Abstract:
An illuminated examination mirror having a neck and angled head with a mirror that is at least partially encircled by light emitting surfaces which direct light to a common point above the surface of the mirror, thereby concentrating the available light for examination. The illuminated examination mirror may be manufactured as a head assembly which may be connected or integrated into a source of illumination, such as a battery powered or fixed illumination source.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to medical/dental examination mirrors, and more particularly to an illuminating mirror used in combination with a light source. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     Direct observation is often prescribed within dental and medical procedures to enhance diagnostic ability and accuracy of procedures. Often the area to be observed is not accessible for direct viewing and illumination, for example a large portion of the dental surfaces and gums within the oral cavity of a dental patient. Examination mirrors have thereby been used to provide a mechanism for indirect, reflected, viewing. 
     Examination mirrors, such as a dental mirror, are typically small circular mirrors affixed at an angle to one end of an elongate handle. The dental mirror is positioned in the mouth of the patient so as to reflect an image of the tooth back to the eye of the dentist. It will be appreciated that the clarity and usefulness of the reflected image viewed by the dentist is dependent in part upon the relative amount of ambient light within the oral cavity, however, typical mirrors do not provide a source of illumination. 
     To increase the amount of light in the mouth, a conventional dental lamp is generally positioned overhead to direct light into the mouth of the patient. However, the hands and head of the dentist as well as dental implements may come between the dental lamp and the mouth of the patient thereby blocking the rays of light, causing the appearance of shadows and otherwise interfering with the reflection from the dental mirror. To avoid these problems, the overhead dental lamp must be constantly positioned and repositioned which requires hand contact with the lamp by the dentist or assistant which can lead to cross-contamination of patients. A variety of handle covers for the overhead lamp have been devised to minimize the possibility of cross-contamination. The patient is also required to open the mouth as wide as possible to maximize the available light which may cause discomfort to patients and in particular those patients suffering with temporal-mandibular joint deficiencies. 
     In addition, regardless of positioning, the eyes of the patient are exposed to direct high intensity light from the overhead lamp due to the relative proximity of the eyes to the oral cavity being examined. The repetitive repositioning of the dental lamp also increases the time it takes the dentist to complete each dental procedure, reducing the total number of patients that can be seen by the dentist in a day. 
     Attempts in the prior art to avoid these problems include directing a beam of light from a light source attached to the handle onto the angled dental mirror to illuminate portions of the oral cavity. However, the intense reflected light reduces the reflective surface of the mirror available for view as well as being uncomfortable and interfering with the vision of the dentist. 
     Furthermore, light sources attached to the handle or fiber optic cables attached to the handle of the dental instrument have the disadvantage of reducing the maneuverability of the instrument in relation to the patient. Such combinations may be relatively heavy and difficult to manipulate by the dentist. 
     Other combinations employ a portion of the reflective mirror partially or completely removed having a light source contained below the surface of the mirror to provide illumination, such dental mirrors are necessarily large, while they generate heat. These types of dental mirrors have the disadvantage of being hard to sterilize and are expensive and difficult to manufacture in comparison with conventional mirrors. A further disadvantage of these “through the mirror light sources” is the accompanying reduction of viewing area which may be further impeded by the divergent light emitted from the mirror surface. Reduced viewing area and/or the large head size of these instruments increases the number of adjustments made by the dentist during a given procedure thereby extending the length of the procedure. In addition, the light provided by these illumination sources diverges upon emission from the mirror and the amount of directed light is reduced rather than concentrated. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for an inexpensive illuminating mouth mirror that can efficiently concentrate light to a desired examination area, such as at a spot within the oral cavity of a patient, without causing patient discomfort or obscuring the view of the practitioner. The present invention satisfies that need, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in existing equipment. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an illuminated examination mirror for medical and dental procedures which provides concentrated light to enhance the visibility of a subject area viewed by a practitioner utilizing the mirror. The illuminated examination mirror of the present invention may be manufactured as a mirror head for connection to a light source, or as a head portion of a one-piece examination mirror which contains a light-source. One principle drawback of prior lighted examination mirrors is that the emitted light is not concentrated above the plane of the reflective surface of the mirror, and so is not focused on the subject area of the mirror. The apparatus of the present invention concentrates the light and thereby provides more effective illumination with a given amount of light energy while eliminating the need to use external light sources that expose the practitioner and patient to harsh light which is not easily directed to the subject area. 
     By way of example, and not of limitation, the invention includes an angled head with an elongate neck which may be operably connected to a light source. The angled head and at least a portion of the elongate neck are capable of conducting light from the source of illumination. The angled head surrounds a portion of the outer periphery of the mirror to angularly direct light generally for convergence above the plane of the mirror. 
     The light source can be a battery powered pen light type light source which is portable and easily maneuverable. The light source may also be a conventional fiber optic light source which is fixed, such as an ISO connector. The present invention is also adapted so that light may be conducted in the visible and non-visible wavelengths to suit a variety of examination applications. For example, fluorescent dyes may be used to disclose plaque when exposed to light of specific wavelengths. Likewise, photocurable orthodontic adhesives and dental composites are cured by exposure to ultraviolet or visible light at optimal wavelengths. The illuminating mirrors of the present invention can fit adaptors of both battery operated, ISO connector, tethered and non-tether corded systems and handpieces to allow the transmission of essentially any wavelength of light from virtually any desired source of illumination. 
     An object of the invention is to efficiently illuminate a subject area being viewed by an examination mirror without exposing the face or eyes of the patient to harsh overhead light. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an illuminating examination mirror that can concentrate light at a point above the reflecting surface of the mirror. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an illuminating examination mirror that may adapted to operate with a variety of illumination sources. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an illuminating examination mirror that can be manufactured as a disposable illuminating mirror head that can be discarded after a single use to avoid cross-contamination of patients. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a device that facilitates efficient examination by illuminating a subject area without interfering with the reflected view accorded the practitioner. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an illuminating examination mirror that can direct light into subject areas having minimal access without the necessity of enlarging the access to the subject area for illumination purposes. 
     Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illuminated examination mirror according to the present invention, shown with the neck attached on the underside of the head assembly. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the illuminated mirror of FIG. 1 taken through line  2 — 2 . 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-section of an embodiment of an illuminated mirror according to the present invention having a side-attached neck. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-section of an embodiment of an illuminated mirror of the present invention which directs emitted light to reflect from the mirror surface to a focal point above the mirror. 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an illuminated mirror according to the present invention which has a detachable mirror shown separated from the head. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the illuminating mirror of FIG. 5, shown assembled. 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of the illuminating mirror of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the illuminated mirror of FIG. 7 taken through line  7 — 7 . 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an illuminated mirror according to the present invention having a detachable mirror which is partially surrounded by illumination surfaces of the head. 
     FIG. 10 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-section of the embodiment of FIG. 10 taken through line  11 — 11 . 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an illuminated mirror according to the present invention utilizing a front-surfaced mirror with beveled edges. 
     FIG. 13 is a top view of the illuminated mirror of FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-section of the illuminating mirror of FIG. 13 taken through line  13 — 13 . 
     FIG. 15 is a top view of an embodiment of an illuminated mirror according to the present invention utilizing a front-surfaced mirror with a faceted transmissive ring. 
     FIG. 16 is a cross-section of the illuminated mirror of FIG. 15 taken through line  16 — 16 . 
     FIG. 17 is a detailed cross-section of the faceted front-surfaced mirror of FIG.  16 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in FIG.  1  through FIG. 17, where like reference numbers denote like parts. It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts without departing from the basic inventive concepts disclosed herein. 
     In FIG. 1 an illuminating examination mirror  10  in accordance with the present invention is shown having a head  12 , and a protruding neck  14  which is attached to the bottom surface  16  of the head  12 . FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the illuminated examination mirror wherein the edges  18  of the head form a ridge with an interior light emitting surface  20  which is adapted to pass light that has traveled through the neck  14  and head  12  which is directed to converge toward the subject area. A circular mirror  22  of glass, or plastic, is attached to the head and surrounded by the edges  18  of the head. The edge  24  of the mirror  22  is shown retained by a retention lip  26 , although it may alternatively be retained with other retention mechanisms such as mechanical fastening or adhesives. A plurality of optional saliva slots  28  within the head are shown positioned about the mirror to prevent liquid accumulation on the surface of mirror  22  retained by the ridged edge  18  of the head  12 . The neck  14  is preferably attached at an oblique angle to the plane of the head  12  to simplify positioning the mirror to view the intended subject area. Head  12  and neck  14  are preferably made of a material, such as Lexan®, which are capable of transmitting the desired wavelength of light. It will be understood that the overall shape of head  12 , mirror  22 , and the position of light emitting surface  20  can follow a variety of polygonal shapes, while the mirror  22  itself may be convex, concave or planar. In addition, the light emitting surface may be apportioned into separate emitting surfaces around the mirror perimeter which are individually capable of emitting the conducted light to the subject area. 
     It can be seen that the light emitting surface  20  is positioned at an angle such that the emitted light rays are generally directed perpendicularly to the surface of emitting surface  20  that focuses the rays to converge at a distance (preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 inches) above the surface of the mirror which illuminates the subject area as viewed through the mirror by the practitioner. 
     Prior to use, the light-conductive neck  14  of the illuminated examination mirror  10  is operably connected to any of a variety of illumination sources capable of producing visible or non-visible light (spread spectrum or monochromatic) which may include light at visible, infrared, and/or ultraviolet wavelengths. The light source may be a pen light or optical fiber type light source known in the art. The illumination is transmitted through the neck  14  to the head  12  along the curved path and is emitted at the emitting surface  20  which is focused a specific distance above the surface of the mirror  22 . It will be recognized that the invention generally constrains the light in a manner of a light-pipe, as found within the combined neck  14  and head  12 , within a given range of light incidence with the exterior surfaces, such that providing smooth transitions reduces the amount of illumination which is lost and unavailable for being directed toward the subject area. Portions of the exterior of the examination mirror may be further configured with reflective treatments at transition areas to reduce the amount of unrecoverable light energy. The light emitting areas are optimally provided as smooth surfaces orthogonal to the path of incident light travel. The user positions the examination mirror to get the best view of the subject area which generally will coincide with the highest light intensity near the focal point of the light while the reflection of the subject area is viewed from mirror  22 . The mirror  22  may also be removed whereupon the head may be utilized solely for illumination. 
     FIG. 3 is another embodiment  30  of the illuminated examination mirror having a mirror  22  retained in a substantially planar head  32  having a side attached neck  34 . The backside  36  of the head  32  is of less depth than in the head of FIG. 1 which allows the examination mirror  30  of FIG. 3 to be used in tighter spaces, however, the even dispersion of emitted light may be affected. The edges  38  of the head  32  have a similar inside light emitting surface  40  which directs light to converge near the subject area. 
     Another embodiment of an illuminating examination mirror  50 , is shown in FIG. 4 having a mirror  22  retained within a head  52  having a side attached neck  54 , a backside  56  and an edge  58 . The light emitting surface  60  of the head  52  is directed toward the plane of mirror  22  wherein the emitted light is directed at an angle to converge on the subject area as shown by the arrowed lead lines. By way of example and not of limitation, the light emitting surface  60  can be positioned at an angle of 45° from the horizontal surface of mirror  22 . 
     Another embodiment is an illuminating examination mirror  70  shown in FIG.  5  through FIG. 8 having a removable mirror. FIG. 5 illustrates the mirror  22  separated from the head  72 . Neck  74  is attached to the side of head  72  and has a bottom surface  76 , an edge  78 , an inner light emitting surface  80  and a slot  82 . The head  72  has two arcuate arms  84   a ,  84   b  which reside within the same plane in a “horseshoe” like configuration wherein the mirror  22  is received and firmly engaged within slot  82 . FIG.  6  through FIG. 8 illustrate the assembled examination mirror. It will be appreciated that light within this embodiment will also be emitted from the distal ends of arms  84   a ,  84   b . As an alternative, the emitting surfaces  80  may direct the light at the mirror surface for focused reflection on the subject area (not shown). 
     Another embodiment is an illuminating examination mirror  90  of FIG.  9  through FIG. 11, which provides a partial-ring light emission surface. The examination mirror  90  has an angled head  92  connected with a neck  94 . The head  92  has a lower surface  96  and arms  98   a ,  98   b  that form an arcuate section for retaining a mirror  100 . The mirror  100  has an edge  102  adapted with an annular groove for retention within the head  92 . An inner surface  104  of the arms  98   a ,  98   b  extends above the surface of the mirror which is preferable beveled  106  to eliminate sharp protrusions. The arms  98   a ,  98   b  contain a ridged slot  108  to accommodate the insertion and firm retention of the mirror  100  having an edge  102  with a corresponding groove. The top surface of arms  98   a ,  98   b  has an angled light emitting surface  104  which focuses light on the subject area above the surface of mirror  100 . An advantage of the partial ring illuminated mirror is the ability to place the unencircled edge of the mirror close to a subject area for close-up viewing. It will be understood that the amount of light being directed to the subject area, for a given light source intensity, is subject to a decrease which may be acceptable for a particular application. The portion of the mirror perimeter which contains the light emitting surface, or surfaces, should be at least 10% within any application so as to provide sufficient light directed and focused on the subject area. 
     Another embodiment is an illuminating examination mirror  110  of FIG.  12  through FIG. 14, which provides a beveled front-surfaced mirror as a light emission surface for the light directed from the neck through the head. The examination mirror  110  has a head  112  connected with a neck  114 , bottom surface  116 , and edge  118 . A typical mirror contains a silvered surface against the back-surface of the glass, whereas the light rays being reflected traverse the glass toward the silvering and then traverse the glass again upon reflection. A front-surfaced mirror, by contrast, has a reflective surface on the exterior surface of the glass whereby the light of the incident and reflecting image need not traverse the glass. The mirror  120  is a front-surfaced mirror whose perimeter  122  has been beveled at an angle. Since the silvering is contained on the front-surface of the mirror, the beveling removes the silvering along the perimeter. Light transmitted through the examination head is thereby directed through the emissive surface created by the bevel around the perimeter  122  of the mirror. It will be recognized that the light emitted is not focused on the subject area as in the prior embodiments as the beveled surface directs the light outwardly  124 . 
     Another embodiment is an illuminating examination mirror  130  of FIG.  15  through FIG. 17, which provides a faceted front-surfaced mirror as a focused light emission surface. The examination mirror  130  has a head  132  connected with a neck  134 , bottom surface  136 , and edge  138 . The mirror  140  within this embodiment is also a front-surfaced mirror, however, rather than being configured with an outward bevel, a faceted ring  142  is cut on its perimeter which focuses the light a specific distance, as determined by the facet angle, above the mirror surface, arrowed lead lines  144  indicate the path of directed light to a point of convergence  146 . FIG. 17 illustrates a detailed cross-section exemplifying the mirror  140  shown with facet  142 , the front-surface silvering of the mirror  148 , and mirror edges  150  adapted for reflection. The edges of the mirror  150  are configured to reflect light, such as by painting, or by the application of silvering, and are angled so as to reflect light received from the head toward the face of the facet  142 . The light directed through the neck  134  and head  132  are emitted out the facets of the glass which focuses the light at a given distance above the mirror. A single large faceted ring has been illustrated above, however, it will be appreciated that a number of very fine rings may be provided on the surface of the mirror with each configured having a different facet angle to maintain a single focal point. These concentric rings will be understood to have faceted faces in keeping with Fresnel lens optics. The front-surfaced mirror can be faceted by various conventional means depending on the composition of the mirror, such as molding, etching, and cutting. 
     Accordingly, it will be seen that the present invention teaches various methods and apparatus for effectively concentrating light above the reflecting surface of an examination mirror trained on a subject area. 
     Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”