Hand-held lighting device

Abstract

A mouth-held lighting device as described herein preferably includes a lighting element and a mouthpiece. A cover can be used to help protect and keep the mouthpiece clean from debris. The mouth-held lighting device allows the user to free up their hands to accomplish various tasks in a dark environment that would otherwise not be possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of embodiments of this utility model generally relates to lighting elements, and more specifically to lighting elements that can be held by the mouth of a user of the lighting element. Background Technology

[0002] The use of flashlights with various designs of support and control components is known. However, traditional flashlights require one or more hands to control and guide the light emitted. Furthermore, physical tasks often require the use of both hands to illuminate their environment. For example, mechanics, contractors, pest control workers, and similar workers typically need to use their hands while performing their daily tasks. Moreover, these tasks are often accompanied by insufficient ambient light, necessitating additional light sources such as flashlights.

[0003] To complete a task and receive the required amount of light, people will have to use one hand to hold the light source and perform the task with only the other, or find a place to position or balance the light source in order to free up their other hand. In doing so, the light source may fall, fail to illuminate the appropriate area, or may cause damage or injury. Occasionally, people may even attempt to hold the light source in their mouths. This can further cause injury or discomfort and inhibit an individual's ability to interact with others in the work area. Therefore, there is a need for handless, operable lighting devices that can provide additional light to users in an easy and reliable manner.

[0004] Related technology review:

[0005] US Patent 5,063,483 relates to a battery-powered lamp with a jaw, comprising a combination of an illumination device and a jaw. In use, a user can hold the illumination device by clamping the jaw and guiding the light source in a specific manner. The combination of the illumination device and the jaw allows the illumination device to be used while the user's hands are free to perform specific tasks.

[0006] US Patent No. 5,485,357 relates to a flashlight with a mouth support and associated controls, the flashlight having a front end with a bulb, a rear end with a detachable cap having a spherical recess, and an intermediate cylindrical extension between the front and rear ends; a mouthpiece made of an elastomeric material having an arcuate inner surface adapted to be supported by the user's teeth and an enlarged outer surface positionable between the user's teeth and lips, and a central post extending forward therefrom; and an electrical connection between the mouthpiece and the flashlight, the electrical connection including an intermediate section extending from the flashlight to a central axial opening in the cap and the mouthpiece, through which an electrical wire extends.

[0007] US Patent 7,972,024 relates to an illumination device comprising a light source and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is configured to accommodate a light source thereon and is capable of being received in a user's mouth. The mouthpiece includes a switch and a power source. The switch is electrically connected to the light source. The power source is electrically connected to the switch and the light source and is capable of supplying power to the light source for illumination. The light source illuminates when the mouthpiece is received in the user's mouth and pressure is applied to the switch by the user's teeth.

[0008] U.S. Patent Application US 12,064,307 relates to a teeth whitening lamp including a mouthpiece having an array of lamps arranged along the mouthpiece for directing light onto exposed portions of a user's teeth. The whitening lamp includes a rear portion comprising a first power source communicatively connected to the lamp array and a first charging mechanism configured to receive power transmitted from a second charging mechanism located on the housing of the whitening lamp. The first power source includes a rechargeable battery charged by the second charging mechanism to a power output sufficient to power the whitening lamp to emit light, which is configured to whiten teeth to begin a treatment upon selection of a button on the rear portion of the whitening lamp, emit the light for a predetermined duration corresponding to the duration of the treatment, and automatically switch the lamp array to an off setting after the predetermined duration has elapsed.

[0009] Different systems and methods are known in the art. However, their structure and operation are substantially different from those of this disclosure. Other inventions do not solve all the problems taught in this disclosure. At least one embodiment of this invention is shown in the following figures and will be described in more detail herein. Utility Model Content

[0010] In general, the mouth-held lighting device of this application is directed to a lighting apparatus comprising one or more lighting elements thereon. The one or more lighting elements can be operated (color, intensity, flashing pattern, etc.) by a pressable switch. When the power source connected to the lighting elements is rechargeable, a charging port allows convenient charging of the one or more lighting elements. Further, the mouthpiece is connected to a housing having one or more lighting elements, a charging port, a pressable button, etc. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece can be removed from the housing to allow for easier storage, cleaning, etc. The mouthpiece can be held on the housing by one or more retaining elements. A cover for the mouthpiece, which can be used when the mouthpiece is connected to the housing, prevents debris and other materials from soiling the mouthpiece.

[0011] In one aspect of this utility model, a mouth-held lighting device is provided, comprising: a lighting housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the lighting housing has a protrusion; at least one lighting element connected to the first end of the lighting housing; a pressable button configured to change the operability state of the at least one lighting element; and a mouthpiece having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the mouthpiece has a recess, and the second end of the mouthpiece is configured to be inserted into the user's mouth.

[0012] Mouth-held lighting devices may also include lenses configured to cover one or more lighting elements.

[0013] Mouth-held lighting devices may also include a cover.

[0014] Mouth-held lighting devices may also include one or more status indicators.

[0015] Mouth-held lighting devices may also include a charging port.

[0016] The mouth-held lighting device may also include: wherein the second end of the mouth is arched in shape and has a first occlusal pad and a second occlusal pad.

[0017] The mouth-held lighting device may also include: wherein the mouth is connected to the housing via a retaining rib.

[0018] In another aspect of this utility model, a mouth-held lighting device is provided, comprising: a lighting housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the lighting housing has a protrusion and at least one retaining mechanism connected to the protrusion; at least one lighting element connected to the first end of the lighting housing; a pressable button configured to change the operability state of the at least one lighting element; and a jaw having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the jaw has a recess and the second end of the jaw has a first engagement pad and a second engagement pad, wherein the recess has at least one groove configured to receive at least one retaining mechanism connected to the protrusion of the lighting housing.

[0019] Mouth-held lighting devices may also include: wherein the first occlusal pad is not attached to the second occlusal pad.

[0020] Mouth-held lighting devices may also include a universal serial bus charging port located in the lighting housing.

[0021] Mouth-held lighting devices may also include a cover configured to selectively cover the mouthpiece.

[0022] Mouth-held lighting devices may also include light tubes configured to direct light to one or more status indicators.

[0023] Mouth-held lighting devices may also have a cover configured to be attached to the lighting housing via one or more fixing mechanisms.

[0024] In another aspect of this utility model, a mouth-held lighting device is provided, comprising: a lighting housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the lighting housing has a protrusion and at least one retaining mechanism coupled to the protrusion; at least one lighting element coupled to the first end of the lighting housing; a lens configured to cover the at least one lighting element; a power source configured to supply power to the at least one lighting element; a charging port operatively coupled to the power source; a pressable button configured to change the operating state of the at least one lighting element; a jaw having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the jaw has a recess, and the second end of the jaw has a first biting pad and a second biting pad, wherein the recess has at least one groove configured to receive at least one retaining mechanism coupled to the protrusion of the lighting housing; and a cover having a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment and the second segment define an internal volume.

[0025] The mouth-held lighting device may also include a cover configured to cover the mouth.

[0026] Mouth-held lighting devices may also include: wherein the internal volume formed by the cover is larger than the mouth.

[0027] Other technical features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To facilitate identification of any particular element or action being discussed, the first or first few digits in the reference numerals indicate the numerical designation of the element when it was first introduced.

[0029] Figure 1 A first perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A second perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 A top view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 A side view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A front view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 Another perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown with the cover for the jaw removed.

[0035] Figure 7 A top view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the cover for the jaw has been removed.

[0036] Figure 8 A top view of an embodiment of the present invention with the mouthpiece removed from the lighting element is shown.

[0037] Figure 9A A first perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the mouthpiece is removed from the lighting element.

[0038] Figure 9B A second perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the mouthpiece is removed from the lighting element.

[0039] Figure 10 An exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 11 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the present invention is taken by line 11.

[0041] Figure 12 A preferred method of using an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which different embodiments are illustrated. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals throughout denote the same elements.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms. It should also be understood that when the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” or “includes” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated features, regions, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the relevant field and in the context of this disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0045] Now refer to Figures 1 to 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mouth-held lighting device 102 is provided. Typically, the mouth-held lighting device 102 includes a lens 104, a lighting housing 106, a pressable button 108, a cover 110, one or more status indicators 112, an attachment mechanism 202, a charging port 302, a jaw 604, a first biting pad 702, and a second biting pad 704.

[0046] The mouth-held lighting device 102 typically comprises two main sections: a lighting housing 106 and a jaw 604 with an associated cover 110. The lighting housing 106 typically contains circuitry, programmable logic, a power supply, a lamp, and other operable components of the mouth-held lighting device 102. On the other hand, during operation of the mouth-held lighting device 102, the jaw 604 allows the mouth-held lighting device 102 to be supported and used in the user's mouth.

[0047] The lighting housing 106 of the mouth-held lighting device 102 is preferably formed of a first section and a second section, which form an internal hollow or void to allow for the accommodation of various components (see...). Figure 10 ).like Figure 10 As shown, the first section of the housing can be joined to the second section of the housing by conventional means. The charging port 302, light tube 1106, lens 104, power supply 1104, printed circuit board 1108, one or more lighting elements 1102, pressable button 108, and one or more status indicators 112 are all housed in or connected to the lighting housing 106. The lighting housing 106 can also be permanently attached to the jaw 604 or can be separated from the jaw 604, such as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0048] From the outside of the lighting housing 106, the charging port 302, the pressable button 108, one or more status indicators 112, and the lens 104 are readily visible. In some embodiments, one or more lighting elements 1102 are visible behind the lens 104.

[0049] Lens 104 is located at a first end of illumination housing 106, and a protrusion is present at a second end of illumination housing 106. Lens 104 may be plastic, polymer, glass, or other materials suitable for allowing light of one or more wavelengths to pass through. Lens 104 may be curved or have other features configured to magnify or otherwise manipulate the appearance of light emitted through it. Lens 104 may be removable and / or interchangeable, allowing the use of different lenses to produce different effects or for different working environments.

[0050] Behind lens 104 is... Figure 11 One or more lighting elements 1102 are shown. The one or more lighting elements 1102 are preferably one or more light-emitting diodes or LEDs. The one or more lighting elements 1102 may be able to generate multi-wavelength light and may be RGB LEDs. The operating state of the LEDs can be modified according to the user's needs by interacting with a pressable button 108. The one or more lighting elements 1102 are connected to a power supply 1104, such that the power supply 1104 provides power to illuminate the one or more lighting elements 1102.

[0051] As described above, one or more lighting elements 1102 can be operated via a pressable button 108. The pressable button 108 can also be communicatively coupled to one or more status indicators 112. This allows the user to see the operating mode (flickering, intensity, color, etc.) of the light emitted by the mouth-held lighting device 102. However, in other embodiments, such one or more status indicators 112 indicate the remaining battery power available in the power supply 1104. For example, when all three status indicators are lit, the power supply 1104 has more than 75% of its battery life remaining; when two of the three status indicators are lit, the power supply 1104 has between 50% and 75% of its battery life remaining; and when only one of the three status indicators is lit, there is less than 50% of its battery life remaining. If no indicator is lit, the battery or power supply 1104 needs to be recharged. A light tube 1106 is used to direct light to the status indicators; however, other methods of illuminating the status indicators may be employed.

[0052] The pressable button 108 preferably allows for a simple on / off function (i.e., press to turn on the light / press to turn off the light), but may include other functions. For example, by pressing and holding the pressable button 108, the intensity of the light generated by one or more lighting elements 1102 may be varied. Similar actions may cause a color change in one or more lighting elements 1102 and turn a selected LED on / off or cause the LED to blink in a specific pattern.

[0053] Charging port 302 can be a conventional charging port 302 for recharging the power supply 1104 of the mouth-held lighting device 102. Such a charging port 302 is preferably in the form of a Universal Serial Bus or USB charging port, although other charging ports are contemplated within the scope of this application. Charging port 302 is operatively coupled to the power supply 1104 such that connecting a charging cable to charging port 302 preferably allows recharging of the power supply 1104 as needed (and in some embodiments, according to indications by one or more status indicators 112).

[0054] Now refer to Figures 8 to 9B At the second end of the lighting housing 106 is a protrusion with one or more retaining ribs 802. This protrusion is preferably a solid material that is elastic but resistant to deformation. This allows the protrusion to mate with the recess 804 of the mouthpiece 604, allowing the two sections of the mouth-held lighting device 102 to be securely joined together.

[0055] The protrusion also has at least one retaining rib 802, which is preferably disposed around the periphery of the protrusion. In at least one embodiment, the retaining rib 802 is an O-ring, which may be fixed or removable for cleaning purposes. Figure 9B As shown, the jaw 604 has a recess 804 with a gap that is complementary in shape to the protrusion. Thus, the protrusion is adequately shaped and sized to fit snugly into the recess 804. The protrusion may fit into the recess via a friction fit, but the recess 804 also includes one or more grooves. At least one groove 902 is configured to receive a retaining rib 802 of the protrusion. This allows for a more secure fit between the protrusion (and via the extended lighting housing 106) and the jaw. In some embodiments, multiple retaining ribs 802 and multiple grooves 902 are present. This embodiment allows for flexibility in combining the lighting housing 106 and the jaw 604.

[0056] For example, the protrusion and recess 804 can be sized and shaped such that the working length of the mouth-held lighting device 102 can vary depending on how far the protrusion is inserted into the recess of the mouthpiece 604. Having multiple retaining ribs 802 and multiple grooves 902 will allow certain ribs / grooves to engage securely, thereby changing the depth of the protrusion in the recess 804.

[0057] like Figure 7As shown, the jaw 604, opposite the recess 804, has a first bite pad 702 and a second bite pad 704. Each of the first bite pad 702 and the second bite pad 704 is connected to the arcuate portion of the jaw 604, allowing the user to insert the jaw 604 into their mouth and bite on the first bite pad 702 and the second bite pad 704 to secure the mouth-held lighting device 102 in their mouth, thereby freeing their hands to complete the task. Each of the first bite pad 702 and the second bite pad 704 is preferably identical, but located on the opposite side of the arcuate portion of the jaw 604.

[0058] In at least one embodiment, the first occlusal pad 702 and the second occlusal pad 704 are made of a soft and elastic material that is easy for the user to bite on. Individual "pads" may be present on each pad to provide cushioning for the user's teeth. These "cushions" or "pads" may be softer than the material forming the bite 604 surrounding them. In at least one embodiment, the "pads" or "cushions" are filled with gel. Furthermore, the first occlusal pad 702 and the second occlusal pad 704 are not connected to each other. This allows a gap between the two pads, allowing the user to breathe more easily and making the user more comfortable because less bulk material is held and retained in the user's mouth. In a preferred embodiment, the bite 604 can be easily removed and cleaned, and may even include dishwasher-safe material to allow for easy cleaning and sterilization.

[0059] The cover 110 also helps prevent debris and other contaminants from the mouthpiece 604. The cover 110 is essentially a housing that fits onto the mouthpiece 604 and is securely held in place when the mouthpiece lighting device 102 is not in use. Preferably, the cover 110 is secured to the mouthpiece 604 via a friction fit, but other conventional securing mechanisms may be used. In one embodiment, the cover may have an internal UV lamp or other structure that can facilitate the sterilization of the mouthpiece 604 between uses. For user convenience, an attachment mechanism 202 may be provided on the cover 110 so that a tether or other suitable structure can be attached thereto to allow for easy storage and / or transport of the mouthpiece lighting device 102.

[0060] like Figure 12 As shown, there is a user 1204, in which the mouth-held lighting device 102 is held by the user's mouth. A jaw 604 is inserted into the mouth, and the mouth-held lighting device 102 is then securely held therein when the user 1204 bites down on the jaw 604. The user's hands are then free to manipulate the mouth-held lighting device 102, as well as to work in the user's environment to operate tools, open / close doors, etc., or some combination thereof.

[0061] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative of the present invention. Various substitutions and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mouth-held lighting device, characterized in that, include: Lighting housing, the lighting housing having a first end and a second end, The second end of the lighting housing has a protrusion; At least one lighting element, said at least one lighting element being connected to the first end of the lighting housing; A pressable button is configured to change the operable state of the at least one lighting element; The jaw has a first end and a second end. The first end of the mouthpiece has a recess, and the second end of the mouthpiece is configured to be inserted into the user's mouth.

2. The mouth-held lighting device of claim 1 further includes a lens configured to cover one or more lighting elements.

3. The mouth-held lighting device according to claim 1 further includes a cover.

4. The mouth-held lighting device according to claim 3, wherein, The cover is configured to cover the mouthpiece.

5. The mouth-held lighting device according to claim 1 further includes one or more status indicators.

6. The mouth-held lighting device according to claim 1 further includes a charging port.

7. The mouth-held lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The second end of the jaw is arched and has a first bite pad and a second bite pad.

8. The mouth-held lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The mouthpiece is connected to the housing via a retaining rib.

9. A mouth-held lighting device, characterized in that, include: Lighting housing, the lighting housing having a first end and a second end, The second end of the lighting housing has a protrusion and at least one retaining mechanism connected to the protrusion; At least one lighting element, said at least one lighting element being connected to the first end of the lighting housing; A pressable button is configured to change the operable state of the at least one lighting element; The jaw has a first end and a second end. The first end of the jaw has a recess, and the second end of the jaw has a first bite pad and a second bite pad. The recess has at least one groove, which is configured to receive at least one retaining mechanism connected to the protrusion of the lighting housing.

10. The mouth-held lighting device according to claim 9, wherein, The first occlusal pad is not fixed to the second occlusal pad.

11. The mouth-held lighting device according to claim 9, further comprising a universal serial bus charging port disposed in the lighting housing.

12. The mouth-held lighting device of claim 9, further comprising a cover configured to selectively cover the mouthpiece.

13. The mouth-held lighting device according to claim 12, wherein, The cover is configured to be attached to the lighting housing via one or more fixing mechanisms.

14. The mouth-held lighting device according to claim 12, wherein, The internal volume formed by the cover is larger than the mouth.

15. The mouth-held lighting device of claim 9, further comprising a light tube configured to direct light to one or more status indicators.

16. A mouth-held lighting device, characterized in that, include: Lighting housing, the lighting housing having a first end and a second end, The second end of the lighting housing has a protrusion and at least one retaining mechanism connected to the protrusion; At least one lighting element, said at least one lighting element being connected to the first end of the lighting housing; A lens, the lens being configured to cover the at least one illumination element; A power source configured to supply power to the at least one lighting element; A charging port, which is operatively connected to the power source; A pressable button is configured to change the operable state of the at least one lighting element; The jaw has a first end and a second end. The first end of the jaw has a recess, and the second end of the jaw has a first bite pad and a second bite pad. The recess has at least one groove, the at least one groove being configured to receive at least one retaining mechanism coupled to the protrusion of the lighting housing; and A cover having a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment and the second segment define an internal volume.

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