Protective devices and related systems to minimize the risk of infection transmission

Abstract

This specification discloses protective devices and related systems for minimizing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and / or other infectious diseases between individuals in close proximity to each other, including, for example, transmission via droplets expelled from the mouth or nasal area of ​​an infected individual. [Solution] The protective device 1000 and associated system may comprise a substantially transparent shield component and a handle component including a connection configuration. The protective device may comprise a light-emitting diode 1003 and associated control means 1002. The protective device of this disclosure may further comprise a camera communicably connected to a display screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is a partial continuation application of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 943,133 and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 943,178, both filed on July 30, 2020, claiming the benefit and priority thereof, and both of which claim the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 924,649, filed on July 9, 2020. Each of the patent applications specifically identified above, including this application, also claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63026110, filed on May 17, 2020. The content of each of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to protective devices and related systems designed to minimize the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus and / or other sources of infection in an environment where there is a high risk of transmission due to individuals being physically close to each other. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a protective device comprising a substantially transparent shield component and a handle component including connection modes that can be installed on a vacuum hose or other substantially cylindrical object, without limitation.

Background Art

[0003] COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, the virus has spread worldwide, resulting in a global pandemic. More than 41 million patients have been diagnosed with COVID-19 across more than countries and regions. As of the date of this disclosure, more than 1.1 million deaths have been reported due to COVID-19.

[0004] COVID-19 can be transmitted through droplet contact (e.g., coughing and sneezing), direct physical contact, indirect physical contact (e.g., contact with contaminated surfaces), and airborne transmission. However, the primary way COVID-19 is transmitted is through tiny droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, and talking, where individuals are in close physical proximity to one another. COVID-19 can also be transmitted by infected individuals who show no symptoms. The future effects of COVID-19 remain a concern because there are no known solutions to mitigate or eliminate these undesirable conditions that contribute to ongoing transmission.

[0005] Since COVID-19 can be transmitted at least through droplet contact (e.g., coughing and sneezing), direct physical contact, indirect physical contact (e.g., touching a contaminated surface), and airborne transmission, physical proximity between people increases the risk of transmitting COVID-19. Social distancing, also known as physical distance, is one of the main tactics used worldwide to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Social distancing involves maintaining a certain minimum physical distance between individuals and reducing the number of times individuals have close physical contact with each other. However, not all activities allow for maintaining a sufficient minimum physical distance. For example, many healthcare workers must be in close proximity to their patients in order to perform their duties. When physical proximity between people is unavoidable, there is a need for effective systems to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

[0006] Particles are classified based on their size. Coarse particles are 2.5 to 10 microns in size. Fine particles are less than 2.5 microns. Ultrafine particles are less than 0.1 microns in size. The human nose generally filters out particles larger than 10 microns. If a particle is less than 10 microns, it can enter the respiratory system. If a particle is less than 2.5 microns, it can enter the alveoli. Ultrafine particles can enter the bloodstream and target organs. COVID-19 exists as ultrafine particles.

[0007] Current research suggests that most respiratory transmission of COVID-19 occurs via large respiratory droplets. Such large droplets typically travel up to about 6 feet before falling to the ground. However, activities such as coughing and sneezing can aerosolize the droplets, allowing them to travel further, thereby increasing the risk of transmission (i.e., the droplets carry COVID-19). When aerosolized, COVID-19 can travel up to about 20 feet and remain suspended in the air longer than when not aerosolized. In addition to coughing and sneezing, respiratory droplets are routinely aerosolized in dental practice.

[0008] Dentists who actually utilize aerosolization, and therefore their staff, are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. Similarly, patients of such dentists are at high risk of infection from the dentist, and also from dental assistants in close proximity during treatment. Much of this risk stems from the central part of the dentist's and assistant's faces, as well as from the nasal cavity area of ​​the patient. Those skilled in the art will understand that individuals of other professions, such as other healthcare professionals, who, in the course of their work, may come into close proximity to the nasal and oral areas of the individuals they are treating, can recognize the benefits of the protective devices and associated systems enabled by this disclosure. [Overview of the project]

[0009] The protective devices enabled by this disclosure advantageously address the shortcomings known in the current state of the art. Embodiments enabled by this disclosure provide protective devices that advantageously enhance the effectiveness of reducing the risk of transmitting COVID-19 or other infectious diseases by mitigating direct, indirect, and / or other contact between individuals. Non-limited examples of such indirect contact include, but are not limited to, droplets and other fluids from the mouth or nose of a healthcare worker treating a patient or a patient nearby. Another non-limited example of such indirect contact includes cases where two individuals are sufficiently physically close to each other that one individual inhales air exhaled by the other. One embodiment enabled by this disclosure provides a protective device comprising a substantially transparent shield component and a handle component, the handle component further including a connection configuration. The connection configuration can, but is not limited, be fixed to a suction device including a substantially cylindrical vacuum hose. One embodiment enabled by this disclosure provides a protective device comprising a camera communicably connected to a display screen. In another embodiment, the protective device may further comprise a light-emitting diode. These light-emitting diodes may be arranged along one or more sides of the protective device, and / or at adjacent corners or other joints of the sides of the protective device. According to embodiments enabled by this disclosure, the protective device described herein may be connected to a multi-jointed mechanical arm. The multi-jointed arm may be positioned to position the protective device over an individual, such as a dental patient, to facilitate optimal treatment conditions that allow a dentist or other healthcare professional to treat a patient under conditions that minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the protective device of the present invention.

[0011] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the protective device of the present invention.

[0012] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the protective device of the present invention.

[0013] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the protective device of the present invention.

[0014] [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the protective device of the present invention.

[0015] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the protective device of the present invention.

[0016] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the protective device of the present invention.

[0017] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the protective device of the present invention.

[0018] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the protective device of the present invention.

[0019] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view of the protective device of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The following disclosure is provided to describe various embodiments of protective devices intended to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses and infectious pathogens, which can be transmitted between physically proximate individuals and / or can interact with common surfaces or objects. Those skilled in the art will understand additional embodiments and uses of the devices that extend beyond the examples of the present disclosure. Terms included in the claims should be interpreted as defined within the present disclosure. A singular form contemplates a plurality of alternatives and should be read to disclose. Similarly, a plural form contemplates a singular alternative and should be read to disclose. Unless otherwise specified, conjunctions should be interpreted as inclusive.

[0021] Expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" should be read to enable any one of A, B, or C alone or in combination with the remaining elements. Further, such groups can include multiple instances of one or more of the elements within the group, which can be included with other elements of the group. All numerical values, measurements, and values are given as approximations (approximate values) unless otherwise specified.

[0022] Terms and expressions used throughout this disclosure should be interpreted broadly. It is intended that the terms be understood to correspond respectively to the definitions provided by this specification. Technical dictionaries and the general meanings understood within the applicable technical field are intended to supplement these definitions. When an appropriate definition cannot be determined from this specification or a technical dictionary, such terms should be understood according to their plain and common meaning. However, any definition provided by this specification will apply in preference to all other sources.

[0023] The various objectives, features, aspects, and advantages described by this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] To clearly illustrate the components and features discussed throughout this disclosure, several frequently used terms are defined herein, without limitation. As used throughout this disclosure, the term “COVID-19” is defined as the infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The term “aerosol” is defined as a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. The term “universal mount” is defined as a universal dump with one or more compatible mounts. The term “individual” is to be interpreted broadly, not restrictively, and should be interpreted as synonymous with “subject.” As used throughout this disclosure, the term “LED” is defined as a light-emitting diode.

[0025] Herein, various aspects of this disclosure will be described in detail without limitation. The following disclosure discusses protective devices to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and / or other infectious diseases, including through physical proximity between individuals. Those skilled in the art will understand that alternative labelings for such devices, consistent with the scope and spirit of this disclosure, may be provided. A skilled reader should not consider this to be limiting in any way to the inclusion of any alternative labeling.

[0026] The protective devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 contemplated by this disclosure can be operably mounted on several objects, including, but not limited to, substantially cylindrical objects such as vacuum hoses or other similarly molded suction devices. In another embodiment, the protective devices contemplated by this disclosure can be operably mounted on articulated mechanical arms. The protective devices made possible by the present invention can be mounted on such objects by any suitable means of attachment, which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Such means may include, but are not limited to, universal mounts.

[0027] The protective device enabled by this disclosure may comprise a substantially transparent shield component 101 and a handle component 102.

[0028] The substantially transparent shield component of this disclosure may be substantially flat or curved. The substantially transparent shield component of this disclosure may have projections to adapt to the curvature of an individual's face, such as when the shield component is placed over an individual occupying a chair, such as a dental patient occupying a dentist's chair.

[0029] The substantially transparent shielding component of this disclosure may be removable from the protective device enabled by this disclosure to facilitate cleaning and replacement of the shielding component.

[0030] The substantially transparent shield component may consist of any substantially transparent solid material, such as certain types of plastics, clear glass, or polycarbonate materials, but is not limited to these. In one embodiment, the shield component may consist of a material that is not toxic to humans. Plastics that may be suitable for use in creating the shield component may include, but are not limited to, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose acetate butyrate, polycarbonate, or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (or PETG plastic). However, the shield component may consist of a lightweight material to facilitate the contraction and expansion of the protective device toward or away from the front of the dental chair or other object and the patient or other individual sitting or otherwise occupying the object.

[0031] The protective devices of this disclosure are intended to be positioned in such a way that they do not come into contact with an individual sitting in a chair or otherwise occupying an object (object) when used, for example, in a dental practice, but not limited to. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the downward surface of the shield component and the individual occupying the dentist's chair or other object may be, but not limited to, about 1 inch to about 10 inches. Other distances between the downward surface of the shield component and the individual that allow the individual to be sufficiently comfortable and, where applicable, allow the dentist or other healthcare professional to treat the patient comfortably are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0032] The substantially transparent shield components of this disclosure 101 may exist in substantially any number of dimensions. The shield components may be about 12 inches to about 6 feet in length, preferably about 12 inches to about 2 feet, or 6 inches in length. The shield components may be about 12 inches to about 3 feet in width, preferably about 12 inches to about 2 feet in width, but are not limited thereto.

[0033] The substantially transparent shield component of Disclosure 101 may further include, as intended by the Disclosure, lighting to improve visibility for, for example, a dentist or dental assistant performing dental work in the mouth of a patient occupying a dental chair on which the protective device is mounted. The lighting may, but is not limited to, be positioned on the downward surface of the protective device.

[0034] The protective devices of this disclosure may further include, but are not limited to, magnifying materials such as a magnifying glass, a light-emitting diode, and / or a camera communicatively connected to a liquid crystal display, the magnifying materials being positioned within a portion of the protective device at a location intended to optimally enhance visibility around the head region of an individual on which the protective device is positioned. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the location may be about two-thirds of the distance from the distal end of the shield component to the proximal end of the shield component closest to the connection configuration of the handle component.

[0035] The protective device enabled by this disclosure may further include a camera communicatively connected to the display screen. The display screen includes, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display screen. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the display screen may include any number of other materials, for example, electroluminescent materials, but are not limited to these.

[0036] Herein, the camera and display screen will be described in more detail. The cameras contemplated by this disclosure may be located in or on substantially any number of locations within the protective device made possible by this disclosure. Such cameras may be directly integrated into the protective device 601, 701, 801, 901, or attached to the protective device 103, 301, 501, but are not limited to these. When a camera is integrated into the protective device, including when it is embedded in 601, the display screen associated with the camera may also be integrated into the protective device (602, 702, 802, 902, 1001) or attached to the protective device (104), without limitation. When the display screen and / or camera are attached to the protective device, such attachments may be achieved using any number of joints and / or hinges, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. When the camera is integrated into the protective device, the camera lens may be positioned on the downward-facing surface of the protective device in a location that does not obstruct the substantial transparency of the shielding component and therefore does not affect the visibility of the patient or the visibility of the workspace of the dentist or other healthcare professional.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the display screen is physically separated from the protective device but is still communicatively connected to the camera.

[0038] The protective device of this disclosure may further comprise a control console for controlling the functions of the camera. Such a control console may comprise a set of control components 1002. Such control components may include, but are not limited to, components for controlling the power supply to the camera (i.e., on / off), components for enabling video and audio recording, and components for enabling the capture of still photographs and moving images with sound.

[0039] Alternatively, both the camera 103 and the display screen 104 may be included in a rotating configuration 105 operably mounted to the handle component 102 along the perimeter of the protective device by any number of joints and / or hinges 106, such as hinge joints or saddle joints, or by other suitable means of connection. The configuration connected to the protective device may be rotatable along a horizontal axis. In such embodiments, the operability of the camera may correspond to the positioning of the camera. For example, the camera may be powered by positioning it so that the lens faces downward through a substantially transparent shield component, thus enabling the camera to operate, while the camera may be depowered by positioning it so that the lens faces forward or not downward, thus rendering the camera inoperable. In this embodiment, the display screen 104 may be positioned on the side of the rotating configuration opposite to the camera 103 so that, during operation, a dentist working on a patient whose head region is under the protective device can experience improved visibility (by camera) of the inside of the patient's mouth, as displayed on the display screen 104.

[0040] As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, cameras contemplated in this disclosure may include high-definition cameras such as 720p or 1080p high-definition cameras. Such cameras may include an autofocus function. Such cameras may have a digital zoom function that is operational when the camera is recording video. Such cameras may be capable of recording and playing back video in slow motion. Such cameras may have an image stabilization function. The aforementioned optional functions are not intended to be limiting.

[0041] The display screens contemplated in this disclosure may include optional features such as backlighting and anti-reflective coatings. The display screens may be of substantially any number of dimensions. The display screens may be sized to facilitate integration with or mounting to protective devices, as contemplated in this disclosure. For example, a display screen may have a diagonal length of approximately 6 inches. Alternatively, a display screen may have a diagonal length of approximately 8 inches, but is not limited to this.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective device of the present disclosure may be substantially rectangular in shape, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, but is not limited to these. As used herein, “substantially rectangular” is intended to mean two sets of parallel sides. Junctions between sides may form a 90-degree angle, be rounded immediately near the junction, or otherwise not form a right angle. In such embodiments, one or more sides of the protective device may comprise a series of LEDs 201, 302, 401, 703, 803, 903, 1003. Such a series of LEDs may form substantially linear rows of LEDs. In such embodiments, each row may contain, but is not limited to, 15 to 35 LEDs. Each row of LEDs may preferably contain 20 to 25 LEDs. LEDs having the properties described herein may include, but are not limited to, cool white LEDs, warm white LEDs, combinations of cool white and warm white LEDs, orange LEDs, and / or blue LEDs. As used herein, a cool white LED may, but is not limited to, an LED whose emitted light has a color temperature of about 4,000 Kelvin. As used herein, a warm white LED may, but is not limited to, an LED whose emitted light has a color temperature of about 3,000 Kelvin. As used herein, an orange LED may, but is not limited to, an LED whose emitted light has a color temperature of about 2,300 Kelvin. As used herein, a blue LED may, but is not limited to, an LED whose emitted light has a color temperature of about 5,750 Kelvin. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the functional importance of each of the aforementioned color temperatures for dental treatment.

[0043] In addition to these sets of LEDs, the protective device of the present disclosure may include up to four corner LEDs 704, 804, 904, 1004 located at or near each corner of the substantially rectangular protective device enabled by the present disclosure, or other joints where two sides are adjacent.

[0044] The protective device of this disclosure may further comprise one or more control consoles for operating LEDs 603, 805, 1005, each comprising one or more control components 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009. In one embodiment, the protective device may comprise two control consoles, each comprising four control components. In such an embodiment, one such control console can control the output from rows of LEDs arranged on one or more sides of the protective device, as construed by this disclosure. In this embodiment, one control component 1006 can control the power to the row(s) of LEDs, i.e., whether these LEDs are on or off. A second control component 1007 of the four control components can control the color of the light emitted from the row of LEDs. Such colors may include, but are not limited to, cool white, warm white, a combination of cool white and warm white, orange, or blue. The color may change in response to continuous operation of the control components, i.e., by continuously pressing a button or similar control component. For example, pressing this second control component once may cause the LED row to emit cool white light; pressing it a second time may cause the LED row to emit warm white light; pressing it a third time may cause the LED row to emit a combination of cool white and warm white light; pressing it a fourth time may cause the LED row to emit orange light; and pressing it a fifth time may cause the LED row to emit blue light. In this embodiment, the third control component 1008 and the fourth control component 1009 can control the degree of intensity of the light emitted from the LED row. Although not limited to this, pressing the third control component may increase the intensity of the light emitted from the LED row (i.e., make it brighter), while pressing the fourth control component may decrease the intensity of the light emitted from the LED row (i.e., make it dimmer).The degree to which the light intensity increases or decreases can be increased up to a pre-selected maximum value and decreased to a pre-selected minimum value, in proportion to the number of times the third or fourth control component is pressed, respectively.

[0045] As a further example, the protective device of the present disclosure may include a second control console 603, 805, 1005 comprising one or more control components 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009. In this embodiment, the first control component 1006 can control the power to one or more LEDs located on or near adjacent corners or other joints 1004 on the side of the protective device, i.e., control whether these LEDs are on or off. The second control component 1007 of the four control components can control the color of the light emitted from these LEDs. Such colors may include, but are not limited to, cool white, warm white, or a combination of cool white and warm white. The color may change by continuously operating this second control component, i.e., by continuously pressing a button or similar control component. For example, pressing the second control component once may cause these LEDs to emit cool white light, pressing it a second time may cause these LEDs to emit warm white light, and pressing it a third time may cause these LEDs to emit a combination of cool white and warm white light. In this embodiment, the third and fourth control components 1008 and 1009 can control the degree of the intensity of the light emitted from these LEDs. Pressing the third control component may increase the intensity of the light emitted from these LEDs (i.e., make them brighter), while pressing the fourth control component may decrease the intensity of the light emitted from these LEDs (i.e., make them dimmer). The degree of increase or decrease in light intensity can rise up to a preset maximum value and fall down to a preset minimum value in proportion to the number of times each control component is pressed.

[0046] The control components contemplated herein may be embedded in the display screens described herein and may be operable by capacitive touch, without limitation. The capacitive touch functionality may be responsive even when the operator is wearing gloves that a dentist may wear while working on a patient, without limitation. In such embodiments, physical control components such as conventional buttons are not required. Alternatively, the control components contemplated herein may be operable by resistive touch or may include conventional buttons that are physically actuated.

[0047] The connection modes 202, 303, 604, and 705 of the handle component of the protective device enabled by this disclosure may include a universal mount. The connection modes may include a wide range of inner diameters. In one preferred embodiment, the connection mode of the handle component may be configured to accommodate a vacuum hose or other substantially cylindrical suction means having an outer diameter of about 5 inches, but is not limited. The handle component may further include a ventilation (device) to help prevent objects such as a towel or other cloth located very close to the vacuum hose, as assumed herein, from being sucked into the vacuum hose, but is not limited.

[0048] The protective device of this disclosure may be attached to an articulated arm. The ends of the articulated arm not connected to the protective device may be fixed to any number of objects, including, but not limited to, walls, ceilings, or self-supporting trolleys.

[0049] While various aspects of the System of the Disclosure have been described above, the description of the Disclosure is intended to illustrate, not limit, the scope of the System. The Invention is defined by the Claims and not by the examples and embodiments provided in the Disclosure above. Those skilled in the art will, having benefited from the Disclosure above, understand additional aspects of the System enabled by the Disclosure that may be realized in alternative embodiments. Other aspects, advantages, embodiments, and modifications are within the Claims.

Claims

1. A nearly transparent shield component, A handle component further including connection configurations, Multiple light-emitting diodes, A protective device equipped with the following features.

2. The protective device according to claim 1, further comprising a camera that is communicably connected to a display screen.

3. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the device has a substantially rectangular shape.

4. The protective device according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of substantially linear rows, each containing a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

5. The protective device according to claim 4, wherein at least one adjacent junction on the side surface of the protective device comprises one or more light-emitting diodes.

6. The protective device according to claim 4, wherein the light emitted from the substantially linear row of light-emitting diodes includes cool white light, warm white light, a combination of cool white light and warm white light, orange light, or blue light.

7. The protective device according to claim 5, wherein the light emitted from the light-emitting diode located at one or more adjacent junctions on the side surface of the protective device includes white light, warm white light, or a combination of cool white light and warm white light.

8. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the connection configuration comprises a substantially cylindrical opening having an inner diameter of approximately 5 inches.

9. The protective device according to claim 2, wherein the camera is integrated with the protective device.

10. The protective device according to claim 9, wherein the display screen is integrated with the protective device.

11. The protective device according to claim 2, wherein the camera and / or display screen are operably connected to the protective device by a joint and / or hinge.

12. The protective device according to claim 2, wherein the double-sided rotating mode attached to the protective device comprises the camera on the side of the rotating mode facing inward toward the substantially transparent shield component, and the display screen on the side of the rotating mode facing outward.

13. A system equipped with a roughly rectangular protective device, A nearly transparent shield component, A handle component further including connection configurations, Multiple light-emitting diodes, A system equipped with these features.

14. The aforementioned protective device is A camera connected to the display screen for communication, The protective device further comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes arranged in a substantially linear row along at least one side of the protective device, The system according to claim 13, wherein the protective device is operably mounted on a multi-joint mechanical arm.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the protective device comprises at least one adjacent junction on the side surface of the protective device, and at least one of the junctions comprises one or more light-emitting diodes.

16. A first control component for controlling the power to the substantially linear row of light-emitting diodes, A second control component for controlling the color of the light emitted from the light-emitting diodes, including the substantially linear row of light-emitting diodes, A third control component that increases the intensity of light emitted from the substantially linear row of light-emitting diodes during operation, A fourth control component that reduces the intensity of light emitted from the substantially linear row of light-emitting diodes during operation, The system according to claim 15, further comprising a control console equipped with

17. The aforementioned substantially transparent shield component further comprises a second control console including four control components, The first control component of the second control console controls the power to the light-emitting diodes located substantially at one or more junctions on the side of the protective device. The second control component of the second control console controls the color of the light-emitting diode located substantially at one or more junctions on the side of the protective device. The third control component of the second control console increases the intensity of light emitted from the light-emitting diodes located substantially at one or more joints on the side of the protective device during operation. The fourth control component of the second control console reduces the intensity of light emitted from the light-emitting diodes located substantially at one or more joints on the side of the protective device during operation. The system according to claim 16.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the light emitted from the light-emitting diodes, including the substantially linear row of light-emitting diodes, includes cool white light, warm white light, a combination of cool white light and warm white light, orange light, or blue light.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein the light emitted from the light-emitting diode located substantially at one or more joints on the side surface of the protective device includes cool white light, warm white light, or a combination of cool white light and warm white light.

20. The system according to claim 17, wherein the camera is integrated with the protective device.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein the display screen is integrated with the protective device.

22. The system according to claim 17, wherein the camera is connected to the protective device by a joint or hinge.

23. The system according to claim 17, wherein the connection configuration includes a substantially cylindrical opening with an inner diameter of about 5 inches.

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