GB2520314A

GB2520314A - Eye Protection Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2520314A
Application number: GB1320230.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Elliot Isaacs; Hasan Ercan
Original assignee: PANGAEA LASER Ltd
Current assignee: PANGAEA LASER Ltd
Priority date: 2013-11-15
Filing date: 2013-11-15
Publication date: 2015-05-20
Also published as: GB201320230D0

Abstract

Light used as a therapeutic treatment of skin, for hair removal, or for tattoo removal can be very bright and can therefore damage the eyes of people in the vicinity of such light. The invention provides eye protection apparatus for substantially stopping light, emitted from a light-tool, reaching the eyes of people in the vicinity of the light-tool 70, the apparatus comprising a shutter 17 arranged to open and close, shutter control means 18 for receiving a first signal generated by a signal generating means 30, for closing the shutter in response to receipt of the first signal, and for transmitting a second signal to indicate that the shutter is closed and/or that the shutter control means has received the first signal, and a light control means for controlling the light emitted by the light-tool 70, wherein the light control means is configured to permit light to be emitted from the light-tool 70 after receipt of the second signal.

Description

Lye protection apparatus The present invention relates generally to eye pmtection apparatus and a method of protecting the eyes of people from, and in the vicinity of, light emitted from a light-tool and tinds particular, although not exclusive, utility in the therapeutic treatment of skin, and/or hair removal, and/or tattoo removal.

The use of light in therapeutically treating skin has become more prevalent in recent years. Typically, therapeutic light-based devices are found in four broad categories: a) thosc which use ow-leve1 laser diode or LED diodc light to have a cellular stimulatory effect on cells, b) those which use other visible light' such as IR or UV or other frequencies to treat thc skin, c) those which use high-powered aser light for abhittve or fractionated modalities, and d) those which use substantially visihie intense pulsed light to, for example, burn pigmented structures such as hair bulbs.

The light used is typically intense arid in this regard the light source is often a laser or other very bright light source. Such light can be harmful to an operator, the panent (or recipient of treatment) and others in the room. Symptoms such as head aches and temporary/partial blindness can occur and in severe cases, serious damage to eyesight cart occur especially to operators who use the machues daily. Consequently, operators tend to wear glasses with darkened lenses or coloured tilters while they are using the light source. Unfortunately, thesc glasses tcnd to have the drawbacks that either they are so dark that the operator cannot see clearly what they are doing, or are not dark enough leading to temporary or permanent damage to their eyesight.

Alternattvely, the cnlour of the filter interferes with the operator's conception such as determining important colour changes or differences. For example, the redness of skin after treatment, or the degree of burning of a section of hair, before the next section is treated.

\Vith regard to the patients, these known glasses can interfere with the view of a television picture or hook/magazine whtch they may he using to pass the time.

Furthemiore, only laser light can be reiahiy Filtered as it has a fixed wavelength, whereas protechon by the use of filtcrs for visiblc broad spectrum light can only reduce rather than totally block the light.

P1(2753898 describes eye protedlion which limits light reaching a wearer's eyes in response to the receipt of a signal transmitted before the light source is energised.

I

however, there is a risk that the signal may not reach the eye protection for reasons such as mechanical or electrical failure, and signal interrupthni.

(:oiisequeiitly, a better form of eye protection is desirable.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides eye protection apparatus for substantially stopping light, emitted from a light-tool, reaching the eyes of People in the vicinity of the light-tool, the apparatus comprising a shutter arranged to open and close, shutter control means for receiving a first signal generated by a signal generating means, for closing the shutter in response to receipt of the first signal, and for transmitting a second signal to indicate that the shutter is closed and/or that the shutter control means lO has received the first signal, and a light control means for controlling the light emitted by the light-tool, wherein the light control means is configured to permit light to be emitted from the light-tool after receipt of the second signal.

The first signal may he generated in response to an operator pulling a trigger, pressitg a floor switch, or other such initiation. The second signal may he considered to he a safe-return signal. In this way, a check is made that the shutter control means has received the signal (which will lead to the shutter being closed, relatively instantaneously) and/or that the shutter is actually closed before the light is emitted from the light-tool.

The light control means may he configured to only pemiit light to he emitted from the light-tool after receipt of the second signal.

The light may be pulsed in the order of 0.1 to lOHa for intense pulsed light (TPL. However, if laser light is used the light may he pulsed at significantly faster frequencies.

The apparatus may he configured to open and close the shutter in synchronisation with the pulses. Alternatively, the apparatus may he configured to open and close the shutter in synchronisation with a burst of light, whether that burst of light includes pulses of light or otherwise.

In this context, a light-tool includes a hand-held device for emitting light of an intensity and wavelength sufficient to therapeutically treat skin and/or at least partially remove tattoos and/or remove hair by burning of the hair bulb. The light-tool may genemte the light within itself and/or die light may he generated in a separate, yet connected, apparatus.

The signal generating means may be configured to generate a third signal indicating that light has ceased to he emitted by the light-tool. Accordingly, the shutter control means may he configured to open the shutter after receipt of this third signal.

Alternatively, or additionally, the shutter control means may he configured to open the shutter after a predetermined period of time. The length of this predetermined penod of time may be transmitted to the shutter control means with the first or another signal.

The light-tool, and/or light control means, and/or light generating means may be configured such that no light can he emitted without another initiation by the operator, and consequent transmission of another first signal. The light-tool, and/or light control lO means, and/or light generating means may be configured such that another initiation by the operator cannot be undertaken until the present predetermined period of time has elapsed.

The predetermined time period may he in the range 5 to 0.1 seconds, more panicularly I second, or may he less than 1/100 seconds, less than 1000 seconds, or less than 1/5000 seconds. Other ranges are contemplated.

The shutter control means may he configured to transmit a fourth signal to indicate the shutter is open and/or to prevent thc emission of light from the light-tool.

The transmission of this fourth signal tTlay he iii response to the shutter control means determining that the shutters are open. In this way the light-tool may he prevettecl from inadvertently emitting light when the shutters are open. For instance, the light-tool and/or light control means may include a barrier which is open and closable to control the emission of light. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth signal may he used direcdy or indirectly to prevent the unit used for the purpose of generating light from operating and generating light.

The shutter may he a diaphragm, clapperhoard or leaf shutter. In this regard, the shutter may include one or more leaves which move pivotally. The shutter may he an iris shutter and include three or more leaves. The shutter may he a camera-type shutter.

The apparatus may include a shutter control mechanism, which may be the same as the shutter control means, and winch includes physical features such as springs and cams to movc the leaves. Alternatively or additionaliy, it may include electronic means for moving or, at least, controlling the movement of the leaves.

The first, second, third, fourth and other signals may be in the form of electrical signals and/or mechanical signals. For instance, an electrical signal may activate a mechanical or electrical means for moving the shutter leaves. A mechanical signal may he in the form of a physical movement of a control wire or other such linkage directly or indirectly connected to the shutter control means.

The apparatus may include light generating means. This may be a separate, yet connected apparatus, or may be integral with the light-tool. Alternatively, the apparatus may not include light generating means, these means being separately supplied.

The light-tool may include the signal generating means and/or the light control lO means. Alternatively, or additionally, the light generating device may include the signal generating means and/or the light control means.

In one instance, the eye protection apparatus may further comprise a separate, yet connectable, control device including the signal generating means and/or the hght control means. This control device may he connectable to the light generating means, antI/or the light-tool, anti/or the shutter control means.

This control device may he a circuit board configured to he retro-fitted to an existing light generating means.

The fourth signal may he received by the light-tool, arid/or the light control means, and/or the light generating means, anti/or the signal generating means.

The eye protection apparatus may be configured for preventing laser light and/or intense pulsed light substantially reaching the eyes of people in the vicinity of light emitted from a light-tool.

The eye protection apparatus may he adapted to he xvorn on the head by a person in the vicin1 of the light-tool. For instance, the eye protection apparatus may he in the form of a pair of spectacles. Other types of head-gear are considered such as a welders mask' arrangement and a hat. The apparatus may take the form of a free-standing piece of furniture, and/or include a handle to he hand-held, and/or md ude means for affixing it to other ohjects, such as with a clamp.

The eye protection apparatus may comprise two shutters, one for each eye of a person in the vicinity of the light-tool.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a light generating device arranged to generate light for skin therapy, in combination with eye protection apparatus according to the first aspect.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a signal generating means for providing contro' signals for operating the shutter of eye protection, the shutter being arranged to open and clime, the eye protection comprising shutter control means and being configured to receive a first signal generated by the signal generating means, to close the shutter in response to receipt of the first signal, and to transmit a second signal to indicate when the shutter is closed.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a hght control means for controlling the light emitted by a light-tool, being configured to permit light to he emitted from the light-tool after receipt of a signal indicating that the shutter on associated eye protection apparatus is closed.

The eye protection of the third and fourth aspects may include some or all of the features according to the first aspect.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of protecting the eyes of people in the vicinity of light emitted by a light-tool comprising the steps of providing eye protectiot apparatus according to the first aspect, and operating the apparatus to close the shutter in advance of light being emitted by the light-tool.

It is to be understood that the eye protection apparatus, light control means, and signal generating means may he connected directly or indirectly to uric another.

Connection means include wires/cables, and wireless methods such as Bluetooth RTM), and other radio frequencies. In the case of wire'ess connections, the various components of the different aspects described herein may include wireless transmitter and/or receiver means. Electrical power for the various components may be provided by batteries and/or with the connection means.

In a sixth aspect, the invention provides eye protection apparatus in the form of eye-wear comprising at least one iris-like camera-shutter and a shutter control mechanism configured to automatically open and close the at least one shutter in response to a signal received thereby. The shutter may he configured to open and close for durations greater than 1/5000 seconds. The shutter may he configured to open and close for durations greater than 1/1000 seconds. The shutter may be configured to open and close for durations greater than 1/100 seconds. The shutter may be configured to open and close for durations in the range 2 to 0.1 seconds.

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.

Figures 1 to 6 are schematic drawings of various components and apparatus for the therapeutic treatment of skin and/or the at least partial removal of tattoos.

The present invention \vill be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is riot limited thereto hut only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the lO 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 nor correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third anti the like in the description atid in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in atiy other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances arid 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 he 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 he noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not he interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does riot exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to he interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or coniponents as referred to, hut 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 he 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. Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term "connected", used in the description, should not he interpreted as being restricted to direct connecetons only. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device A connected to a device B" should not he limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other hut yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

lO 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, hut 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 mariner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill iii 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 arc 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 he 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 arc meant to he 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.

Ijowever, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may he 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 lo\ver 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 pnnciples of the invention will now he described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features of the invention. It is clear that other arrangements cart he contigured 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.

In Figure 1 spectacles 10 are shown. The spectacles 10 include typical features such as arms, nose rests and so on. However, two iris diaphragms 17 are located between the arms for location in front of a wearer's eyes. Each diaphragm may he held in a frame and may open and close to substantially, or completely block light passing therethrough. Although not shown, the spectacles 10 may include side pieces which fit around the circumferential rim of the diaphragm-holding frames and extend to the wearer's skin (similar to swimming goggles or aviator glasses) such that substantially no light may reach the wearer's eyes with the diaphragms closed. The side pieces may comprise silicon.

The shutter control means 18 are located on the arms adjacent the diaphragms 17. These control means IS are connected by a control connection 50 to a control device 30. This control connection 50 may he wireless. The control device 30 receives light via light conducting means 40 from a light generating means 20. This light conducting means 40 may be a fibre-optic cable. The light generated by the light generating device 20 travels along the light conducting means 40 to the control device and then, controllably, on to a light tool 70 by further light conducting means 60.

The light tool 70 includes a handle and an operating trigger 72, or other switch (possibly a floor peddle.

In use, when an operator wishes to direct light at the patient, the trigger 72 is pulled. This sends a signal to the spectacles 10 instructing the shutter control means to close the shutters. This signal may he direct from the light-tool 70 or may he indirect via the control device 30. A sensor for detecting when the shutters 17 are open and/or lO fully closed is provided on the spectacles 10. This may be a switch. When fully closed, a safety-return signal is sent from the spectacles 10 to the light-tool 70, either directly or via the control device 30, permitting the light to he emitted from the light-tool 70. In one instance, when the operator releases the trigger 72, another signal is sent from the light-tool 70 to the spectacles 10 to allow the shutters 17 to he opened. In another instance, a pretletermitred length of time for the duration of the emitted light may either he pre-set by the operator, or he pre-progratiniecl into the light generating means (in accordance with the wavelength and intensity of light to be emitted). This duration may he sent to the spectacles with the first signal instructing the shutters 17 to he closed such that at the end of the duration the shutters automatically open again. Alternatively, the control device 30 may send the signal instructing the shutters 17 to be opened after the end of the duration of emitted light. In one instance, the control device 30 may detect that the light has ceased to he emitted and send the opening signal in accordance with that detection.

The control device 30 may physically block the light passing along the light conducting means 40, 60 until the safety-return signal is received from the spectacles 10.

Alternatively, or additionally, the control device 30 may control the output of the light generating means 20 in that it sends control signals to it instructing it to emit, or stop emitting, light. In this sense, the control device 30 may include a light control means.

The control signal generating device 30 may employ one or more light sensors to determine the presence and/or absence of light travelling along the light conducting means 40. Other means arc contemplated.

An alternative armngcmcnt of apparatus 110 in the form of a headband 112 and a face plate 114 is shown in Figure 2. i\ shutter control mechanism is provided with the light blocking device 110. When in position on a user's head, the face plate 114 is arranged in front of the user's face with an iris diaphragm 117 in front their eyes. It is understood that although not shown two iris diaphragms could he provided, one in front of each eye.

A light generating device 120 generates light and controllably transmits it to a light tool 70 via a light conducting means 140. The operation of the arrangement shown in Figure 2 is the same as that described in relation to Figure 1 except that the light-tool is connected indirectly to the control device 130 via the light generating means 120.

The signal conducting means 135 and control connection 50 may be dispensed with, in one instance, and the link between the light generating device 120, the control device 120 and the face plate 110 may be wireless.

In Figure 3, a light generating device 220 includes a control device 230 retro-fitted to, and unitary, with it. This may he in the form of a circuit board.

Two forms of eye protection means are shown; the first is a hand-heki shield 216, in the form of a planar sheet with a hole through it, and a handle 215. The hole is framed by an iris diaphragm 217 which opens and doses in a similar manner to those described above. The second is a pur 10 similar to those shown arid described in relation to Figure!. In this manner, the shield 2! 6 may he held by the operator and the glasses worn by the patient.

In use, when an operator wishes to direct light from the light-tool 70 the trigger is depressed. This sends a signal from the light-tool to the control device 230 which, in turn, sends a signal to the shield 216 and spectacles 10 to close their shutters. \Vhen the shutters are closed safety-return signals are sent from each of the shield 216 and spectacles 10 to the control device 230. Only when both safety-return signals are received by the control device 230 will it permit light to he transmitted from the light generating means 220 to the light-tool 70.

In Figure 4, the light genemling means 320 includes an integral control device and is capable of operating in a similar manner to that of the apparatus described in Figure 3. However, there are some differences in that the shield 316 is incorporated onto the top of a light tool 370 such that as the user holds the liglit tool 370 they may he ahle to keep their eyes hehind the shield part 316. The shutter 317 may be a reciprocating type shutter, as shown, or may he a leaf or iris shutter, not shown. A shutter control tneans is provided with the shield 316. In this way, only one connection 360 between the light-tool 370 and the light generating means 320 (and integral confrol device) is requited.

In an altenutive, it is possible that the control device does not form part of the light generating means 320 hut is integral with the light-tool 370. In this way, when the trigger is pulled on the hght-tool 370 a signal is sent directly to the shutter 317 to dose, and the safety-return signal is sent directly back to the light-tool 370. The light-tool 370 may then he conilgured to allow light generated by the light generating means 320 to be emitted.

lO Another alternative arrangement is shown in Figure 5 wherein the light tool 470 is connected 460 directly to the light generating means 420 and directly 414 to the spectacles 10. The operation is similar to that described above in relation to Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a drawing of an iris shutter 500 which comprises eight shutter leave which may pivot from an open position (not shown) to a fully closed position (not shown) via an intermediate position. The intermediate position is shown in Figure 6 wherein an aperture 520 is provided in the centre of the iris. The size of the aperture 520 is variable by moving the individual leaves 517 as will be understood from camera shutters.

The shutter 500 includes a circumferential ring 510 radially outside the aperture created by the iris leaves 517. In this ring 510 the individual leaves 517 may be pivoted.

Some or all of the control mechanism (motors, cams and the like may also be included in this ring 510.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Eye protecti()ti apparatus for substantially stopping light, emitted from a light-tool, reaching the eyes of people in the vicinity of the light-tool, the apparatus comprising a shutter arranged to open and close, shutter control means for receiving a first signal generated by a signal generating means, for closing the shutter in response to receipt of the first signal, and for transmitting a second signal to indicate that the shutter is closed and/or that the shutter control means has received the first signal, and a light control means for controlling the light lO emitted by the light-tool, wherein the light control means is configured to permit light to be emitted from the light-tool after receipt of the second signal.
2. The eye protection apparatus of claim I, wherein the signal generating means is configured to generate a third signal indicating that light has ceased to he emitted by the light-tool.
3. The eye protection apparatus of daim 2, wherein the shutter contro' means is configured to open the shutter after receipt of the third signal.
4. The eye protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shutter control means is configured to open the shutter after a predetermined period of time.
5. The eye protection apparatus of claim 4, wherein the length of the predetermined period of time is transmitted to the shutter control means with the first or another signal.
6. The eye protection apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the shutter control means is configured to transmit a fourth signal to indicate the shutter is open and/or to p1t\Te1t the emission of light from the light-tool.
7. The eye protection apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the shutter is a diaphragm, clapperhoard or leaf shutter.
B. The eye protection apparatus of any preceding claim, including light generating means.
9. The eye protection apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the light-tool includes the signal generating means and/or the light control means.
10. The eye protection apparatus of claim 8, wherein the light generating device includes the signal generating means and/or the light control means.
11. The eye protection apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a separate, yet connectabk, control device including the signal generating means and/or the light control means.
12. The eye protection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control device is a circuit board configured to be retro-fitted to an existing light generating means.
13. The eye protection apparatus of any preceding claim configured for laser light and/or intense pulsed light.
14. The eye protection apparatus of any preceding claim, being adapted to he worn on the head by a person in the vicinity of the light-tool.t5. The eye protection apparatus of claim t4, being in the form of a pair of spectacles.16. The eye protection apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising two shutters, one for each eye of a person in the vicinity of the light-tool.17. A light generating device arranged to generate light for skin therapy, in combination with eye protection apparatus according to any preceding claim.18. A signal generating means for providing control signals for operating the shutter of eye protectiot, the shutter being arranged to open and close, the eye protection comprising shutter control means and being configured to receive a first signal generated by the signal generating means, to close the shutter in response to receipt of the first signal, and to transmit a second signal to indicate when the shutter is closed.19. A light conol means for controlling the light emitted by a light-tool, being configured to permit light to he emitted from the light-tool after receipt of a signal indicating that the shutter on associated eye protection apparatus is closed.20. A method of protecting the eyes of people in the vicinity of light emitted by a light-tool comprising the steps of providing eye protection apparatus according to any one of claims I to 16, and operating the apparatus to close the shutter in advance of hght being emitted by the light-tool.21. Eye protection apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.