Self contained breathing apparatus illumination system

Abstract

A Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) illumination System utilizing LED (light emitting diode) lights is designed as a modification to attach to a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) mask to provide increased visibility to Professionals working in an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (MLR) environment. The SCBA illumination System can be easily installed on a typical mask. The SCBA illumination System comprises a strip of lights coupled to a power supply comprising a power button and a battery pack. The power button may include a push button or pressure sensor that allows a Professional to activate the push button or pressure sensor easily with a gloved hand. The power source may also include some type of circuitry that powers down the light after a specified amount of time to avoid draining the power source.

1 . A Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) illumination System in combination with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) mask, the SCBA illumination System comprising:
 a strip of lights;   a power supply comprising a power button and a battery pack coupled to the lights; and   a mounting mechanism for attachment of the SCBA illumination System to existing screw locations of the SCBA mask.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the SCBA illumination system includes light emitting diodes. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the screws in the existing screw locations are replaced with anchor bolts for coupling the SCBA illumination System to the SCBA mask. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 3 , wherein the anchor bolts support SCBA illumination System on the SCBA mask. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein the SCBA illumination System is fixedly mounted on the exterior shell of the SCBA mask. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the battery pack contains at least one battery. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the power button is a push button or pressure sensor configured to be activated with a gloved hand. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the power supply is provided a control circuitry that powers down the strip of lights after a configurable or specified amount of time. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the control circuitry comprises a mechanism for adjusting the strip of lights. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the SCBA illumination System is supported proximate an upper edge of a facial opening of the SCBA mask. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein the SCBA illumination System does not substantially block the facial opening. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein the SCBA illumination system includes a strip of lights to provide a hands free light source directed forward to illuminate an area generally forward of the SCBA mask facial opening, or in whatever direction the SCBA mask facial opening is facing. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein the SCBA mask facial opening includes a pane of substantially transparent material having a top molding piece extending along the an upper edge, the SCBA illumination System being configured to attach proximate the top molding piece. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) illumination System in combination with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) mask, the SCBA illumination System comprising:
 a strip of lights;   a power supply comprising a power button and a battery pack coupled to the lights; and   a mounting mechanism for fixedly mounting the strip of lights on an exterior shell of the SCBA mask proximate an upper edge of a facial opening.   
     
     
         22 . The device according to  claim 21 , further comprising a second strip of lights positioned proximate a lower portion of the SCBA mask. 
     
     
         23 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the power supply is provided a control circuitry that powers down the strip of lights after a configurable or specified amount of time. 
     
     
         24 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the power button is a push button or pressure sensor configured to be activated with a gloved hand. 
     
     
         25 . A Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) illumination System in combination with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) mask, the SCBA illumination System comprising:
 a first strip of lights fixedly mounting on an exterior shell of the SCBA mask proximate an upper edge of a facial opening; and   a power supply comprising a power button and a battery pack coupled to the lights.   
     
     
         26 . The device according to  claim 25 , further comprising a second strip of lights positioned proximate a lower portion of the SCBA mask. 
     
     
         27 . The device according to  claim 25 , wherein the power supply is provided a control circuitry that powers down the strip of lights after a configurable or specified amount of time.