GB2538314A

GB2538314A - A magnetic field application device

Info

Publication number: GB2538314A
Application number: GB1508384.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Branch Susan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-05-15
Filing date: 2015-05-15
Publication date: 2016-11-16
Also published as: GB201508384D0

Abstract

A magnetic field application device for magnetically stimulating the brain and deep peripheral nerves. The device comprising a magnetic holder3, including at least one magnet (5), and a locating means 1,2 arranged to be worn by a user on their head, and for locating the magnet holder immediately adjacent the user's head, wherein the locating means is arranged such that the position of the at least one magnet, relative to the user's head in use, is variably selectable. The locating means 1,2 my comprise a pair of first and second straps 1,2, which may be constructed in the form of a head harness. The locating means my comprise a cap (12 figure 25).

Description

A magnetic field application device

The present invention relates generally to a magnetic field application device and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in stimulating the brain and deep peripheral nerves, without causing pain, to assist in brain damage recovery and the lessening or reversal of brain deterioration.

When the brain is damaged or deteriorated, impairing the ability to repair there can also be a chronic inflammatory response which can impair brain activity on a longer term basis. This device has shown an ability to optimise recovery from such traumas and to stabilise persons with brain deterioration.

The natural geomagnetic field of around 20-70:IT that exists over the surface of the Earth continuously exposes living organisms to magnetism which is implicated in the orientation and migration of some animal species.

Living organisms have developed specific mechanisms for perception of natural magnetic fields. These mechanisms of detection and response may be seen at different levels, For example, at membrane, cellular, or tissue levels. Sometimes the responses function via signal transduction cascade, brain activity, or the central nervous system. Magnetic stimulation has the major advantage over electrical stimulation of being able to stimulate the human brain and deep peripheral nerves -without causing pain. The skull presents no barrier because the magnetic fields pass through it without attenuation.

The device allows for low intensity static magnetic fields to be applied to the brain by the positioning of (medical device approved) static magnets in various positions.

This has benefits for the treatment of memory problems such as those caused by brain damage or Alzheimer's disease, brain deterioration, brain damage or strokes. It increases the clarity and speed of memory retrieval. It increases and enhances recovery from brain damage.

In a first aspect, the invention comprises a magnetic field application device comprising a magnet holder, including at least one magnet, and a locating means arranged to be worn by a user on their head, and for locating the magnet holder immediately adjacent the user's head, wherein the locating means is arranged such that the position of the at least one magnet, relative to the user's head in use, is variably selectable.

The magnet holder may comprise more than one magnet, the magnets being arranged in a regular pattern. Trregular patterns are also contemplated.

The locating means may comprise a pair of first and second straps. This may be known as a harness.

The first strap may be arranged to be fitted around the user's head in a continuous loop substantially in the transverse body plane, the second strap may be arranged to be fitted over the user's head, and the second strap, at each end thereof, may be slidably connected to the first strap.

The magnet holder may include a loop by which it is slidable along either of the first or second straps. Fixing means may he provided for fixing the position of the magnet holder relative to the first or second strap.

The orientation of the loop relative to the magnet holder may be selectively adjustable such that the orientation of the at least one magnet relative to the first or second strap is selectively adjustable.

Either or both of the first and second straps may comprise an elasticated portion, and for a buckle, and/or hook and loop connecting 1111C2111.S. Hither or both of the first and second straps may comprise elasticated material. The first strap may be in the form of a loop. Alternatively, it may be a strap which may be turned into a loop using a buckle, or hook and loop connecting means such as Velcro (RIM). Other means for connecting the two ends of the strap are contemplated such as poppers.

The locating means may comprise a cap wearable by the user, such that, in use, the magnet holder may he trapped between the cap and the user's head.

Low intensity static magnetic fields may be applied to the brain by the positioning of medical device approved static magnets in any position determined as appropriate. For example, they may be positioned over the site of damage identified by visible trauma or where the locality is known as a result of other investigations such as by an MRI scan. This may, for example, be the site of damage resulting from a stroke or physical brain trauma.

The harness allows for the placement of the magnet holder at any position over the external surface of the head. This may be of benefit in regard to behavioural and mood problems as a result of brain trauma.

The magnet holder for locating the active magnetic part of the device may be secured in several ways but can be customised accurately to lie in the best alignment to treat a known trauma site. The magnet holder may be easily fitted onto either the first strap (the lateral harness strap) encircling the head, or onto the second strap (the superior harness strap) running over the head, and may be affixed by riveting or gluing, or other such means into location on the harness to avoid slippage. By marking the front of the first strap at the point of the medial line on the forehead in line with the bridge of the user's nose the harness may be easily placed in position by the wearer or a helper/carer to ensure that the damaged region of the brain is accurately located under the magnet holder.

Some advantages and benefits of the device are that it is easy to apply and comfortable to use. Furthermore, it does not require expert supervision (or possibly only at the initial outset where it may be customised and correctly set-up) and may be self-applied or applied in the home by a carer or helper. It may be used for short periods, such as half an hour per day. 'the benefits start within a few days of use.

Tn more complex cases where the exact site of the trauma damage in the brain has been located by a medically qualified doctor, a nurse or trained technician may fit the device in a few minutes such that it is suitable for accurate home use. By recording the location used in the fitting replacements may be supplied without a necessity for patient re-attendance.

The magnet holder may also he placed within a close fitting cap which may he fabricated from elasticated/stretch material. Some examples of suitable materials for the cap are Lycra (RTM), stretch net, rubber and plastics.

The magnets may comprise neodymium and/or ferrite, although other materials are contemplated. The magnets may emit a static magnetic field. Preferred magnet strengths are ones which have a rating of 800 gauss; although a range of 100 to 15,000 gauss is possible.

The magnet holder may comprise fabric but other materials are contemplated such as plastics and rubbers One method for general brain stimulation and recovery is for the magnet holder to be located at the intersection of the median line of the vertex of the user's head with a line drawn from the tip of one car to the other (as illustrated in Figure. 5).

The device may he known as a treatment device to enhance recovery from brain damage and brain deterioration. The device may be known as a device to enable the easy application of low intensity static magnetic fields to the head for the treatment of brain conditions.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a plan view of the harness; Figure 2 is a perspective view of harness of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an elevational view of a person wearing the harness; Figure 4 is a side view of the superior harness strap; Figure 5 is a side view of a person wearing the harness; Figure 6 is a plan view of a person wearing the harness; Figure 7 is a plan view of a magnetic holder; Figure 8 is an underside view of the magnetic holder of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a side view of the magnetic holder of Figures 6 and 7; Figure 10 is a side view 90 degrees around from the view shown in Figure 8; Figure 11 is of the magnetic holder of Figure 8 with the straps in an open 25 position; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the underside of the magnetic holder with the straps open; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the underside of an alternative magnetic holder with the straps closed; Figure 14 is a plan view of a person wearing the harness with the alternative magnet holder; Figure 13 is an underside view of another alternative magnetic holder capable of attachment in two different alignments; Figure 16 is a plan view of yet another magnetic holder; Figure 17 is an underside view of the magnetic holder of FigL e 16; Figure 18 is a side view of the magnetic holder of Figure 17; Figure 19 is a plan view of a different magnet holder; Figure 20 is an underside view of the magnet holder of Figure 19; Figure 21 is a side view of magnet holder of Figure 19; Figure 22 is a plan view of a person wearing the harness with the magnet holder located in a particular position; Figure 23 is a side view of a person wearing the harness with the magnet holder located on the superior strap in a particular position near the ear; Figure 24 is a side view of a person wearing the harness with the magnet holder located on the lateral strap in a particular position near the ear; and Figure 25 is a side view of a person wearing the magnet holder under a cap.

The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and arc non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to he understood that the tams so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

It is to be noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or "in an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily he considered to he an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. Tn other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of

this description.

In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term "at least one" may mean only one in certain circumstances. The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features of the invention. Tt is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Tn Figure 1 the superior harness strap 1 is shown placed over the top of the head and via its looped ends is designed to slide on the lateral strap 2 which runs around the head. The diamond shaped magnet holder 3 is arranged, in use, between the superior strap and the head of the user. It has four magnets 5 (refer to Figure 7), one at each corner. this is a preferred version of the device for treatment of general brain deterioration/damage. Only two corners protrude beyond the superior harness strap due to the fact that the magnet holder 3 is below the superior harness strap 1. It is located in place by the magnet holder fixings 4, in this case illustrated as Velcro (RTM) straps.

A general view of the harness is shown in Figure 2.

In Figure 3 the magnet holder 3 is shown arranged at the crown of the user's head and held in place by the straps 1, 2. This is a preferred position of the device for treatment of general brain deterioration/damage.

In Figure 4 the superior harness strap 1 is shown with loops at either end for fitting of the lateral strap 2 thereto. The loops allow it to slide on the lateral harness strap 2. The loops may be fixed, by stitching for instance, or may be created with hook and loop or other means of attachment.

Tn Figure 5 a side view of the person wearing the harness is shown.

Tn Figure 6 a plan view of the person wearing the harness is shown. The magnet holder is in a preferred position for treatment of general brain deterioration/damage.

Line A -B shows the midline of the person's head. The centre of the magnet holder 3 together with the anterior and posterior corners of the diamond is aligned along this line A -B. The lateral corners of the magnet holder 3 diamond arc aligned on the line C -D which runs between the highest points of the user's ears.

In Figure 7 the positions of the four magnets 5 are indicated by the dashed circles, they are shown in this way because they are underneath the fabric and not overtly visible. The magnet holder 3 is fabricated so that the distance between the magnets from corner to corner is approximately 2.5 centimetres (other size variations are possible).

The upper (and opposite) side, in use, of the magnet holder 3 is shown in Figure 8. The magnets are again indicated by the dashed circles as they arc between two layers of fabric. A pair of straps 4 is attached to this underside. The ends of the two straps are attachable to one another to form a loop through which either the superior or lateral strap is passable. The ends of the pair of straps 4 may be attachable to one another by means of hook and loop connectors.

A side view of the magnet holder 3 is shown in Figure 9. In this case the corners 'X' are central to the side view and corners 'V are lateral. This Figure shows an end-on view of the magnet holder fixing straps 4.

By contrast, Figure 9 shows a side-on view of the magnet holder fixing straps 4 such that then corner -in is central to the side view and corners 'X' are lateral.

Figure 11 shows a side view of the magnet holder 3 with the fixing straps 4 unconnected.

Figure 12 shows the upper side of the magnet holder 3 with the fixing straps 4 shown in an open position.

In Figure 13 the upper side of an alternative version of the magnet holder 7 is shown. In this version instead of the fixing straps being located such that they extend from one corner to a diagonally opposite corner, they extend from one side to an opposite side. This allows the orientation of the magnets relative to the superior and/or lateral straps to be altered.

Figure 14 shows a plan view of an individual wearing the second version of the magnet holder 7 on the magnet holder harness. It should be noted that the magnet holder Fixings 4 placed in this position rotate the magnet holder so that its sides are parallel to the superior magnetic harness strap 1. In the situation shown, the superior strap 1 is arranged such that its longitudinal axis is parallel with the line referenced A-B which is parallel with the sagittal body plane.

Figure 15 shows a plan view of another alternative version of the magnet holder 8 with two sets of magnet holder fixings 4 which allow the magnet holder to be positioned relative to either the superior or lateral straps in the same manner as with the initial magnet holder 3, or as with the alternative magnet holder 7. This third version 8 is more flexible in allowing choice of alignment of the magnet holder according to which set of fixings are chosen for use.

Figure 16 shows an underside view of yet another (fourth) version of the magnet holder 9 which is circular in shape. This fourth version has six magnets arranged equidistantly around the circumference of the circular magnet holder.

Figure 17 shows a plan view of this fourth version of the magnet holder 9 which is circular in shape and indicates the position of the magnet holder fixings 4. In this example the fixings 4 are attached to the underside of the magnet holder 9 by hook and loop attachment means but they could be sewn on also.

Figure 18 shows a side view of the fourth version of the magnet holder 9 which is circular in shape.

Figure 19 shows a plan view from one side of a different (fifth) version of the magnet holder 10 which is rectangular in shape. This fifth version includes eight magnets 5, four on each of the long sides of the rectangle. The magnets 5 are again embedded into, or sandwiched inside the magnet holder substrates.

Figure 20 shows a plan view of the other side of this fifth version 10. The fixings are in the form of two separate straps 14, one at either end of the rectangle.

Again they may be attached to the back of the rectangle by hook and loop or other means. The straps each form a loop through which the superior or lateral strap may pass.

Figure 21 shows a side view of the fifth version of the magnet holder 10 which is rectangular in shape.

Figure 22 is a plan view of a person wearing a magnet holder and its harness. In this diagram the magnet holder lateral harness strap 2 can be rotated laterally in either direction (see arrows) to change the alignment of the superior harness strap from the midline to any direction. Alternatively if the superior strap is only attached to the lateral strap by two loops (one at either end of the superior strap) then the orientation of the superior strap relative to the user's head may be adjusted only by moving the superior strap relative to the lateral strap. Furthermore, the position of the magnet holder 3 along the superior harness strap 1 in either direction is adjustable such that the magnets may be arranged at any point over the head region.

In Figure 23 a side view of a person wearing the magnet holder and its harness is shown. In this figure the lateral harness strap 2 is arranged across the forehead at one end and low across the back of the head at the other opposite end such that the plane of the lateral band is include at approximately 45 degrees to the transverse body plane.

The magnet holder 3 has been positioned on the superior strap 1 such that it is near one end thereof and behind the user's ear.

By contrast in Figure 24 the superior strap is wont in front of, or slightly over, the ears of the user and the magnet holder has been attached to the lateral harness strap 2 and arranged behind the user's ear. In this respect, the superior strap may have been shortened. This may be effected by the provision of poppers, hook and loop connectors, button etc. on the superior strap 1.

Figure 25 shows a side view of a person wearing the magnet holder 3 which is being held in place by a cap 12. The cap comprises an elasticated material such as Lycra (ATM), elasticated net, rubber, plastic and is close fitting. For some users a cap may he a preferred option to a harness strap for magnetic location. The magnet holder may be positioned anywhere underneath the cap. it may be releasably attachable to the inside of the cap by the inclusion of releasable attachment means such as hook and loop, glue, suckers etc. It is to be understood that other shaped magnet holders are possible such as triangular and polygonal, and that the shape may be designed for a particular individual's circumstances.

The harness may be designed so that by moving and turning the harness it is possible to reach any point on the skull to locate the magnets.

Tn order that it may be accurately located and reused over a position of brain damage or on a selected position anywhere on the skull the magnet holder may also be rigidly attached so that by aligning the lateral headband of the device according to anatomical markers such as the midline of the face the accuracy of relocation may be achieved.

Although the specific examples show a specific number of magnets and arrangements thereof in each of the various versions of magnet holder it will be 10 understood that other numbers of magnets and other arrangements are contemplated. ii

Claims

CLAIMSA magnetic field application device comprising a magnet holder, including at least one magnet, and a locating means arranged to be worn by a user on their head, and for locating the magnet holder immediately adjacent the user's head, wherein the locating means is arranged such that the position of the at least one magnet, relative to the user's head in use, is variably selectable.
2. the magnetic field application device according to claim 1, wherein the magnet holder comprises more than one magnet, the magnets being arranged in a regular pattern.
3. The magnetic field application device according to either one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the locating means comprises a pair of first and second straps. 15
4. The magnetic field application device according to claim 3, wherein the first strap is arranged to be fitted around the user's head in a continuous loop substantially in the transverse plane, the second strap is arranged to be fitted over the user's head, and the second strap, at each end thereof, is slidably connected to the first strap.
5. The magnetic field application device according to either one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the magnet holder includes a loop by which it is slidable along either of the first or second straps.6. the magnetic field application device according to claim 5, wherein the orientation of the loop relative to the magnet holder is selectively adjustable such that the orientation of the at least one magnet relative to the first or second strap is selectively adjustable.7. The magnetic field application device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein either or both of the first and second straps comprise an elasticated portion, and/or a buckle, and/or hook and loop connecting means.8. The magnetic field application device according to either one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the locating means comprises a cap wearable by the user, such that, in use, the magnet holder is trapped between the cap and the user's head.9. The magnetic field application device according to claim 8, wherein the magnet holder comprises more than one magnet, the magnets being arranged in a regular pattern.10. A magnetic field application device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.