Illumination systems and methods of use

• US 7,114,823 B2
• Filed: 07/18/2003
• Issued: 10/03/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bryan Magee, Matthew Lykins, Wayne Mccullough
• Original Assignee: Bryan Magee, Matthew Lykins, Wayne Mccullough
• Inventors: Magee, Bryan, McCullough, Wayne, Lykins, Matthew
• Primary Examiner(s): CARIASO, ALAN B
• Application Number:
  US10/622,600
• Publication Number:
  US 20040252487A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,173 Days
• Field of Search: 362 86- 88, 362/105, 362/106, 362/184, 362/231, 362/800, 381/74, 381370-384
• US Class Current: 362/105
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0056 Audio equipment, e.g. music instruments, radios or speakers
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/05 specially adapted for use on head, throat or breast
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6033 for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets arrangements for preventing acoustic echo H04M9/08
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

The present invention provides a high-intensity LED as a light source for use in hands-free illumination devices. In one embodiment, one or more high-intensity LEDs are incorporated in, or added to, headgear, such as an aircraft headset. The LEDs may be powered by a battery, an external power source, or both. Also provided is a kit and method of installation for retrofitting existing headgear with LEDs.

Claims

1. A headset adapted to provide hands-free illumination for a wearer, comprising:

a pair of ear cups, each having a shell and at least one speaker within said shell, said shell having an opening for fitting adjacent an ear;

a band connecting said ear cups and adapted to fit over a wearer'"'"'s head;

at least one wire connected at a first place to at least one of said speakers and at a second place to an adaptor, whereby electronic signals can be passed from said adaptor through said wire to said at least one of said speakers;

at least one light-emitting diode attached to a first of said ear cups, and at least one light-emitting diode attached to a second of said ear cups, said light-emitting diodes being directed so that they can illuminate an area generally along a direction the wearer is looking;

at least one switch attached to one of said ear cups;

a power source; and

conductors connecting said light-emitting diodes, said switch and said power source,

wherein said light-emitting diodes include a first set of at least one light-emitting diode and a second set of at least one light-emitting diode, and said at least one switch includes an off position, a first on position permitting at least said first diode set to illuminate, and a second on position permitting at least said second diode set to illuminate.

2. The headset of claim 1 wherein said power source is a battery attached inside one of said ear cups.

3. The headset of claim 1 wherein said power source is a hot outlet.

4. The headset of claim 1 wherein said light-emitting diodes include a first set of one or more light-emitting diodes and a second set of one or more light-emitting diodes, and said at least one switch includes a first switch controlling said first diode set, and a second switch controlling said second diode set.

5. The headset of claim 1 wherein each of said ear cups has a plurality of light-emitting diodes attached to said ear cups.

6. The headset of claim 1, wherein said light-emitting diodes have an intensity of from about 1000 millicandelas to about 3000 millicandelas.

7. The headset of claim 1, wherein said at least one light-emitting diode is adapted to emit light having a color from the group consisting of red and white.

8. The headset of claim 1, wherein at least one of said ear cups has a first light-emitting diode and a second light-emitting diode, said first light-emitting diode is adapted to emit white light, and said second light-emitting diode is adapted to emit light of a color other than white.

9. A kit for retrofitting a headset having ear cups for hands-free illumination, comprising:

a length of wire, at least one switch, a plurality of light-emitting diodes, a battery holder, and a drilling template indicating positions for drilling holes, said drilling template adapted to be placed adjacent to said ear cups,

wherein said switch, said diodes, and said battery holder are adapted to be fitted on or in said headset, and wherein said wire, said switch, said diodes and said battery holder are adapted to be connected to create a circuit.

10. The kit of claim 9, further comprising a battery adapted to fit in said battery holder.

11. The kit of claim 9, further comprising a circuit diagram according to which said circuit is to be created.

12. A kit for retrofitting a headset having ear cups for hands-free illumination, comprising:

a length of wire, at least one switch, a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and a battery holder,

wherein said switch, said diodes, and said battery holder are adapted to be fitted on or in said headset, and wherein said wire, said switch, said diodes and said battery holder are adapted to be connected to create a circuit, and wherein said plurality of light-emitting diodes includes at least two white light-emitting diodes and two red light-emitting diodes.

13. The kit of claim 12, further comprising a battery adapted to fit in said battery holder.

14. The kit of claim 12, further comprising a circuit diagram according to which said circuit is to be created.

15. A method of fitting a headset having ear cups with hands-free illumination, comprising:

drilling a first set of at least one hole in at least one of said ear cups, each of the holes in said first set being of a size adapted to accommodate a light-emitting diode;

drilling a second set of at least one hole in at least one of said ear cups, each of the holes in said second set being of a size adapted to accommodate a switch;

installing at least one light-emitting diode in at least one of the holes in said first set;

installing at least one switch in at least one of the holes in said second set;

connecting one or more conductors between said at least one switch and said at least one light-emitting diode;

providing a power source; and

conductively connecting said power source to said at least one switch.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said providing step includes attaching a battery holder in or on one of said ear cups.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein said providing step includes providing an opening in one of said ear cups, and providing a conductor adapted to be connected to a power source at a distance from said ear cup, and wherein said connecting step includes connecting said conductor through said opening to said at least one switch.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one hole in at least one of said ear cups is positioned so that a light-emitting diode in said hole faces generally forward.