U.S. patent application number 16/508338 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-31 for intraoral device holder.
This patent application is currently assigned to NCASE INC. The applicant listed for this patent is Wesley P. Wilson. Invention is credited to Wesley P. Wilson.
Application Number | 20190332874 16/508338 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55654654 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190332874 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson; Wesley P. |
October 31, 2019 |
INTRAORAL DEVICE HOLDER
Abstract
An intraoral device holder is provided. In some embodiments, the
intraoral device holder may comprise a cavity and an occupancy
configured to detect an intraoral device at least partially located
within the cavity, and may further be configured to detect the
absence of at least a portion of the intraoral device from the
cavity. The intraoral device holder may further comprise a
communication array that may be configured to transmit data
corresponding to the intraoral device. In some embodiments, the
occupancy sensor may be located at least partially above the
floor.
Inventors: |
Wilson; Wesley P.;
(Huntsville, AL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wilson; Wesley P. |
Huntsville |
AL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NCASE INC
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
55654654 |
Appl. No.: |
16/508338 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15964779 |
Apr 27, 2018 |
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16508338 |
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15444009 |
Feb 27, 2017 |
9980799 |
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15964779 |
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14882558 |
Oct 14, 2015 |
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15444009 |
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62063647 |
Oct 14, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 9/00805 20130101;
H02J 50/10 20160201; A61C 7/08 20130101; B60W 2050/143 20130101;
G06N 3/0454 20130101; G08B 21/18 20130101; G05D 1/00 20130101; H02J
7/025 20130101; A63B 71/0036 20130101; G06K 9/00791 20130101; B60W
50/14 20130101; A61C 19/02 20130101; G06N 3/084 20130101; A61C 7/00
20130101; B60W 2050/146 20130101; G06N 3/0445 20130101; A61C
2204/005 20130101; A63B 71/085 20130101; A45D 44/20 20130101; B65D
43/163 20130101; A61C 13/00 20130101; G06N 3/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06K 9/00 20060101
G06K009/00; G06N 3/08 20060101 G06N003/08; G05D 1/00 20060101
G05D001/00; B60W 50/14 20060101 B60W050/14; G06N 3/04 20060101
G06N003/04 |
Claims
1. A case, comprising: a cavity structured to at least partially
receive a device that is transparent or translucent in at least one
section thereof; and an occupancy sensor configured to detect an
absence of at least a portion of the device from the cavity.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein the occupancy sensor is configured
to determine the absence of at least the portion of the device from
the cavity by determining that a signal received by a receiver is
below a threshold difference from a calibrated level of the
signal.
3. The case of claim 1, further comprising a lid structured to
cover an opening of the cavity.
4. The case of claim 3, wherein the occupancy sensor is configured
to detect the absence of at least the portion of the device from
the cavity when the lid is in a closed state.
5. The case of claim 1, wherein the occupancy sensor is configured
to determine the absence of at least the portion of the device from
the cavity when a detected signal strength of a signal being
emitted from the device is below a threshold.
6. The case of claim 1, wherein the portion of the device being
detected from the cavity is the section of the device that is
transparent or translucent.
7. The case of claim 1, wherein the occupancy sensor is configured
to detect the absence of at least the portion of the device from
the cavity based on an electromagnetic signal emitted from the
device.
8. The case of claim 7, wherein the electromagnetic signal emitted
from the device passes through the transparent or translucent
section of the device.
9. A case, comprising: a cavity structured to at least partially
receive a device that is transparent or translucent in at least one
section thereof; and an occupancy sensor configured to detect a
presence of at least a portion of the device within the cavity
based on electromagnetic radiation passing through or reflected by
the transparent or translucent section of the device.
10. The case of claim 9, wherein the occupancy sensor is configured
to determine the presence of at least the portion of the device
based on a change in amplitude of the electromagnetic radiation
passing through or reflected by the transparent or translucent
section of the device.
11. The case of claim 9, wherein the occupancy sensor is configured
to determine the presence of at least the portion of the device
within the cavity based on the frequency of the electromagnetic
radiation passing through or reflected by the transparent or
translucent section of the device.
12. The case of claim 9, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is
emitted by the device.
13. The case of claim 12, wherein the device does not include a
battery.
14. A case, comprising: a cavity structured to at least partially
receive a device; an emitter configured to emit a first
electromagnetic radiation signal; a receiver configured to receive
a second electromagnetic radiation signal; and an occupancy sensor
configured to detect a presence of at least a portion of the device
within the cavity based on the received second electromagnetic
radiation signal.
15. The case of claim 14, wherein a frequency of the first
electromagnetic radiation signal is the same as a frequency of the
second electromagnetic radiation signal.
16. The case of claim 14, wherein a frequency of the first
electromagnetic radiation signal is different than a frequency of
the second electromagnetic radiation signal.
17. The case of claim 14, wherein an amplitude of the first
electromagnetic radiation signal is greater than an amplitude of
the second electromagnetic radiation signal.
18. The case of claim 14, wherein the first electromagnetic
radiation signal is converted into the second electromagnetic
radiation signal after at least partially passing through a
transparent or translucent section of the device.
19. The case of claim 14, wherein the second electromagnetic
radiation signal is emitted by the device.
20. The case of claim 14, wherein the first electromagnetic
radiation signal is converted into the second electromagnetic
signal after at least partially being reflected by the device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/964,779, filed on 2018 Jul. 27, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/444,009 (now
U.S. Pat. No. 9,980,799), filed on 2017 Feb. 27, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/882,558, filed
2015 Oct. 14, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Utility
Patent Application No. 62/063,647, filed 2014 Oct. 14, all of which
are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This patent specification relates to the field of intraoral
device holders. More specifically, this patent specification
relates to intraoral device holders configured to provide
information corresponding to an intraoral device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Intraoral devices are used for a variety of purposes and may
include dental appliances, sleep apnea machines, retainers,
dentures, partial dentures, active aligners, protraction headgear,
spring aligners, and the like. Users of these devices and
appliances face similar problems regardless of the type of devices
and appliance. For instance, intraoral device users often face a
problem of remembering to wear their appliance. By forgetting to
wear a retainer, the user may encounter treatment setbacks such as
their teeth shifting or not moving correctly requiring a lengthy
and uncomfortable treatment period.
[0004] Users may also encounter the problem of remembering where
they left their intraoral device. These appliances are usually
expensive and difficult to replace. Much time and energy can be
wasted on looking for lost appliances. If the appliance cannot be
found, in addition to possible treatment setbacks, a user may be
required to pay for a replacement appliance.
[0005] For intraoral devices such as retainers, a user may have
trouble remembering the amount of time they have been wearing their
intraoral device each day. Without an accurate accounting of the
amount of time the retainer has been worn, a user may also
encounter treatment setbacks such as their teeth shifting or not
moving correctly requiring a lengthy and uncomfortable treatment
period.
[0006] Therefore, a need exists for novel apparatuses for reminding
a user to wear their intraoral device. There also exists a need for
novel apparatuses for preventing the loss of intraoral devices.
There is a further need for novel apparatuses for facilitating
locating intraoral devices. Finally, there exists a need for novel
apparatuses for recording and reporting the amount of time an
intraoral device is worn by a user.
SUMMARY
[0007] In some embodiments, an intraoral device holder may comprise
a cavity structured to at least partially receive an intraoral
device. The intraoral device holder may also comprise an occupancy
sensor that may be configured to detect the presence of the
intraoral device that is at least partially located within the
cavity, and may also be configured to detect the absence of at
least a portion of the intraoral device from the cavity.
[0008] In some embodiments, an intraoral device holder may comprise
a cavity that is configured and/or structured to at least partially
receive an intraoral device. The intraoral device holder may
further comprise an occupancy sensor that may be configured to
detect whether the intraoral device is at least partially located
within the cavity. Still further, the intraoral device holder may
comprise a communication array that may be configured to transmit
data corresponding to one or more feature of the intraoral device,
wherein the one or more feature has been detected while the
intraoral device was located within the cavity.
[0009] In some embodiments, an intraoral device storage device
comprises a cavity that may be structured to at least partially
receive an intraoral device, wherein the cavity may comprise a
floor. The intraoral device storage device may also comprise an
occupancy sensor that is at least partially located above the
floor. The cavity may be further structured so that at least a
portion of the intraoral device may directly contact the floor,
when the intraoral device is at least partially positioned within
the cavity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as
an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying
drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements
and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of an example of an
intraoral device holder in an open position showing insertion of an
intraoral device into the intraoral device holder according to
various embodiments described herein.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of an example of
an intraoral device holder in a closed position according to
various embodiments described herein.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of an example of an
intraoral device holder in a closed position according to various
embodiments described herein.
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of an example of a
floor according to various embodiments described herein.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an example
of a floor assembled with some components of an intraoral device
holder according to various embodiments described herein.
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a perspective exploded top view some of the
components of an intraoral device holder according to various
embodiments described herein.
[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective exploded bottom view some of
the components of an intraoral device holder according to various
embodiments described herein.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of some of the components
of an intraoral device holder according to various embodiments
described herein.
[0019] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of some of the components of a
processing unit according to various embodiments described
herein.
[0020] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an example of an
intraoral device holder in wireless communication with client
devices according to various embodiments described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and
all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As
used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended
to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when
used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present
disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0023] In describing the invention, it will be understood that a
number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has
individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with
one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed
techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description
will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the
individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the
specification and claims should be read with the understanding that
such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention
and the claims.
[0024] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper",
"lower", "left", "right", "rear", "front", "side", "vertical",
"horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, one will understand that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations and step
sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
Therefore, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the
attached drawings, and described in the following specification,
are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined
in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other
physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed
herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims
expressly state otherwise.
[0025] New intraoral storage devices are discussed herein. In the
following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. It will be evident,
however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may
be practiced without these specific details.
[0026] The present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or
description below.
[0027] The present invention will now be described by example and
through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and
alternative embodiments. FIGS. 1-3 depict an example of an
intraoral device holder ("the case") 100 according to various
embodiments. In some embodiments, the case 100 may comprise a lid
11 and a base 12 which may be temporarily aligned and brought
together as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, to form a cavity 13 between the
lid 11 and base 12 that is configured to receive a power source 36
(FIGS. 5-8), an occupancy sensor 32 (FIG. 8), a processing unit 21
(FIGS. 8 and 9), one or more alert devices 35, 38, 39 (FIGS . 7 and
8) and any other component of the case 100. In further embodiments,
the case 100 may comprise a lid 11 and a base 12 which may be
temporarily aligned and brought together as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,
to form a cavity 13 between the lid 11 and base 12 that is
configured to receive a power source 36, an alert device 35, 38,
39, an occupancy sensor 32, a processing unit 21, any other
component of the case 100, and an intraoral device 200 (FIG. 1).
The cavity 13 may be configured to define a volume which is
suitable for receiving an intraoral device 200 such as a retainer,
mouth guard, or the like. In further embodiments, the case 100 may
comprise an optional hinge 14 and an optional lid release 15 both
providing an engagement with a base 12. A hinge 14 may pivotally
couple a portion of the lid 11 to the base 12 while the lid release
15 may removably couple another portion of the lid 11 to the base
12. In still further embodiments, a lid 11 may comprise a lid
release 15 and a base 12 may also comprise a lid release 15. When
the lid 11 and base 12 are pivoted into a closed position 60 (FIGS.
2 and 3), a first lid release 15 may be removably coupled to a
second lid release 15 and/or to a portion of the lid 11 and/or base
12 thereby closing off the cavity 13 and maintaining the case in a
closed position 60. By uncoupling a first lid release 15 from a
second lid release 15 and/or a portion of the lid 11 and/or base
12, portions of the lid 11 may be moved away from the base 12, such
as by pivoting, thereby moving the case 100 into an open position
61 and granting access for insertion and removal of an intraoral
device 200 to and from the cavity 13.
[0028] In some embodiments, a lid 11 and a base 12 may comprise a
generally rectangular prism shape with rounded corners, and when
aligned and brought together, form a cavity 13 (FIG. 3) or space
between the two that is able to receive a retainer, denture, and
other like intraoral devices 200. In other embodiments, a cavity
13, lid 11 and/or a base 12 may be configured in a plurality of
sizes and shapes including circular shaped, oval shaped, triangular
shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped,
hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other
geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes.
It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives,
equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is
understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are
merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes
may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention.
[0029] In some embodiments, one or more hinges 14 may be positioned
anywhere on the case 100 to provide a pivotal joining engagement
between the lid 11 and the base 12. A hinge 14 may comprise a butt
hinge, butterfly hinge, flush hinge, barrel hinge, concealed hinge,
continuous hinge, T-hinge, strap hinge, double-acting hinge, Soss
hinge, a flexible material hinge, or any other type or style of
hinge or pivotal joining method that allows portions of a lid 11
and base 12 to be pivoted away from each other. In further
embodiments, a hinge 14 may comprise any type of hinge known in the
art, including so-called "living" hinges, which typically comprise
a linear, relatively flexible area between two relatively more
rigid components, such as a line of thin plastic between thicker
plastic portions, as is well known in the art. In some embodiments,
a hinge 14 may comprise a spring or other tension providing device
that is able to mechanically assist with the opening or closing of
the lid 11. In other embodiments, a lid 11 and base 12 may be
slidably joined together with a tongue and groove engagement
allowing portions of a lid 11 to be slid open and closed from the
base 12. In further embodiments, a lid 11 and base 12 may be joined
with any other type of engagement that allows a portion of a lid 11
to be moved towards and away from a base 12 thereby restricting and
granting access to the cavity 13 of the case 100.
[0030] In some embodiments, one or more lid releases 15 may be
positioned anywhere on the case 100 that are configured to
temporarily allow or deny a portion of a lid 11 from moving with
respect to the base 12 by temporarily engaging a portion of the lid
11 to the base 12. In further embodiments, a lid release 15 may
comprise a pressure catch 16 that may be configured to secure or
engage a portion of the lid 11 to the base 12 when a portion of the
lid 11 is pressed against the base 12 and/or lid release 15 such as
when the case 100 is in a closed position 60 (FIGS. 2 and 3). By
pressing on the lid release 15, when the case 100 is in a closed
position 60, the pressure catch 16 may be released allowing
portions of the lid 11 to move away from the base 12 allowing the
base to be in an open position 61 as shown in FIG. 1. In other
embodiments, a lid release 15 may be configured to temporarily join
or engage a portion of a lid 11 to a base 12 with a clasp type
connection method, magnetic lock type connection method, key lock
type connection method, electronic lock type connection method,
combination lock type connection method, push-to-lock type
connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method,
slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable
temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art
could envision to serve the same function.
[0031] As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the case 100 is
illustrated in an open position 61 with a portion of the lid 11
pivoted away from the base 12 while still being engaged together at
a hinge 14. The cavity 13 formed between the base 12 and lid 11 is
configured to receive and secure a retainer, denture, or other like
intraoral device 200. In some embodiments, the case 100 may
comprise a floor 18 which may be configured to separate electronic
components of the case 100 from an intraoral device 200 received in
the cavity 13. In some embodiments, a floor 18 may be joined to or
coupled to the base 12 with electronic components stored between
the floor 18 and the base 12. In other embodiments, a floor 18 may
be joined to or coupled to the lid 11 with electronic components
stored between the lid 11 and the floor 18. In further embodiments,
a floor 18 may be joined or coupled to the base 12 and/or lid 11
with electronic components stored between the lid 11 and the floor
18 and/or the base 12 and the floor 18. A floor 18 may be joined or
coupled to a lid 11 or base 12 to prevent fluids and debris
associated with an intraoral device 200 received in the cavity 13
from reaching the electronic components of the case 100.
[0032] FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of an example of a
floor 18 according to various embodiments described herein. In some
embodiments, a floor 18 may comprise or be coupled to one or more
electronic components such as a lid sensor 30, a control input 31,
and/or an occupancy sensor 32 (FIG. 8) which may include a sensor
receiver 34, and/or a sensor emitter 33. In preferred embodiments,
electronic components of the floor 18 and/or coupled to the floor
18 may be water proof and may be in electrical communication with
other electronic components located or stored between the lid 11
and the floor 18 and/or the base 12 and the floor 18. Optionally,
one or more sensor housings 17 may be coupled to the floor 18 to
provide structures for one or more sensors and other electronic
components to be positioned on or within. In some embodiments, a
sensor emitter 33 may be coupled in a first sensor housing 17 and a
sensor receiver 34 may be coupled within a second sensor housing
17. The sensors 33, 34, may use infrared light to detect if an
intraoral device 200 (FIG. 1) is within the cavity 13 (FIG. 1) such
as by detecting if the intraoral device interrupts the infrared
light. By disposing the sensors 33, 34, within the sensor housings
17, the sensor housings 17 may act as infrared light and sensor
shields.
[0033] In some embodiments, a case 100 may comprise an occupancy
sensor 32 (FIG. 8) which may include a sensor receiver 34 and/or a
sensor emitter 33 which are configured to detect an intraoral
device 200 (FIG. 1). The sensor receiver 34 may comprise an
infrared light receiver or detector and a sensor emitter 33 may
comprise an infrared light emitter. In further embodiments, an
intraoral device 200 placed proximate to a sensor receiver 34
and/or a sensor emitter 33, such as in the cavity 13, may be
detected as it interrupts the path of infrared light between an
infrared sensor emitter 33 and an infrared sensor receiver 34. When
the infrared light is not interrupted, the infrared sensor receiver
34 and infrared sensor emitter 33 may be used to detect that an
intraoral device 200 is not proximate to a sensor receiver 34
and/or a sensor emitter 33, such as not in the cavity 13.
[0034] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate examples of some electronic components
of an intraoral device holder 100 (hereinafter "case") and some
optional configurations that they may be assembled in, while FIG. 8
illustrates a block diagram of some of the electronic components of
a case 100 according to various embodiments described herein. In
some embodiments, a case 100 may comprise a circuit board 19 which
may be positioned between a base 12 and a floor 18. In other
embodiments, a circuit board 19 may be positioned between a lid 11
and a floor 18. A circuit board 19 may comprise and/or provide
electrical communication between one or more electronic components
such as a processing unit 21, a lid sensor 30, a control input 31,
a sensor receiver 34, a sensor emitter 33, an alert device 35, 38,
39 and/or a communications array 23. In further embodiments, a
circuit board 19 may comprise a local bus 26 which may provide
electrical communication between one or more electronic
components.
[0035] In some embodiments, a circuit board 19 may comprise a
printed circuit board (PCB) which mechanically supports and
electrically connects electronic components using conductive
tracks, pads and other features etched from copper sheets laminated
onto a nonconductive substrate. PCBs can be single sided (one
copper layer), double sided (two copper layers) or multi-layer.
Conductors on different layers may be connected with plated-through
holes called vias. In some embodiments, a circuit board 19 may only
comprise copper connections and no embedded components and may be
called a printed wiring board (PWB) or etched wiring board. In
other embodiments, a circuit board 19 may comprise a printed
circuit assembly (PCA), printed circuit board assembly or PCB
assembly (PCBA), a circuit card assembly (CCA), or a backplane
assembly, or any other suitable electrical connection and
communication method including standard wiring and the like.
[0036] In some embodiments, a case 100 may comprise a lid sensor 30
such as a magnetic sensor that is operable to detect if the lid 11
is open, closed, and/or optionally partially opened or closed. In
further embodiments, a lid sensor 30 may comprise a Hall effect
sensor which may be positioned on the floor 18, base 12, and/or lid
11 and which may detect increases or decreases, and therefore
proximity, in an electric field generated by the magnetic material
of a magnet 40 (FIG. 1) which may be complementarily positioned on
the floor 18, base 12, and/or lid 11 to detect if the lid 11 is
open, closed, and/or partially opened or closed. In other
embodiments, a lid sensor 30 may comprise a pressure switch, an
electrical circuit, or any other method configured to detect if the
lid is open, closed, or optionally not open or closed. In further
embodiments, a case 100 may comprise a reed switch, a pressure
sensor, a contact sensor, a button mount, an ambient light sensor,
or any other suitable sensor to detect if the lid 11 is open,
closed, or partially opened or closed.
[0037] In some embodiments, a case 100 may comprise a control input
31 which may be configured to control a function of an electronic
component. In further embodiments, a control input 31 may comprise
an input such as turnable control knobs, depressable button type
switches, slide type switches, rocker type switches, or any other
suitable input that may be used to modulate electricity between one
or more electronic components of the case 100 to control a function
of the case 100.
[0038] In some embodiments, a case 100 may comprise an occupancy
sensor 32 which may include a sensor receiver 34 and/or a sensor
emitter 33 which are configured to detect if an intraoral device
200 (FIG. 1) is in the cavity 13. In further embodiments, an
occupancy sensor 32 may comprise an RFID sensor receiver, a
magnetic sensor receiver, an Ultraviolet light receiver, an optical
receiver, or any other sensor receiver that may be used to detect
the presence or absence of an intraoral device 200 in a cavity 13.
In still further embodiments, an occupancy sensor 32 may comprise a
RFID emitter, a magnetic field generating material such as magnetic
metals and permanent magnets, an Ultraviolet light emitter, an
optical light emitter or any other sensor receiver that may be used
to detect the presence or absence of an intraoral device 200 in a
cavity 13. In even further embodiments, a case 100 may comprise a
reed switch, a button mount, a force sensor, an ambient light
sensor, or any other suitable sensor to detect the presence or
absence of an intraoral device 200 in a cavity 13.
[0039] In some embodiments, a case 100 may comprise a power source
36, such as a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery, which may
provide electrical power to the electronic components of the case
100. A power source 36 may be positioned anywhere in the case 100
such as between the floor 18 and the base 12 (FIGS. 1-3). One or
more wires 41, electrical clips 42, or other electrical couplings
may provide electrical communication between the power source 36 a
circuit board 19 or local bus 26. In further embodiments, a case
100 may comprise a charging receiver 37 which may be in electrical
communication with a power source 36 such as a rechargeable
battery. One or more wires 41, electrical clips 42, or other
electrical couplings may also provide electrical communication
between a charging receiver 37 and the power source 36, circuit
board 19, and/or local bus 26. In still further embodiments, a
charging receiver 37 may comprise a wireless charging receiver,
such as a Qi Standard Wireless charging Receiver or any other
inductive charging or wireless power receiver, which may be
configured to receive energy through an inductive coupling and to
electrically communicate the energy to the power source 36 or a
power management microchip 43 in electronic communication with the
charging receiver 37 allowing wireless energy to inductively charge
the power source 36. In still further embodiments, a charging
receiver 37 may comprise an electrical connector such as a USB
connector such as a micro-USB, mini-USB, Type A USB plug, Type B
USB plug, Mini-A USB plug, Mini-B USB plug, Micro-A USB plug,
Micro-B USB plug, Micro-B USB 3.0 plug, ExtMicro USB plug,
Lightning plug, 30-pin dock connector, Pop-Port connector,
Thunderbolt plug, Firewire plug, Portable Digital Media Interface
(PDMI) plug, coaxial power connector plug, barrel connector plug,
concentric barrel connector plug, tip connector plug, or any other
plug, connector, or receptacle capable of electrical
communication.
[0040] In some embodiments, a case 100 may comprise one or more
alert devices such as one or more sound devices 35 which may
comprise a speaker which may be operable to produce or create one
or more audible alert sounds at one or more volume levels. In
further embodiments, a sound device 35 may comprise a buzzer, a
piezoelectric sound producing device, a dielectric elastomer sound
producing device, a buzzer, a moving coil loudspeaker, an
electrostatic loudspeaker, an isodynamic loudspeaker, a
piezo-electric loudspeaker, or any other device capable of
producing one or more sounds. In further embodiments, a case 100
may comprise one or more alert devices such as one or more
vibration devices 38, light emitting devices 39, and/or a sound
devices 35 configured to relay haptic, visual, and/or auditory
alert information from a case 100 to a user. A light emitting
device 39 may include a light emitting diode (LED), incandescent
light bulb, halogen light bulb, laser light emitter,
electroluminescent light source, neon light source, or any other
suitable light source which is able to emit light, such as constant
on light or intermittent light in one or more colors and/or
intensities, viewable by a user as an alert.
[0041] In some embodiments, a case 100 may comprise one or more
alert devices such as one or more vibrating devices 38 configured
to produce vibrations. In further embodiments, a vibrating device
38 may comprise a long life brushless (BLDC) vibration motor, a
coin or pancake vibration motor, an encapsulated vibration motor,
an enclosed vibration motor, a pager motor, an eccentric rotating
mass (ERM) motor, a linear resonant actuator (LRA), a printed
circuit board (PCB) mounted vibration motor, or any other
electrical device capable of producing vibrations.
[0042] In some embodiments, a case 100 may comprise a
communications array 23 which is operable to send and receive
wireless and/or wired communications. In further embodiments, a
communications array 23 may comprise a Bluetooth receiver and
transmitter and which enables wireless communication to a network
or an external access client device (FIG. 10) such as cell phones,
smart phones 300A, tablet computers, laptop computers 300B,
wearable computers such as watches, Google Glasses, etc. and the
like. In other embodiments, a communications array 23 may comprise
a receiver and transmitter which enables any number of suitable
wireless data communication protocols, techniques, or methodologies
including, without limitation: RF; IrDA (infrared); Bluetooth;
Wifi; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol); IEEE
802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variation);
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Near-Field Communication (NFC);
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE);
cellular/wireless/cordless telecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G,
etc.); iBeacon; wireless home network communication protocols;
paging network protocols; magnetic induction; satellite data
communication protocols; wireless hospital or health care facility
network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands; GPRS;
proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variants
of Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless
communication.
[0043] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of some of the components of a
processing unit 21 according to various embodiments described
herein. In some embodiments, a processing unit 21 may comprise a
small computer on a single integrated circuit typically used for
embedded applications and preferably comprising a processor core,
memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory
in the form of NOR flash or OTP ROM may also be included on chip,
as well as a typically small amount of RAM. A processing unit 21
may be used to receive input from, control, or modulate one or more
of the functions of any electronic component of the case 100.
[0044] The processing unit 21 may be configured to trigger one or
more alerts or notifications which may be produced by a component
of the case 100 in response to an electronic communication from a
communications array 23, an occupancy sensor 32, a lid sensor 30, a
power source 36, and/or a control input 31. An alert may include
audible, tactile, and visual alerts. In some embodiments, a
processing unit 21 may be configured to produce an audible alert by
operating a sound device 35 to produce or create one or more
audible sounds at one or more volume levels. In some embodiments, a
processing unit 21 may be configured to produce a tactile alert by
operating a sound device 35 to produce or create one or more
vibrations which may vibrate the case 100 to produce a tactile
alert perceptible by touch. In some embodiments, a processing unit
21 may be configured to produce a visual alert by operating a light
emitting device 39 or any other type of light emitting element to
produce or create one or more colors of light at one or more
brightness intensities which may illuminate to produce a visual
alert.
[0045] In further embodiments, a processing unit 21 may be a
digital device that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally
includes a processor 22, a data store 24, and memory 25. The
processing unit 21 may be in electrical communication with a
communications array 23 and one or more input/output (I/O)
interfaces 20, such as a lid sensor 30, control input 31, occupancy
sensor 32, sensor receiver 34, sensor emitter 33, sound device 35,
power source 36, charging receiver 37, a vibration device 38,
and/or a light emitting device 39. It should be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the art that FIG. 9 depicts the
processing unit 21 in an oversimplified manner, and a practical
embodiment may include additional components and suitably
configured processing logic to support known or conventional
operating features that are not described in detail herein.
[0046] The components (22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, and 30) are
communicatively coupled via a local interface 26. The local
interface 26 can be, for example but not limited to, one or more
buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the
art. The local interface 26 can have additional elements, which are
omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches),
drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable
communications. Further, the local interface 26 may include
address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate
communications among the aforementioned components.
[0047] The processor 22 is a hardware device for executing software
instructions. The processor 22 can be any custom made or
commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU),
an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the
processing unit 21, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the
form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for
executing software instructions. When the processing unit 21 is in
operation, the processor 22 is configured to execute software
stored within the memory 25, to communicate data to and from the
memory 25, and to generally control operations of the processing
unit 21 pursuant to the software instructions. In an exemplary
embodiment, the processor 22 may include a mobile optimized
processor such as optimized for power consumption and mobile
applications.
[0048] The I/O interfaces 20 may include any other electronic
component of the case 100, such as a lid sensor 30, control input
31, occupancy sensor 32, sensor receiver 34, sensor emitter 33,
sound device 35, power source 36, charging receiver 37, a vibration
device 38, and/or a light emitting device 39 may be used to receive
input from and/or for providing output from the case 100. Input can
be provided via, for example, a lid sensor 30, control input 31,
occupancy sensor 32, sensor receiver 34, sensor emitter 33, and/or
charging receiver 37. System output can be provided via a
communications array 23, a light emitting device 39, a vibration
device 38, and/or a sound device 35. The I/O interfaces 20 can also
include, for example, a charging indicator light emitting device 39
or any other type of light emitting device which may be positioned
anywhere on the case 100, a serial port, a parallel port, a small
computer system interface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a
radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB)
interface, and the like. The I/O interfaces 20 can include a
graphical user interface (GUI) that enables a user to interact with
the processing unit 21. Additionally, the I/O interfaces 20 may
further include an imaging device, i.e. camera, video camera,
etc.
[0049] The memory 25 may include any of volatile memory elements
(e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM,
etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.),
and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory 25 may incorporate
electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media.
Note that the memory 25 may have a distributed architecture, where
various components are situated remotely from one another, but can
be accessed by the processor 22. The software in memory 25 can
include one or more software programs, each of which includes an
ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical
functions. In the example of FIG. 9, the software in the memory 25
includes a suitable operating system (O/S) 27 and programs 28. The
operating system 27 essentially controls the execution of other
computer programs, and provides scheduling, input-output control,
file and data management, memory management, and communication
control and related services. The programs 28 may include various
applications, add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user
functionality with the processing unit 21. For example, exemplary
programs 28 may include, but not limited to, a clock or timer
program which may be configured to track input form an I/O
interface 20 and to correlate the input with a time stamp or time
period. In a typical example, the end user typically uses one or
more of the programs 28 to control the functions of the electronic
components of the case 100.
[0050] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an example of an
intraoral device holder 100 in wireless communication 70 with
client devices according to various embodiments described herein.
In some embodiments, a processing unit 21 and communications array
23 may be used to record and process input from a lid sensor 30,
occupancy sensor 32, or any other sensor and to communicate the
input to one or more external access client devices such as cell
phones, smart phones 300A, computers 300B, such as tablet
computers, laptop computers, wearable computers, and the like. In
some embodiments, a processing unit 21 and communications array 23
may communicate the input directly to external access client 300A,
300B, devices through Bluetooth, Wifi, NFC, or other wireless
communications, thereby triggering a notification such as a text
message, email message, push notification, application
notification, and the like on an external access client device. In
other embodiments, a processing unit 21 and communications array 23
may communicate the input over a network to external access client
devices 300A, 300B, through Wifi, cellular communications, or other
wireless communications, thereby triggering a notification such as
a text message, email message, push notification, application
notification, and the like on an external access client device
300A, 300B. In further embodiments, a processing unit 21 and
communications array 23 may communicate the input directly to
external access client devices 300A, 300B, and/or communicate the
input over a network to external access client devices 300A, 300B,
through Wifi, cellular communications, or other wireless
communications, thereby triggering a notification such as a text
message, email message, push notification, application
notification, and the like on an external access client device
300A, 300B. In still further embodiments, a processing unit 21 and
communications array 23 may be in wired communication with an
external access client devices 300A, 300B, and the processing unit
21 may communicate the input directly to external access client
devices 300A, 300B, thereby triggering a notification such as a
text message, email message, push notification, application
notification, and the like on an external access client device
300A, 300B.
[0051] In some embodiments, the communications array 23 may be in
wireless communication with an external access client device 300A,
300B, and when the wireless communication is broken, the processing
unit 21 may trigger an audio, visual, and/or tactile alert. For
example, the communications array 23 may be in Bluetooth wireless
communication with the smart phone device 300A of a user. If the
user, with their smart phone device 300A, forgets and leaves the
case 100 behind, the wireless communication may be broken as the
distance between the case 100 and the smart phone device 300A
becomes too great for Bluetooth communication. Once the, wireless
communication is broken, the processing unit 21 may trigger an
alert, such as a sound from the sound device 35, a vibration from a
vibration device 38, or a light from the light emitting device 39.
In still further embodiments, as the distance between the case 100
and the smart phone device 300A approaches a distance too great for
Bluetooth communication, the communication array may send a
wireless communication to the smart phone device 300A and the smart
phone device 300A may produce an alert.
[0052] The processing unit 21 may comprise a clock or timer program
28 (FIG. 9) which may record the time of a sensor event, the time
between sensor events, or any other temporal parameter. The
processing unit 21 may be configured to operate the communications
array 23, sound device 35, a vibration device 38, and/or a light
emitting device 39 based on the temporal data provided by the clock
or timer program 28 and based on sensor data received or not
received allowing the case to audibly, visually, vibrationally,
and/or wirelessly communicate the temporal and/or sensor data.
[0053] In some embodiments, the microcontroller 21 may operate the
communications array 23, light emitting device 39, sound device 35,
and/or a vibration device 38 after receiving or not receiving input
from a lid sensor 30. For example, the processing unit 21 may or
may not receive input from a lid sensor 30 for a period of time or
at a certain time such as a user bed time. If the lid sensor 30
does not detect that the lid has been opened or otherwise operated,
the processing unit 21 may operate the communications array 23 to
send a wireless electronic communication to an external access
client device 300A, 300B, such as with a Bluetooth or WiFi wireless
communication to notify a user that the lid 11 has not been opened
for a period of time or at a certain time. In further embodiments,
a processing unit 21 may receive input from a lid sensor 30 or any
other sensor detecting if and when an intraoral device is in the
cavity 13 or if and when the lid 11 has been opened, and the
processing unit 21 may operate the sound device 35 to produce an
audible sound, and/or operate the vibration device 38 to produce
vibrations to notify a user of the sensor input, and/or a light
emitting device 39 to emit light for a visual alert.
[0054] In some embodiments, the microcontroller 21 may operate the
communications array 23, sound device 35, light emitting device 39,
and/or a vibration device 38 after receiving or not receiving input
from an occupancy sensor 32. For example, the processing unit 21
may receive input from an occupancy sensor 32 that an intraoral
device 200 is detected, such as by being in the cavity 13, for a
period of time. Once the period of time meets or exceeds a
threshold, such as meeting or exceeding the period of time for a
user to eat a meal, the processing unit 21 may operate a
communications array 23. After an intraoral device 200 is detected,
such as by being in the cavity 13, for a period of time, the
processing unit 21 may operate the communications array 23 to send
a wireless electronic communication to an external access client
device 300A, 300B, such as with a Bluetooth or WiFi wireless
communication to notify a user of the sensor input. Likewise, after
the intraoral device 200 is detected, such as by being in the
cavity 13, for a period of time, the processing unit 21 may operate
the sound device 35 to produce an audible sound, and/or operate the
vibration device 38 to produce vibrations to notify a user of the
sensor input, and/or operate the light emitting device 39 to
produce a visual alert. In another example, the processing unit 21
may receive input from an occupancy sensor 32 that an intraoral
device 200 is detected, such as by being in the cavity 13, for a
period of time such as a sleep period when the user should be
wearing the intraoral device. If the intraoral device 200 is
detected, such as by being in the cavity 13, during the sleep time
period, such as between 10 PM and 6 AM, the processing unit 21 may
operate the communications array 23, sound device 35, a vibration
device 38, and/or a light emitting device 39, when the intraoral
device 200 is detected, such as by being in the cavity 13, during
the 10 PM and 6 AM time period.
[0055] In some embodiments, the microcontroller 21 may operate the
sound device 35, light emitting device 39, and/or a vibration
device 38 after receiving or not receiving input from the
communications array 23. For example, an external access client
device 300A, 300B, may be in wireless communication with the
communications array 23 of the case 100. Upon receiving a certain
wireless communication or command from the client device 300A,
300B, the processing unit 21 may operate the sound device 35 to
produce an audible alert sound, a light emitting device 39 to emit
light for a visual alert, and/or operate the vibration device 38 to
produce alert vibrations to notify a user of the location of the
case 100. In another example, if the wireless communication with
the communications array 23 does not receive a wireless
communication from an external access client device 300A, 300B,
such as within a certain period of time, the processing unit 21 may
operate the sound device 35 to produce an audible alert sound, a
light emitting device 39 to emit light for a visual alert, and/or
operate the vibration device 38 to produce alert vibrations to
notify a user of the location of the case 100.
[0056] In other preferred embodiments, a processing unit 21 may
receive input from a wireless communications array 26, an occupancy
sensor 32, lid sensor 30, and/or any other sensor detecting if an
intraoral device 200 is in the case 100 and may notify a user by
sending a push notification such as a text message, email message,
and the like to a client device 300A, 300B. In still further
embodiments, a processing unit 21 may receive input from an
occupancy sensor 32, lid sensor 30, or any other sensor detecting
how much time and at what times an intraoral device 200 is in or
out of a case 100. In even further embodiments, a processing unit
21 and communications array 23 may communicate the location of the
case 100 and/or give the proximity of the case 100 to a client
device 300A, 300B.
[0057] While some materials have been provided, in other
embodiments, the elements that comprise the case 100 such as the
lid 11, base 12, electronic components 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25,
optional hinge 14, optional lid release 15, optional pressure catch
16, and/or optional floor 18 may be made from durable materials
such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard
rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber,
fiber glass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials
including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more
elements may be made from or comprise durable and slightly flexible
materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any
other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In
some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the
case 100 may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding,
chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type
fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other
types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other
embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the case 100
may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap
fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type
or Velcro.RTM. fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type
fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners,
clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners,
a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type
connection method, slide-to-lock type connection method or any
other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably
skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In
further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the
case 100 may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally
formed with another element of the case 100.
[0058] Although the present invention has been illustrated and
described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and
specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may
perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such
equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope
of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are
intended to be covered by the following claims.
* * * * *