DE29600470U1 - Color light treatment device - Google Patents

Description

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Michael Lenke, et al.

Description Color light treatment device

The invention relates to a colour light treatment device, particularly in the form of a face mask.

Color light treatment devices are known in which a number of light elements are provided, which can preferably produce different colors. With these color light treatment devices, positive effects can be achieved due to the interaction between the color light and the organism and the psyche of the user, e.g. psychological relaxation or increased ability to concentrate, or positive physical reactions such as pain reduction, promotion of healing, etc.

The invention is based on the object of creating a color light treatment device with which a broadening of the spectrum of effects and/or an increase in usability can be achieved.

This object is achieved with the features specified in the claims.

According to claim 1, the color light treatment device is provided with at least one loudspeaker. In addition to the optical effect, an acoustic influence can thus be produced, through which the psychological and/or physical effect can be increased even further, in particular the achievable degree of relaxation can be increased even further.

Preferably, two loudspeakers are mounted in the side areas of the colour light treatment device so that when designed as a face mask, they are in direct proximity to

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Michael Lenke, et al.

are located near the user's ears and can therefore have a direct effect on them. At the same time, this also provides a certain degree of shielding from ambient noise, which further promotes the depth of relaxation.

In order to connect the color light treatment device to an external sound generator, e.g. a CD player, a cassette recorder or the like, an audio input socket is provided on the color light treatment device in a preferred embodiment," via which the sound or noise signals can be fed.

Additionally or alternatively, the color light treatment device can also be equipped with a built-in tone generator, which can reproduce the desired tone sequences or noises. The tone generator can be formed by one or more microchips in which the desired tone sequences are stored. These tone sequences or noises can preferably be read out endlessly in a loop, so that no annoying pauses occur and the storage space required can still be limited.

Alternatively or additionally, the color light treatment device can also be provided with an ionization device so that the air can be ionized. This also allows a certain degree of air purification to be achieved at the same time, so that the inhaled air becomes somewhat cleaner. In a preferred embodiment, the ionization device is provided with at least one, preferably two spaced-apart needles to which an ionization voltage is applied and which thus effectively build up the ionization field due to their needle-shaped shape. These ionization needles are preferably arranged near the user's nose so that the effect on the breathing air is maximum. The ionization generator can be provided externally, but is preferably arranged in the color light treatment device so that the color light treatment device can be easily operated with a hand-held

[FileANM\LE1178B1.doc] Description,

Utility model application ······· ·· ··· ····**··*

Michael Lenke, et al.

standard power supply, such as a standard mains transformer.

To mechanically protect the needles, they are preferably arranged in recesses in the color light treatment device, which simultaneously reduces the risk of damage to the needles and drastically reduces the risk of injury from accidentally touching the needle tips. Alternatively, the needles can also be surrounded by protective rings that are attached to the color light treatment device. By arranging the ionization needles in the middle area, it can be ensured that the ionization effect is automatically introduced into the user's nose area when the color light treatment device is put on.

Alternatively, or preferably in addition, an aroma holder is provided for holding aromas or fragrances. When all four components are arranged together, a fourfold effect can be achieved, namely light treatment, acoustic influence, air ionization and aroma influence. This allows optimal effects in terms of improving concentration, increasing performance, combating allergies, relaxing effects, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the aroma holder is provided with a heating device so that targeted heating is possible, which promotes the evaporation of the aroma and thus the efficiency of the aroma treatment. The aroma holder can be designed in the shape of a pot, whereby it is possible to either install it firmly and permanently or to keep it replaceable, for example by clamping it.

The colour light treatment device preferably has an elongated shape and is designed in particular in the form of a face mask. This allows the

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Apply the color light treatment device directly to the user's face so that the optical, acoustic, ionizing and/or aromatic influence takes place in close proximity to the respective sensory organs and receptors. This greatly increases the effectiveness. At the same time, disruptive environmental influences are effectively blocked out.

If the face mask is used while lying down, it is self-supporting. To enable use while sitting or standing, the face mask can be provided with an additional holder for holding it on the head, e.g. in the form of a strap that spans the back of the head and is attached to both sides of the mask.

The face mask preferably has a shape that is adapted to the average facial contour, i.e. it is curved. The middle area of the face mask is preferably rigid. Alternatively, it is also possible to make the side areas of the mask rigid as well, or just these alone.

To adjust the face mask to different face widths, the face mask is preferably movable within itself, which can be achieved by the middle area being movably connected to the side areas and/or by having plastically deformable areas. These areas can be designed as joint areas and/or as predetermined bending areas.

Preferably, the inside of the mask is at least partially provided with a transparent cover, which on the one hand allows the passage of light and on the other hand protects the lighting elements.

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Furthermore, an electronic substrate can be provided inside the face mask to accommodate all or part of the necessary circuit elements for controlling the electrically operated components. The electronic substrate can in particular be designed to be flexible so that it does not excessively inhibit an intended deformation of the face mask.

To ensure stable mounting of the loudspeakers, they can be held by their own carrier substrate, which in turn is housed in the face mask and is preferably provided separately from the electronic substrate. This relieves the electronic substrate of the function of mounting the loudspeakers. However, it is also possible to provide a uniform substrate that supports both the electrical and/or electronic components as well as the loudspeakers and the other components.

To operate the individual functions of the face mask, actuating elements are preferably provided, which are mounted in particular on the front of the face mask and, if necessary, additionally or alternatively also enable a selection of the operating parameters, e.g. the light pulse frequency, the ionization strength, the volume and/or the aroma intensity.

The face mask can also be designed to be rigid overall, which simplifies manufacturing and reduces production costs.

To ensure that the mask is securely held on the head, a retaining bracket, preferably one that can be snapped into place, can be attached to the face mask.
35

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Michael Lenke, et al.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the color light treatment device in the form of a face mask that is worn by a user during the treatment,

Fig.* 2 shows a view of the inside of the colour light treatment device, i.e. the side facing the user during treatment,

Fig. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-section through the colour light treatment device and

Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the front of the embodiment, i.e. the side opposite the view according to Fig. 2.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic embodiment of the color light treatment device 1 in the form of a face mask in the attached state. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the color light treatment device has an elongated, curved shape that is placed on the eye area of the wearer and reaches up to the ears. In the embodiment shown, the face mask has the shape of a curved, elongated rectangle with a width between 5 and 15 cm, preferably between 7 and 10 cm, and a length of 20 to 40 cm, preferably approximately 30 to 35 cm. Of course, the corner areas of the face mask can also be rounded and the face mask can be curved slightly outwards in the middle lower area, i.e. in the nose area, to provide space for the nose.

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The curvature of the face mask is such that the side areas are close to the ears, while the middle area runs directly over the eyes. The face mask is preferably at least partially flexible and can be plastically deformed and can therefore be adapted to the shape of the wearer's face.

Fig. 2 shows the inside of the face mask 1, i.e. the side that faces the user when it is put on. The face mask 1 is provided with a large number of light elements 2 in the form of high-performance LEDs or laser diodes, which preferably generate light of different colors, i.e. red light, green light, blue light and/or yellow light. In the embodiment shown, the light elements 2 are arranged in columns and rows, with a larger distance between the columns than between the individual light elements 2 within a column. However, the light elements can also be arranged in a different shape, e.g. honeycomb-shaped or diamond-shaped.

Two loudspeakers 3 are arranged on the side areas of the face mask 1, the radiation direction of which is oriented inwards, i.e. towards the ears of the wearer when the face mask 1 is in place.

In Fig. 3, a longitudinal cross-section through the color light treatment device 1 is shown. As can be seen, the face mask is curved to adapt to the average curvature of the head and has a transparent cover 4 on the side facing the user in the state of use in the form of a curved, transparent layer, preferably made of plastic, which allows the light generated by the lighting elements 2 to pass through to the eyes and/or the skin of the user. The transparent cover 4 is at least partially in contact with the skin areas of the user and therefore consists of

[File:ANM\LE1178B1 .doc] Description, Utility model application ···

Michael Lenke, et al.

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skin-friendly material. The thickness of the transparent cover 4 is between fractions of a millimeter and several millimeters, preferably between 1 and 5 mm and can thus give the face mask 1 a certain strength, which, however, does not impair the flexibility required to adapt to the respective face shape.

The face mask 3 is also provided with a coating layer *5 on the side opposite the transparent cover 4.

A curved, rigid or preferably flexible electronic circuit board 6 is also provided inside the face mask, on which the necessary electrical/electronic circuit components are mounted. At the same time, the circuit board 6 can also serve as a carrier and holder for the light-emitting diodes 2 and carry the power supply lines required to control them. The circuit board 6 can also serve as a mechanical holder for the loudspeakers 3 arranged in the side areas. Alternatively, the loudspeakers 3 can also be embedded in the face mask independently of the electronic circuit board or supported by loudspeaker holder substrates embedded in the face mask.

On the front side, i.e. on the side of the coating layer 5, a plurality of function switches 7 are also provided, which are shown in plan view in Fig. 4.

Furthermore, the color light treatment device 1 is provided with an integrated ionization device and has two ionization needles 8, which protrude outwards on the side of the coating layer or are also arranged in a recessed manner. The ionization needles 8 can also be held on the circuit board 6 or supported by their own carrier substrate. The ionization needles 8 are arranged in such a way that

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net that they are positioned close to the user's nostrils when in use, as can be seen in Fig. 1. This has the advantage that the ionization effect is effective directly in the nose area of the person wearing the face mask.

In Fig. 4, the face mask is shown in plan view, i.e. seen from the side of the coating layer 5. As can be seen from the plan view, the function switches 7 are provided for switching the overall function of the face mask on/off, for selecting a light pulse mode, possibly a pulse frequency selection, for switching the sound generator on/off and/or the loudspeakers and for switching the ionization device on. Furthermore, the volume can also be selected.

In addition, the face mask is provided with an audio input 9, into which a standard audio plug can be inserted to feed in an audio signal. Furthermore, there is a voltage socket 10 for the power supply, into which, for example, the voltage plug of the output of a mains transformer with a direct voltage of 6 to 9 V or another suitable value can be inserted.

Further details and alternative embodiments of the color light treatment device according to the invention 1 are explained below.

The control elements 7 contain, in addition to the on/off switch, which can be used to switch the entire control of the light elements 2 on and off, a pulse selector switch for selecting a desired fixed frequency ("pulse" switch) and also a "bioPulse" switch for controlling the rhythm of the flashing operation of the light elements 2 in accordance with the body rhythm. For this purpose, a heartbeat sensor can be provided, for example in the form of an earlobe sensor.

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Utility model application ··»···· ■

Michael Lenke, et al.

designed to detect the blood flow to the earlobe and thus the heartbeat. This sensor can be connected to the face mask 1, which evaluates the signals it receives and uses them to control the flashing operation of the light elements 2.

All control elements (buttons) 7 are also easy to feel during operation, i.e. they are set apart from the surrounding surface areas of the face mask 1 and in particular protrude slightly above them. The control elements 7 are also easily distinguishable from one another by providing sufficient space between them and preferably also by the positioning height being different, as can be clearly seen in particular from Fig. 4. The control elements 7 are therefore also haptically distinguishable from one another. In a preferred embodiment, the control elements can also be arranged near the location of the respective controlled component, for example the on/off switch for the loudspeakers 3 and/or the volume control near the ear area, i.e. in the side area, and the on/off switch for the ionizer near the nose area, i.e. in the middle area of the face mask 1. Furthermore, a light-emitting diode can also be provided to display the switching state (switching on/off) of the ionizer, which may be necessary but is not absolutely necessary.

The needles 8 of the ionization device are mechanically protected by being lowered, i.e. they do not protrude beyond the surface of the face mask 1. Alternatively, rings, preferably made of electrically non-conductive material, can be provided that surround the needles and protrude from the surface of the face mask 1 up to the tip of the needles.

The controls for controlling the sound generation can be found next to the on/off switch and the volume control

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Michael Lenke, et al.

also contain an "Internal/Aux" switch so that you can switch between the internal music generator (one or more music chips) and an external sound source. Preferably, at least one selection switch is also provided for selecting the desired internal background noise, e.g. the sound of the sea, forest, meadow, rain, jungle, etc., which, when activated, activates the internal sound generator (microchip with a stored sound or noise sequence) to generate the selected background noise.

The audio input jack 9 has a conventional design and can be designed, for example, as a 3.5 mm jack.

Even if this is not shown in the drawing, the color light treatment device 1 is provided with a fragrance generator which can be designed as an aroma holder in the form of a compartment, a slot, etc. The fragrance carrier (aromatic holder) can also be clamped by material elasticity, i.e. is held elastically by a press fit and can therefore be removed if necessary for cleaning or replacement. The fragrance carrier or the area of the face mask 1 provided for this purpose is provided with a heating resistor for electrical heating.

Preferably, the temperature is limited to values that are not critical for the plastic material of the face mask 1 (e.g. approx. 45° to 50°), so that advantageously no separate metal component is required for heating the fragrance carrier. A separate switch can be provided for switching the fragrance carrier on/off. Alternatively, to simplify the structure, this separate on/off switch can be omitted, so that the fragrance carrier's heating is constantly switched on when connected to the power supply. Due to the low power of the heater, this does not cause any problems.

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Michael Lenke, et al.

The fragrance carrier (aroma holder) can e.g.
diameter of 20 mm and a height of 6 mm.

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The housing of the color light treatment device 1 is essentially formed by the transparent cover 4 and the layer 5. The width of the device is variable to adapt to different head sizes. The face mask 1 can be designed to be flexible overall. Preferably, however, only certain housing parts, in particular the side parts (ear wings) are flexible and can be bent open or folded closer together so that the face mask 1 can be adapted to the respective wearer. This minimizes the pressure stress in the face and ear area. Preferably, the middle area of the face mask 1 is rigid in the area of the forehead, eyes, cheeks and up to the tip of the nose. This therefore includes the larger area of the face mask 1. The flexible ear parts, which also simultaneously represent the supports for the loudspeakers 3 and, if necessary,

also no longer carry any light elements 2.

The variation range of the face mask 1 is

between approx. 10 to 30 mm, preferably around 20 mm. This means that the usual variation in face widths from approx. 130 mm to 175 mm can be easily covered.

The transparent cover 4 for the light elements 2 can be firmly connected to the rigid (middle) housing area, so that high rigidity is achieved. In the flexible side area (ear parts), the transparent cover 4 is preferably held in such a way that length compensation can take place when the ear parts are spread open and folded together. The transparent cover 4 is preferably installed in this side area with play for sliding.

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Alternatively, the transparent cover 4 does not extend into the side ear parts, but is only located on the inside of the rigid housing part. In this case, the side, flexible areas are covered by separate parts, which can be opaque, for example, to conceal the loudspeakers 3. Alternatively, a cover can be completely omitted in this area.

Even if this is not shown, the housing 4, 5 has ventilation openings which can exit on the sides of the housing and/or on the side facing outwards during use (layer 5) and enable heat dissipation of the heat generated by the lighting elements 2 during operation.
15

Layer 5 can also be designed as a graphically designed film carrying the corresponding operating information, possibly in a different color, or it can also be covered with such a film in order to convey the necessary operating information directly to the user.

As can be seen from the drawings, the face mask 1 is also curved in the middle, rigid area. It is therefore preferable to use a flexible board rather than a rigid board as the electronic board 6. The LEDs 2 are held on the side of this flexible board facing the user. The flexible board is preferably painted or printed at least in the area of the LEDs to make it opaque. All other components and also the conductor tracks are on the other side of the board opposite the LEDs 2. The flexible board is preferably installed firmly so that it is safely protected against fatigue and the risk of breakage under constant bending stress.

At flexible transition points, especially to the ear pieces and the speakers located in them,

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Preferably a conductor foil is used, as the mechanical load is higher there. The conductor foil is preferably not fitted with components.

Larger and therefore heavier or more heavily stressed components such as the loudspeakers 3, the audio input socket 9 and possibly also the transformer of the ionizer (ionization device) are preferably held separately in the housing and are not supported by the flexible circuit board 6. This means that the load on the flexible circuit board 6 is relatively low, so that there is no risk of destruction.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, forty-eight LEDs are arranged in a matrix in the form of eight columns and six rows. These LEDs can have different colors, which preferably allows a targeted selection of the desired color/colors. The number of LEDs can also be increased or reduced.

A power supply unit (not shown) is provided for the power supply, the DC output plug of which can be plugged into socket 10. As a result, the power supply does not cause any problems or safety risks, since the voltage values present in the area of the face mask 1 are uncritically low.

For mobile use, a separately handled battery pack is preferably also available, which can also be plugged into the socket 10. The socket 10 can be provided at any suitable position on the face mask 1, but is preferably located in the area of one of the loudspeakers, namely in the lower right-hand housing area, as shown in Fig. 4. The audio input socket 9 is also located in this area near the socket 10, so that any connections

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Michael Lenke, et al.

connection cables (audio cable, power cable) are arranged on only one side of the face mask 1. This makes it easier to handle and comfortable to wear.

To generate the voltage of the ionizer required to control the ionization needles 8, a diode/capacitor cascade is preferably present. These circuit components are preferably provided with a shield that at least largely shields the electric field from the user. The user is therefore not exposed to any electric pulse fields.

The operating elements 7, i.e. the function switches, can be designed as micro-stroke switches or in the form of a membrane keyboard.

The color light treatment device according to the invention allows the desired effects to be selectively switched on/off, whereby a fourfold effect with optical, acoustic, olfactory and ionization influences can be achieved when all components are operated simultaneously. This effectively improves concentration, increases performance, combats allergies, promotes relaxation, etc. For example, to combat hay fever, the ionizer 8 and green LEDs 2 can be operated simultaneously.

The color light treatment device 1 is designed as a self-holding mask, i.e. it does not have to be carried in the hand, but can be placed on the user's face in a self-holding manner. This makes it easier to handle and also promotes a deeper level of relaxation, as the strain of manually holding it is eliminated.

Claims (30)

Protection claims 1. Color light treatment device with a plurality of light elements (2), in particular in the form of light-emitting diodes, characterized by at least one loudspeaker (3). 2. Color light treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that two loudspeakers (3) are mounted in the side areas of the color light treatment device (1). 3. Color light treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by an audio input socket (9). 4. Color light treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one sound generator built into the color light treatment device for generating sound sequences or noises that can be reproduced via the at least one loudspeaker (3). 5. Color light treatment device according to claim 4, characterized in that the sound generator is formed by at least one microchip. 6. Color light treatment device, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an ionization device (8) is provided. [File:ANM\LE1178A1.doc] Claims, 122)1.96.*
Utility model application ··· ···· Michael Lenke, et al. 7. Color light treatment device according to claim 6, characterized in that the ionization device has at least one, preferably two spaced-apart needle(s) (8) which are connected to a generator for generating an ionization voltage. 8. Color light treatment device according to claim 7, characterized in that the generator is built into the color light treatment device. 9. Color light treatment device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the needle(s) is/are arranged in recesses on the surface of the color light treatment device. 10. Color light treatment device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the needle(s) is/are surrounded by protective rings. 11. Color light treatment device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the needle(s) is/are arranged in the middle area of the color light treatment device. 12. Color light treatment device, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an aroma holder is provided for holding aroma substances. [File:ANM\LE1178A1.doc] Claims, 12.|&idiagr;.96 _# ·*
Utility model application ··* ···· Michael Lenke, et al. 13. Color light treatment device according to claim 12, characterized in that the aroma holder is provided with a heating device. 14. Color light treatment device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the aroma holder is pot-shaped. 15. Color light treatment device, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed in the form of an elongated element, in particular in the form of a face mask. 16. Color light treatment device according to claim 15, characterized in that the face mask has a shape adapted to an average facial contour, in particular a curved shape. 17. Color light treatment device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the central region and/or the lateral regions of the mask are rigid. 18. Color light treatment device according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the middle region is movably connected to the side regions. 19. Color light treatment device according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the face mask has plastically deformable and re-deformable areas for adaptation to the respective user. [Fi!e:ANM\LE1178A1 .doc] Claims, 12.1.96
Utility model application *** * ^#< Michael Lenke, et al. 20. Color light treatment device according to claim 19, characterized in that the deformable and re-deformable areas are designed as joint areas. 21. Color light treatment device according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the plastically deformable and re-deformable regions are designed as predetermined bending regions with reduced thickness. 22. Color light treatment device according to one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that a transparent cover (4) is present on the inside of the face mask. 23. Color light treatment device according to one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that in the interior of the face mask at least one, preferably flexible, electronic substrate is provided, which carries circuit elements for controlling electrically operated components. 24. Color light treatment device according to claim 23, characterized in that the loudspeaker or loudspeakers (3) are attached to a separate carrier substrate, in particular separately from the electronic substrate (6), or are embedded in the face mask. 25. Color light treatment device according to one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that actuating elements (7) for switching components on and off and/or for selecting operating parameters are provided on the face mask, in particular on the front side thereof. JtO*-*4· [File:ANM\LE1178A1.doc] Claims, 12.f1.96,· Utility model application *** **' Michael Lenke, et ai. 26. Color light treatment device according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the face mask is designed to be rigid overall. 27. Color light treatment device according to one of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that a holding bracket is attached to the face mask. 28. Color light treatment device according to claim 27, characterized in that the holding bracket extends from the face mask at an angle, preferably essentially at a right angle. 29. Color light treatment device according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the holding bracket is curved, in particular curved backwards. 30. Color light treatment device according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the retaining bracket is attached to the face mask in a removable manner, in particular in a lockable manner. ..· Since&«-*5 -: