressed, the second tact switch  506  also gets pressed and activated. The activation of the second tact switch  506  activates the one or more light emitting diodes  510 . Thus, the individual is able to activate the one or more light emitting diodes  510  by using his or her hands as well, if required or desired so by that individual. While the button  602  is described here as being actuated by the hands of a user, any other body part or external thing can alternately be used as a substitute for the hands. If the light is activated or on, pressing the button  602  again can deactivate or turn off the already activated light. 
     The light device  102  thus provides a user the option of using either the mouth or the hands (or any alternate body part or external thing, as discussed above) to activate or deactivate the one or more light emitting diodes  510 . This enhances convenience of a user. The first tact switch  504  as well as the second tact switch  506  is configured such that the tactile press thereon can be firm enough to avoid accidental triggering but light enough to ensure ease of use. 
     The first housing  512  can be made of plastic, and a replaceable rubber sleeve can be placed outside of the housing  512 , as described in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 12 . Alternately, the first housing  512  can be made of rubber itself. The rubber described here can be a soft and hygienic surgical material so that it does not affect the teeth of a user. The second housing  514  can be made of plastic. At least one of the first housing  512  and the second housing  514  can be water-proof. 
     A combination of the first housing  512  and the second housing  514  can have a length of two inches. In another implementation, this length can be between 1.8 inches and 2.2 inches. In a yet another implementation, this length can be between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. The second housing  514  can have a width of 0.75 inches. These length and width can further vary in different implementations. The length and width are selected to facilitate or enhance the usability of the light device  102  by a user. 
     The light device  102  can be incorporated within a mask configured to be worn by a user. Some examples of such a mask include a surgical mask, a firefighter&#39;s facial gear, apparatus covering a portion of an engineer&#39;s face, and the like. In some implementations, the mask as well as the light device  102  can be disposable such that they can be disposed after every use. Alternately, the light device  102  can be hung on a lanyard around the neck of the user such that it is easily accessible by the mouth of that user. A user can, at will, remove the light device  102  from the lanyard and re-connect the light device  102  to the lanyard. 
     The one or more light emitting diodes  510  include a plurality of light emitting diodes placed at a plurality of locations within the light device  102 . In one implementation, these locations can include two ends along a length of the light device  102 . These two ends are exemplary locations, and, in other implementations, the light emitting diodes  510  can be placed by the manufacturer of the light device  102  at any location on the body of light device  102 . In one implementation, different light emitting diodes can have different colors. Those different colored light emitting diodes can be activated based on corresponding patterns of pressure on the first tact switch  504  by the mouth of the user. In an alternate implementation, different patterns of pressure on the first tact switch  504  and/or the second tact switch  506  can cause different patterns of activation and/or deactivation of different light emitting diodes regardless of their color. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of the light device  102 . This view shows the button  602  that overlies and is electrically connected to the second tact switch  506  (described above with respect to  FIG. 5 ). When the button  602  is pressed, the second tact switch  506  also gets pressed and activated. The activation of the second tact switch  506  activates the one or more light emitting diodes  510 . Thus, the individual is able to activate the one or more light emitting diodes  510  by using his or her hands as well, if required or desired so by that individual. While the button  602  is described here as being actuated by the hands of a user, any other body part or external thing can alternately be used as a substitute for the hands. If the one or more light emitting diodes are activated or turned on, a pressure on either of the first tact switch  504  and the second tact switch  506  can deactivate or turn off the already activated light. 
       FIG. 7  shows another exemplary embodiment of a light device  702 . The light device  702  can generally be similar to the light device  102 , but can include a different number of batteries. For example, the light device  702  includes two separate batteries  704  and  706  rather than a single battery  508 . The light device  702  can generally function similarly to the light device  102 . Specifically, when a user presses on the first housing  512  with his or her mandibles, the first tact switch  504  is pressed and activated. The activation of the first tact switch  504  activates the one or more light emitting diodes  510 . Thus, the individual is able to activate the one or more light emitting diodes  510  without using his or her hands. If the one or more light emitting diodes are activated or turned on, a pressure on either of the first tact switch  504  and the second tact switch  506  can deactivate or turn off the already activated light. 
     The light device  702  is preferred over the light device  102  when more luminous intensity is desired. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of the slight device  702 . This view shows a button  802  that overlies and is electrically connected to the second tact switch  506  (described above with respect to  FIG. 7 ). When the button  802  is pressed, the second tact switch  506  also gets pressed and activated. The activation of the second tact switch  506  activates the one or more light emitting diodes  510 . Thus, the individual is able to activate the one or more light emitting diodes  510  by using his or her hands as well, if required or desired so by that individual. While the button  802  is described here as being actuated by the hands of a user, any other body part or external thing can alternately be used as a substitute for the hands. 
       FIG. 9  another embodiment of a light device  902  that includes a housing  904 . In the illustrated example, while the internal circuitry can be the same as that described above with respect to the light devices  102 ,  702 , the housing  904  is different. The housing  904  can include two separate halves  906  and  908 . At the front of the light device  102  (that is, at the left-most point in  FIG. 9 ), the two halves  906  and  908  join together to form an O-shaped ring. 
     The two halves  906  and  908  can be made of plastic. The portion of the housing  904  that is configured to be placed in the mouth of a user can be made of rubber. When that individual presses on the rubber portion with his or her mandibles, the first tact switch  504  is pressed and activated. The activation of the first tact switch  504  activates the one or more light emitting diodes  510 . Thus, the individual is able to activate the one or more light emitting diodes  510  without using his or her hands. 
     The two halves  906  and  908  can be connected by screws, grooves, and/or the like. The portion of the housing  904  outside the one or more light emitting diodes  510  can be covered by a clear plastic, which ensures waterproofing as well. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a light device  902 . The light device  902  can generally be similar to the light device  702 , but can include a button  1002  that overlies and is electrically connected to the second tact switch  506  that underlies the rubber portion discussed above with respect to  FIG. 9 . When the button  1002  is pressed, the second tact switch  506  also gets pressed and activated. The activation of the second tact switch  506  activates the one or more light emitting diodes  510 . Thus, the individual is able to activate the one or more light emitting diodes  510  by using his or her hands as well, if required or desired so by that individual. While the button  1002  is described here as being actuated by the hands of a user, any other body part or external thing can alternately be used as a substitute for the hands. 
       FIG. 11  shows another exemplary embodiment of a light device  1102 . The light device can generally be similar to the light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 , but can include a housing  1106  that has a shape of a whistle. The light device  1102  includes a battery  1104  and the one or more light emitting diodes  510 , described above with regard to the light emitting diodes  102 ,  702 . The light device  1102  can be configured to provide light, as well as function as a whistle. The electrical connections in the light device  1102   1102  can be the same as, or similar to, those shown in either  FIG. 5  or  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 12  shown another exemplary embodiment of a light device  1202 . The light device  1202  can generally be similar to the light devices  102 ,  702 , described above. In the illustrated example, a first housing (obscured) of the light device  1202  can be overlaid by a replaceable sleeve  1204 . The replaceable sleeve  1204  may be disposable. The first housing may include a mating element  1206  that can mate with a mating element  1208  embedded on the replaceable sleeve  1204 . The mating elements  1206  and  1208  can be a ridge and a groove, respectively. In another implementation, the mating elements  1206  and  1208  can be a groove and a ridge, respectively. In one implementation, the ridge and the groove can form a watertight seal. The electrical connections and/or component of the light device  1202  can be the same as or similar to those shown in either  FIG. 5  or  FIG. 7 . 
     Using the replaceable sleeve  1204  can be advantageous for the oral hygiene of a user, especially because the light device  1102  may be used by multiple users. While the sleeve  1204  is described as replaceable, in other implementations, the sleeve  1204  may be permanently attached on the first housing. In yet another implementation, the sleeve  1204  may form the first housing rather than being an element that overlays the first housing. In implementations where the sleeve  1204  is not easily replaceable, the sleeve  1204  may be washable in order to ensure that the sleeve  1204  remains hygienic. In such a case, the sleeve  1204  is made of a water-proof material. 
       FIG. 13  shows a front-view of another exemplary embodiment of a light device  1302  integrated into a mask, which can be a filtering or surgical mask. The light device  102  includes an exhale valve  1304 , and one or more light emitting diodes  510 . Other elements of the circuitry have not been shown for simplicity. The structure of the illustrated embodiment of the light device  1302  is beneficial because it integrates the mandible actuated light into the mask, such as the filtering or surgical mask. In one implementation, the mask can be disposable. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the implementation of the light device  102  shown in  FIG. 13 . The light device  1302  includes a front section  1404  and a stem section  1406 . The front section  1404  houses a battery  1408 , light emitting diodes  1410 , and threaded holes  1412  for securing a fastener. The stem section  1406  can include a tact switch  1414 . The length of the stem section  1406  can be sufficiently large to enable the tact switch  1414  to be placed within reach of a user when the user wears a facial apparatus, such as a surgical mask, a welding mask or the like. In an alternate implementation, the length of the stem section  1406  can be variable such that the length can be varied by the user. In another variation, different implementations can have different lengths, which may or may not be variable. 
     The front section  1404  and the stem section  1406  can click together while puncturing a hole in the mask that can be sealed once the sections  1404  and  1406  are pressed together. This sealing can be performed using any snap apparatus that can be used instead of the screws. The sealing or snapping of sections  1404  and  1406  can activate the electrical circuit to activate the light device  1302 . 
     The light device  1302  can be removable from the mask. All of the light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302 , including embodiments that can be formed by combining different elements of the light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302  can be water proof, thereby rendering the light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302  washable. 
     While different implementations have been described above, this listing of embodiments is not exhaustive. Different elements of different embodiments of the light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302  and/or the like, can be combined to form another embodiment. Every such embodiment is within the scope of this patent application. 
     Further, some alternative implementations can include additional elements that are not described above. For example, one implementation can include a receiver and/or transmitter that enable the light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302  to communicate with computing systems via communication networks, such as local area network, a wide area network, internet, intranet, Bluetooth network, infrared network, and/or other communication networks. This can advantageously enable a technician to remotely troubleshoot the light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302  in case of an emergency. It can also enable collection of data such as times of activation and deactivation of the one or more light emitting diodes  510  of each particular light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302 . This collected data can advantageously enable a technician to generate analytics for each device. In another implementation, the light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302  can include at least one data processor and a memory. The memory can store data, such as times when the light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302  should be automatically turned on, and the processor can activate the one or more light emitting diodes  510  at those times. Other electronic components, which enable the light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302  to act as a “smart” device, are also within the scope of this patent application, and may be included within the light devices  102 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302 . 
     Various implementations of the subject matter described herein can be realized/implemented in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various implementations can be implemented in one or more computer programs. These computer programs can be executable and/or interpreted on a programmable system. The programmable system can include at least one programmable processor, which can be have a special purpose or a general purpose. The at least one programmable processor can be coupled to a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The at least one programmable processor can receive data and instructions from, and can transmit data and instructions to, the storage system, the at least one input device, and the at least one output device. 
     These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications or code) can include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As can be used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” can refer to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device (for example, magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that can receive machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” can refer to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor. 
     Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications can be possible. For example, the logic flows described herein do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the claims.