GB2436150A

GB2436150A - Mirror box for phantom limb pain reduction therapy

Info

Publication number: GB2436150A
Application number: GB0605161A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Robert Daniels
Original assignee: ILAN LIEBERMAN
Current assignee: ILAN LIEBERMAN
Priority date: 2006-03-15
Filing date: 2006-03-15
Publication date: 2007-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-15
Also published as: GB2436150B; GB0605161D0; GB2436150B8; GB2436150A8

Abstract

A foldable mirror box 2. It may be used to produce a mirror image during phantom limb pain reduction therapy. The box may comprise four side panels 4, 6, 8, 10 and two end panels 12, 14, one of which end panels has an opening 16 enabling access to the interior of the box 2. One of the side panels 4 has a reflective surface on the exterior of the box 2. The folding means may take the form of a flexible strip or a pivotable connection and may be resilient to provide a spring action.

Description

MIRROR BOX

The present invention relates to therapeutic devices and in particular, to a mirror box used to produce a sterioisiomeric image during phantom limb pain reduction therapy.

Phantom limb pain is when a person experiences pain from a body part which has been removed or is damaged, such as limb (hand, foot, leg, arm or part thereof), breast or testicle. Vilayanur Ramachandran developed a box with a mirror inside which fooled the brain into thinking that the amputated limb is still there. Use of this mirror box has shown a reduction in the phantom pain experienced, and regular use of the mirror box over an extended period of time has shown complete elimination of the pain and gradual reduction of pain relief medication required during the treatment period. The mirror box not only finds application for the relief of phantom limb pain of amputees', but also in pain relief for damaged limbs, for example nerve damage after a crush injury.

The mirror box comprises an open top wooden box which is divided into two halves by a mirror. Each half of the box is accessible via a respective opening provided in one side of the box. In use the healthy limb is placed through the opening into the half of the box corresponding to the reflective side of the mirror. The damaged or missing (ghost) limb is manoeuvred through the other opening into the half of the box corresponding to the non-reflective side of the mirror. The patient views his normal limb and the mirror image of that limb. Although the patient knows that it is an illusion, the brain is nethertheless tricked into thinking that the amputated limb is still there. The patient then performs a series of exercises with the normal limb in front of the mirror, with the mirror image creating a visual stimulus, or the illusion that the missing limb is performing the same movements.

In order to achieve maximum benefit it is recommended that the mirror box is used several times a day. One of the draw backs of the known mirror box is that it is relatively heavy and not readily portable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mirror box which overcomes or alleviates the above described drawbacks.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mirror box, wherein the mirror box has folding means to selectively move it between an erect and a collapsed condition. This has the advantage that the box can be rendered smaller for easy storage andlor transportation, enabling use of the box at different locations.

The mirror box may comprise a container comprising an aperture enabling access to the interior thereof, and a reflective surface to at least a portion of the exterior of the container. The reflective surface may be foldable into the body of the mirror box.

This has the advantage of protecting the reflective surface during transportation. The container may comprise a plurality of interconnected panel walls the folding means including a pivotable connection which may include at least one flexible hinge and which may be provided between at least two adjacent panel walls and/or in the body of at least one panel.

At least one of the pane! walls may comprise the or a reflective surface to the exterior of the container, said panel being connected to at least one adjacent panel by said pivotable connection.

The pivotable connection may comprise a spring action. The spring action may be provided by at least one edge to a panel.

The panel walls may comprise a cut-away portion at an edge region thereof.

At least one panel may comprise a mesh-like material, said mesh-like material wall being provided opposite said panel carrying said reflective surface.

The reflective surface may be replaceable.

At least one panel may be opaque.

The mirror box may comprise at least one air vent.

The mirror box may comprise at least one handle, said handle may be provided adjacent said reflective surface.

At least one panel may be flexible.

The mirror box may be constructed from a light-weight material, in one embodiment the material is a sheet-like plastics material.

The mirror box may comprise a plurality of reflective surfaces.

In a preferred embodiment the mirror box comprises a substantially rectangular container having four side wall panels one of which carries a reflective surface to the exterior of the container, the side wall panels being interconnected by respective folding means. The container may additionally comprise a pair of oppositely disposed end walls, one of which has an opening into the interior of the container.

The end walls may be flexible.

Each side wall panel may be substantially rectangular with a cut-away portion at each corner. The side wall panels may comprise at least one resilient edge located adjacent a connecting side wall panel, said adjacent connecting side wall panel may -.4-have a similar resilient edge abuting said first mentioned resilient edge. The folding means may comprise a pivotal connection between adjacent side wall panels, the pivotal connection may comprise a strip of flexible material.

A handle may be provided adjacent said reflective surface.

By way of example only, specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mirror box constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the mirror box of Figure 1 illustrating it being folded; and Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 showing the mirror box fully folded.

As best illustrated in Figure 1 the mirror box comprises a substantially hollow box like structure 2 comprising four side panels 4, 6, 8, 10 and two end panels 12, 14.

A first of the end panels 12 comprises an opening 16 which enables access into the interior of the box 2. A first of the side panels 4 comprises a reflective surface on the exterior of the box 2.

The box 2 is generally constructed of a light weight material with side panels 6, 10 and the end panels 12, 14 being substantially opaque. The remaining side panel 8, remote from the panel 4 comprising the reflective surface, is in the form of a see-through mesh-like fabric, the see through panel enabling the inside of the box to be seen by a medical professional when teaching the patient how to use the box.

The mirror box is used as follows. If for example a patient missing their left hand wishes to use the mirror box, the side surface 10 of the mirror box is placed on a supportive surface, such as a table, with the end surface 12 facing them. The user then manoeuvres the stump of their left arm through the opening 16 in end panel 12. They then place their right hand in front of the reflective surface of side panel 4 and observe the reflection of their right hand in the reflective surface. A series of exercises, as recommended by their doctor are then conducted infront of the reflective surface with their right hand. The opaque surfaces of side panels 6, 10 and end panels 12, 14 hide from the view of the patient of their missing left hand, whilst the see-through side panel 8, not visible to the patient when the box is in use, is visible to the doctor enabling the doctor to monitor the interior of the box when teaching the patient the various exercise regimes suitable for that patient.

If alternatively it is the right hand which is missing, the mirror box is simply inverted in order for the reflective surface to lie to the left hand-side of the patient, i.e. with reference to Figure 1 the side surface 6 is placed on the table, with the end surface 12 facing the patient.

It is to be understood that although a missing hand has been described, the box could accommodate other missing or damaged body parts, and may come in a variety of sizes to enable for example a leg to be inserted.

Each side panel 4, 6, 8, 10 is mounted in a respective frame member 18, 20, 22, 24 each of which has a substantially rectangular configuration with a pair of oppositely disposed side edges 1 8a; 1 8b, 20a; 20b, 22a; 22b and 24a; 24b, and a pair of oppositely disposed end edges I 8c; 1 8d, 20c; 20d, 22c; 22d, and 24c; 24d. Each frame 18, 20, 22, 24 substantially forms the boundary to its respective side panel 4, 6, 8, 10 and the corners 18e, 20e, 22e, 24e of each frame are rounded. The frames 18, 20, 22 24 are interconnected to form the sides 4, 6, 8, 10 of the box 2 by providing a pivotal connection between adjacent side edges 1 8a; 20b, 20a; 22b, 22a; 24b and 24a; I 8b. End panel 12 is mounted between end edges 1 8c, 20c, 22c, 24c, whilst end panel 14 is mounted between end edges I 8d, 20d, 22d, 24d of the frames. The end panels 12, 14 are additionally constructed from a flexible material.

In order to collapse the mirror box fingertip pressure is applied to side edges 1 8a, 20b of frames 18, 20 supporting the reflective panel 4 and side panel 6.

The pivotal connections between side edges I 8a and 20b, 20a and 22b, 22a and 24b, and 1 8b and 24a, together with the flexible nature of the panels enable side edges 1 8a, 20b to be moved towards side edges 22a, 24b, collapsing the box inwardly until the interior of side panel 6 overlaps the side panel 8 and the interior of side panel 4 overlaps that of side panel 10, as best illustrated in Figure 2. The pivotal connection of side edges 22a, 24b, then enables the box to be further folded by bringing together overlapping side panels 6, 8 with overlapping side panels 4, 10 such that a substantially planar configuration is formed, as best illustrated in Figure 3, with the reflective surface of side panel 4 being folded inside thereof. This forms a compressed form to the mirror box enabling easier transportation thereof with the reflective surface protected within the folded structure thereof.

A handle 30 is provided between side edges 1 8a and 20b, as best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. In order to deploy the box, that is to return it to its rectangular configuration, folded together side panels and 6, 8 and side panels 4, 10, are unfolded to reveal handle 30 which handle is grasped and pulled outwardly to prise apart side panels 6 and 8 and side panel 4 and 10, whilst holding opposite edges 22a, 24b.

In one embodiment the frame members 18, 20, 22, 24 are formed from a resilient material, such as stainless steel wire threaded into a seam provided about each side panel. Between adjacent frame members a pivotal connection is provided by a strip of flexible material. In the erect configuration of the box, the side edges of adjacent frame members lie in a touching side-by-side manner, with the flexible strip of material folded therebetween. This enables a spring action to the folding mechanism, such that when side edges 18a, 20b of frame members 18 and 20 is pushed towards side edges 22b, 24a of frame members 22 and 24, side edges 22b, 24a are forced further together with a resultant spring reaction forcing side panels 6 and 8 to side panels 4 and 10 to move towards the completely folded configuration shown in figure 3. Likewise as handle 30 is pulled side edges 18a, 20b react to spring open the box 2.

Although steel wire has been described as the frame member, other materials could be used for example plastics, and/or could be in the form of a reinforcing strip.

Although the wire has been described as being provided in a seam about the edge of the side panel, it could be attached by other means such as stitching or welding. The wire may be dispensed with and the side panels formed from a rigid resilient material.

Although the corners of the frames have been described as rounded, other cut-away shapes to the frame corners may be provided e.g. square or angled.

Although the reflective surface has been provided as one of the side panels, the reflective surface may be instead separately attached to one of the side panels and fixed by suitable attached means, for example glue, rivets, press-studs, press-fit, staples, velcroTM etc. The reflective surface may be removable enabling replacement thereof. The reflective surface may be made of a plastics material and/or metal, andlor glass and/or a fabric material. Although one side panel has been described as comprising a reflective surface, more than one surfaces could comprise a reflective surface.

Although one side panel has been described as comprising a mesh-like fabric enabling the inside of the mirror box to be visible, this side panel could be made of a different transparent material, or made to be opaque. A mesh-like fabric has the advantage that during the folding and unfolding of the box, air displaced from the interior box is more readily vented, preventing such retarding the movement of the box during folding/un-folding. As an alternative to the mesh-surface, air vents could be provided in the surface of the box. Although only one panel has been described as comprising a mesh-like material additional panels could be provided in this material.

Although the end panels have been described as comprising a flexible material enabling their collapse and deployment during a folding and unfolding operation respectively, the material could alternatively be provided with fold lines about which the end panels can be folded. The side panels may also comprise a flexible material providing a more deformable structure to the folded box, reducing potential damage.

Although a substantially rectangular box has been described, the box may comprise a different geometrical shape and have a different number of side panels.

Also, although a spring mechanism has been described at four frames of the box, the box may comprise one or more such spring mechanisms provided in the body of at least one panel.

Although the box has been described as folding inwardly, such that the reflective surface is protected inside the folded structure, the reflective surface may alternatively comprise a retractable/removable cover enabling it to be protected.

Although an opening has been described as providing access into the interior of the mirror box it is to be understood that this term not only covers the aperture shown in the drawings, but also for example a slit type opening in said panel which slit opens up when the limb is placed there through enabling access into the box whilst substantially preventing viewing of the interior of the box via that panel.

The invention is not restricted to the above described embodiments and many modifications and variations will readily occur to one skilled in the art. -10-

Claims

Claims 1. A mirror box, wherein the mirror box has folding means to

selectively move it between an erect and a collapsed condition.

2. A mirror box according to claim 1, wherein the mirror box comprises a container comprising an aperture enabling access to the interior thereof, and a reflective surface to at least a portion of the exterior of the container.

3. A mirror box according to claim 2 wherein the reflective surface is foldable into the body of the mirror box.

4. A mirror box according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the container comprises a plurality of interconnected panel walls, the folding means includes a pivotable connection which is provided between at least two adjacent panel walls and/or in the body of at least one panel.

5. A mirror box according to claim 4 wherein folding means includes at least one flexible hinge.

6. A mirror box according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one of the panel walls comprises the or a reflective surface to the exterior of the container, said panel being connected to at least one adjacent panel by said pivotable connection.

7. A mirror box according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the pivotable connection comprises a spring action.

8. A mirror box according to claim 7, wherein the spring action is provided by at least one edge to a panel.

9. A mirror box according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein at least one panel wall comprises a cut-away portion at an edge region thereof.

10. A mirror box according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein at least one panel comprises a mesh-like material, said mesh-like material being provided opposite said panel carrying the or said reflective surface.

11. A mirror box according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein at least one panel is opaque.

12. A mirror box according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein at least one panel is flexible.

13. A mirror box according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the reflective surface is replaceable.

14. A mirror box according to any one of the preceding claims comprises at least one air vent.

-12 - 15. A mirror box according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one handle, said handle may be provided adjacent the or said reflective surface.

16. A mirror box according to any one of the preceding claims constructed from a light-weight material.

17. A mirror box according to claim 16, wherein said material is a sheet-like plastics material.

18. A mirror box according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a plurality of reflective surfaces.

19. A mirror box comprising a substantially rectangular container having four side wall panels one of which carries a reflective surface to the exterior of the container, the side wall panels being interconnected by respective folding means.

20. A mirror box according to claim 19, wherein the container additionally comprises a pair of oppositely disposed end walls, one of which has an opening into the interior of the container.

21. A mirror box according to claim 20, wherein the end walls are flexible. -13-

22. A minor box according to claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein each side wall panel is substantially rectangular with a cut-away portion at each corner.

23. A mirror box according to any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the side wall panels comprise at least one resilient edge located adjacent a connecting side wall panel, said adjacent connecting side wall panel having a similar resilient edge abuting said first mentioned resilient edge.

24. A minor box according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the folding means comprises a pivotal connection between adjacent side wall panels.

25. A minor box according to claim 24, wherein the pivotal connection comprises a strip of flexible material.

26. A mirror box according to any one of claims 19 to 25 comprising a handle adjacent said reflective surface.

27. A minor box constructed and adapted to operate substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.