GB2536192A

GB2536192A - An improved LED skin therapy device and apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2536192A
Application number: GB1501492.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bowler Patrick; Wilkinson Paul; Sullivan Ron; D'Arcy Susan
Original assignee: VITAGE LED Ltd
Current assignee: VITAGE LED Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-29
Filing date: 2015-01-29
Publication date: 2016-09-14
Also published as: GB201501492D0

Abstract

A pad 10 for a light emitting diode (LED) skin therapy apparatus has an enclosure 40 formed by an upper and a lower casing 20,30. The enclosure houses one or more LED arrays 45. The lower casing formed from a rigid material has two or more predetermined fold lines 32a,32b disposed in different directions. The upper casing comprises one or more rigid panels 22 mounted in a flexible framework 24, where each panel is disposed above an LED array. The lower casing which may comprise a container wherein the fold lines may define two or more intercommunicating chambers 40 within the container, may also comprise a series of hinged planar members, one for each chamber. Each chamber may receive an LED array or a substrate plate such as printed circuit board (PCB) 46, where the LED arrays and any PCB may be interconnected by fold lines 47. The framework may comprise a smooth moulded shape, where the rigid panels may be provided in apertures of the framework. The framework may have predetermined bending areas that may correspond with the lower casing fold lines. Also an LED skin therapy apparatus comprising one or more pads. The pads may be releasably interconnected.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1501492.1 RTM Date:6 July 2016 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Velcro (page 1) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo

AN IMPROVED LED SKIN THERAPY DEVICE AND APPARATUS

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of skin therapy devices and apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention concerns an improved LED skin therapy device and apparatus.

Description of the Related Art

LED skin therapy is a form of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or phototherapy that uses low-level (low-power) lasers or light-emitting diodes to alter cellular function and treat medical and non-medical conditions. This is done by irradiating the treatment area with specific wavelengths of low intensity, non-thermal light.

Non-targeted therapy is generally administered from sunlight or a light box, whereas targeted therapy administers light to a specific, localized affected area of the skin.

While different wavelengths work for different conditions, treatment is most often effective with blue wavelengths (400-500nm), green wavelengths (510-550nm), yellow wavelengths (560- 590nm), red wavelengths (600-700nm) and near infrared wavelengths (780nm -1070 nm). It is possible to select suitable LEDs to treat specific conditions.

Over recent years, there have been significant developments in the field of LED skin therapy due to its painless application procedure. It has been shown to be helpful in addressing a number of skin cosmetic issues like wrinkles and boosting collagen production, through to skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne vulgaris and eczema.

GB2455159 describes a skin treatment lamp having an LED light source and a brightness enhancer in a replaceable cartridge. The cartridge is filled with a thermal conductor to cool the light source and the conducting material contains quantum dots to convert radiation from one wavelength to another. The cartridge has clips to secure it to a lamp housing and connect it to a power supply. The housing has a light outlet at one end and is ergonomically curved to be handheld. The outlet is small so as to treat only a small local area at any time.

US 2003/167080 discloses a tissue inflammation therapy device made of a flexible neoprene elastic material and adapted to a stretch over a particular treatment area, such as a scalp, torso or knee with the use of VelcroTM straps. A number of individual LEDs found in the ranges of 350 nm to 1000+ nm are set one on inside of the neoprene material. The LEDs contact the covered skin area directly.

AU2002/343022 describes a device for use in a therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment comprising an OLED semiconductor which, in use, covers an area to be treated and emits electromagnetic radiation to cause said therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment of the area. The light source is extensive to provide uniform irradiation of the area to be treated and is pulsed.

The device is described as flexible and is provided as a layered structure. The device has an upper support layer and a lower support layer, both formed from glass. Adhesive tape extends over the whole layered structure and beyond to attach the device to a patient.

US8801254 B2 discloses a medical apparatus with a casing. A chassis is located within the casing along with an LED electronic substrate. The chassis has channels along a part of the length of the chassis on both sides to support the substrate. The casing and electronic substrate are capable of adapting and/or conforming to a non-planar surface on a patient's body. In order to achieve this, hinges (slots) are provided along one axis of the device to allow the device to flex along that axis.

One issue with the prior art to date is the matter of a device that is suitably conformable and fixable to a particular area of a body, which may be significantly contoured, whilst still providing a suitable barrier between the light source and a skin surface.

It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the problems of the prior art as discussed herein or otherwise.

Therefore, it is now desired to provide an improved arrangement for an LED skin therapy 20 apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pad for an LED skin therapy apparatus, the pad comprising an upper casing and a lower casing attached peripherally therearound to form an enclosure, the enclosure enclosing one or more LED arrays therein, the lower casing comprising a substantially rigid material, wherein the upper casing comprises one or more substantially rigid panels mounted within a substantially flexible framework, and the lower casing comprises two or more predetermined fold lines disposed in different directions, each of the rigid panels of the upper casing being configured to be disposed above one of said LED arrays.

By 'substantially rigid' what is meant is substantially non-bending except for the areas designated as joints, although a small degree of flexibility is expected (up to 10% in any one direction).

By 'substantially flexible framework' what is meant is a structure provided around the rigid panels that is formed from a substantially material, e.g. capable of flexing in all directions (up to 30% in any one direction).

With this arrangement, rigidity of the lower casing provides non-bending support to the LED arrays and the rigid panels protect the LED arrays from above. Meanwhile, the joints of the lower casing allow the pad to flex in more than one direction, in order to allow the pad to fit to a contoured area of a body. The framework of the upper casing does not limit the degree of bending of the lower casing despite the protective rigid panels, since the framework is flexible in all directions. The resultant pad is significantly improved over existing devices, since it provides a greater degree of conformability, whilst wholly protecting the LED arrays disposed therein and shielding a patient's skin from direct contact with the light source (reduced risk of temperature issues/ burning).

Preferably, the lower casing comprises fold lines disposed at an angle to one another.

Preferably, the fold lines are disposed substantially perpendicularly to one another. The fold lines may therefore be provided on or parallel to at least first and second axes of the pad. There may be more than two axes on the pad with corresponding fold lines in the lower casing.

Preferably, the lower casing comprises a shallow container. Preferably, the fold lines define chambers within the container. Accordingly, the lower casing may comprise at least two chambers within the container, preferably at least three chambers. The chambers are preferably intercommunicating.

Preferably, the lower casing comprises a series of hingedly interconnected (by said fold lines) planar members, one for each chamber. Preferably, the lower casing comprises an upstanding wall around the periphery of the planar members.

Preferably, each of the chambers is adapted to receive an LED array or an otherwise electronic substrate plate, such as a controller panel of a PCB.

Preferably, the led arrays and any otherwise electronic substrate plate are interconnected. The interconnections may be provided by predetermined fold lines. Accordingly, the predetermined fold lines of the led arrays and any otherwise electronic substrate plates substantially correspond with the fold lines of the lower casing. The shape of the led arrays and any otherwise electronic substrate plates may substantially correspond with the planar members of the lower casing.

Preferably, one of said led arrays or any otherwise electronic substrate plate provides a connection means to an external power and control supply.

Preferably, each of the rigid panels of the upper casing corresponds to a chamber. Preferably, therefore, there is a rigid panel for each chamber of the lower casing, and therefore, for each LED array/ electronic substrate plate.

Preferably, the framework of the upper casing comprises a smoothly moulded shape. The moulded shape of the framework may be generally slightly convexly curved across at least two different directions as defined by the lower casing (the fold lines). Preferably, the framework may be generally slightly convexly curved across at least the first axis A-A' and the second axis B-B' in a resting, or non-deflected condition. The framework may comprise a downwardly curved peripheral area so as to define a volume thereunder.

Preferably, the rigid panels may be slightly curved or contoured to compliment the framework.

The rigid panels may be provided within apertures of the framework. Alternatively, the rigid panels may be mounted atop of designated areas of the framework. Preferably, the framework comprises predetermined bending areas. The bending areas may comprise contoured valleys located between mounds. The mounds may provide mounting areas for said rigid panels. The mounds may comprise said apertures or said designated areas.

The predetermined bending areas of the framework preferably substantially correspond with the fold lines of the lower casing. The shape of the rigid panels may substantially correspond with the shape of the LED arrays or otherwise electronic substrate plates.

Preferably, the framework comprises a resiliently flexible material. Preferably, therefore, the framework comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or other suitable flexible material. The flexible material may be moulded over said rigid material of the upper casing, or not, e.g. in the latter case using, for example, twin-shot moulding techniques.

Preferably, the framework material is capable of flexing in all directions between approximately 10% and 30% in any one direction.

The rigid panels may be interconnected. The interconnections may comprise short webs.

Preferably, the rigid panels comprise a suitably rigid material that is substantially resistant to deformation. Preferably, the rigid panels comprise a thermoplastic polymer, preferably polypropylene (PP), or similar suitable material.

Preferably, the lower casing comprises a suitably rigid material that is substantially resistant to deformation. Preferably, the lower casing comprises a thermoplastic polymer, preferably polypropylene (PP), or similar suitable material.

Preferably, the rigid material of the rigid panels and/or the lower casing is capable of flexing in all directions between approximately 5% and 10% in any one direction.

Preferably, the lower casing comprises a connection means for connection to an underside of the upper casing. Preferably, the connection means comprises a plurality of snap fit connectors on the upstanding wall for cooperation with retention apertures (not shown) on the underside of the upper casing. The retention apertures may be disposed at positions around a boundary between the rigid panels and the curved peripheral area.

The pad may comprise any suitable shape, which may change according to the preferred or designated use. The pad may comprise a substantially longitudinal shape, or a circular shape. Preferably, in some applications, the pad may comprise projecting wings in two or more directions.

For a face-specific LED skin therapy apparatus, each pad may comprise three wings defining a substantially T-shaped pad.

The pads may be releasably interconnectable to form an LED skin therapy apparatus. An apparatus may comprise at least two pads. Each pad may comprise a connection means between pads. The connection means may comprise an elasticated connector element and a fixing means. The fixing means may comprise a hook-over member.

Preferably, the materials of the upper and lower casings provide insulation against electric charges.

Preferably, one or each pad comprises an electrical connection between the LED arrays/ electronic substrate and an external controller. Each pad may be connected to the controller.

Alternatively, a single pad may be connected to the controller, with electrical connections between pads.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an LED skin therapy apparatus, comprising one or more pads, each pad comprising an upper casing and a lower casing attached peripherally therearound to form an enclosure, the enclosure enclosing one or more LED arrays therein, the lower casing comprising a substantially rigid material, wherein the upper casing comprises one or more substantially rigid panels mounted within a substantially flexible framework, and the lower casing comprises two or more predetermined fold lines disposed in different directions, each of the rigid panels of the upper casing being configured to be disposed above one of said LED arrays.

It will be appreciated that the preferred features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention apply to the second aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a pad for use in an LED skin therapy apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective top view of the pad of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the pad of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the pad of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pad of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an LED skin therapy apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a plan view of a pad for use in an LED skin therapy apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a side view of the pad of Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of an LED skin therapy apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pad 10, 50 for an LED skin therapy apparatus 100, 200, the pad 10 comprising an upper casing 20, 60 and a lower casing 30 attached peripherally therearound to form an enclosure 40, the enclosure 40 enclosing one or more LED arrays 45 therein, the lower casing 30 comprising a substantially rigid material, wherein the upper casing 20 comprises one or more substantially rigid panels 22, 52 mounted within a substantially flexible framework 24, 54, and the lower casing 30 comprises two or more predetermined fold lines 32a, 32b disposed in different directions, each of the rigid panels 22, 52 of the upper casing 20, 50 being configured to be disposed above one of said LED arrays 45.

As can be seen from Figure 1, the pad 10 generally comprises a first axis A-A' and a second axis B-B' substantially perpendicular to the first axis A-A'. The overall shape of the pad 10 is substantially determined by the shape of the upper casing 20, which may be determined by the intended use or area of application on a patient's body.

Figures 3 and 4 show the framework 24 comprising a smoothly moulded shape. The moulded shape of the framework 24 is generally slightly convexly curved across the first axis A-A' and across the second axis B-B' in a resting, or non-deflected condition. The peripheral area 25 of the framework 24 is moulded to curve downwardly so as to define a volume 26 thereunder.

The framework 24 comprises three predefined wings 24a, 24b, 24c, being a substantially centrally disposed wing 24a across the axis B-B' and opposing side wings 24b, 24c extending from the central wing 24a n the direction of axis A-A'. The second and third wings 24a-b are substantially the same shape and the central wing 24a projects beyond the second and third wings 24a-b in one direction across axis B-B'.

The framework 24 is contoured between the wings 24a-c providing natural sweeping valleys to define the wings 24a-c. Each wing 24a-c comprises an incline to define a raised plateau, or alternatively a crater, which comprises a major portion of each wing 24a-c.

The framework 24 comprises a resiliently flexible material. The framework 24 comprises any suitable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which, with the help of the valleys, enables the framework to flex across at least the two axes A-A', B-B' as required, such that the side wings 24b-c are able to deflect downwardly relative to the central wing 24a. There is a degree of flexibility across the wings 24a-c also, which is attributable to the flexibility of the framework 24 material (up to 30% in any one direction).

As shown in Figures 1 -5, the framework 24 comprises three rigid panels 22a-c, one on each of the three predefined wings 24a, 24b, 24c of the framework 24. In this particular embodiment, a first rigid panel 22a is disposed substantially centrally on the framework 24 on the central wing 24a and mounted within the crater defined by the incline. Second and third rigid panels 22b, 22c are disposed in the opposing side wings 24b, 24c of the framework 24. The second and third rigid panels 22b, 22c are mounted within the craters defined by the respective inclines on each wing 24b-c.

The shape of the panels 22a-c compliment the shape of the respective wing 24a-c in order to provide an optimal area of rigidity within each wing 24a-c. Each panel 22a-c is expected to be slightly convexly moulded to compliment the curve adopted by the framework 24.

The rigid panels 22a-c are made from a suitably rigid material that is resistant to deformation.

Accordingly, the panels 22a-c comprise polypropylene. The rigid material is substantially non-bending, although a small degree of flexibility is expected (up to 10% in any one direction).

The second and third rigid panels 22b, 22c are connected directly to the first rigid panel 22a, by short webs 23a, 23b of the same rigid material.

The second and third rigid panels 22b-c comprise attachment means in the form of a hook-over member 27 for an elasticated connector 28. The purpose of the hook-over members 26 is to allow such a connector 28 to form a flexible connection with an adjacent pad 10 as can be seen in Figure 6.

Each of the LED arrays 45 is mounted on an electronic substrate (PCBs) in the form of a substantially rigid plate 46. In the Figure 5, three LED arrays 45a-c are shown on respective substantially flat plates 46a-c and the plates are hingedly connected together via a carrier plate 46d at joints in the form of integral webs 47a-c therebetween, although it will be appreciated that the plates 46a-c may be unconnected except for wiring and cables extending therebetween. The first, second and third plates 46a-c are substantially the same shape and the central plate 46a projects beyond the second and third plates 46a-c in one direction across axis B-B'. The electronic substrate is essentially a PCB and carries electronics across all plates 46a-d to deliver power and control to the arrays 45a-c. The carrier plate 46d provides the connection means 48 to an external power and control supply (not shown) by a lead 49.

The lower casing 30 comprises three predefined wings 34a, 34b, 34c, and a carrier wing 34d, which connects the wings 34a-c together at joints in the form of the three fold lines 32a-c (in this case integral webs) therebetween. Each of the wings 34a-d comprises a substantially planar plate.

The lower casing 30 comprises a peripheral upstanding wall 33 therearound to allow the wings 34a-d to be off-standing relative to the upper casing 20 and therefore, establish the enclosure 40 therebetween.

The first wing 34a extends from the carrier wing 34d in the direction of the axis 8-8'. The second and third wings 34b-c extend from the carrier wing 34d in opposite directions on the axis A-A'. The first second and third wings 34a-b are substantially the same shape and the central wing 34a projects beyond the second and third wings 34a-b in one direction across axis B-B'.

The lower casing 30 comprises a plurality of snap fit connectors 39 on the upstanding wall 33 for cooperation with retention apertures (not shown) on the underside of the upper casing 20. The retention apertures are disposed at positions around the boundary between the rigid panels 22a-c and the peripheral area 25.

The lower casing 30 substantially rigid material. The lower casing 30 comprises polypropylene.

The rigid material is substantially non-bending, although a small degree of flexibility is expected (up to 10% in any one direction). With the lower casing 30 connected to the underside of the upper casing 20 via the connectors 39, the enclosure 40 essentially provides three treatment chambers 40a, 40b, 40c corresponding to the LED arrays 45a-c respectively and a carrier chamber 40d.

The carrier plate 46d of the electronic substrate is supported within the carrier chamber 40d, whilst the LED plates 46a-c are supported within the respective chambers 40a-c respectively. The predetermined fold lines 32a-c of the lower casing 30 substantially compliment the webs 47a-c of the electronic substrate, which in turn, substantially correspond with the valleys provided by the upper casing 20. In addition, the rigid panels 22a-c of the upper casing 20 are substantially disposed above the LED arrays 45a-c. Accordingly, the LED arrays 45a-c and the carrier plate 46d are essentially protected against any significant bending, whilst the areas in between, being the predetermined fold lines 32a-c the webs 47a-c and the valleys, allow controlled bending and flexing therearound. Accordingly, the pad 10 is significantly flexible across the two axes A-A', B-8'.

The materials of the upper and lower casings 20, 30 provide insulation against electric charges.

Figure 6 shows how the pad 10 shaped as shown in Figures 1-5 can be arranged into a face-specific LED skin therapy apparatus 100. The pads 10 are arranged to cover three facial zones, being a forehead zone and two opposing side zones, using the hook-over members 27 and connectors 28. With the face-specific shape of the pads, the LED arrays 45 effectively cover the T-zone and substantial cheek and chin areas of a patient's face. However, it is to be appreciated that alternative pads of similar construction can be shaped and contoured to be applied (alone or in combination) to a leg, arm, torso, knee, elbow, scalp, etc., in order to deliver treatment to a variety of skin conditions across a patient's body.

Figures 7 -9 show an alternative pad 50 shape also used in a face specific LED skin therapy apparatus 200. This pad 50 comprises five rigid panels 62a-e on the upper casing 60 in a contoured framework 64, which provides valleys between the panels 62a-e to facilitate bending. Although not shown, it is to be easily envisaged that the lower casing and the LED arrays and plates will reflect the bending lines and rigid support areas of the upper casing 50. Again, as shown in Figure 9, the pad 50 can be arranged into a face-specific LED skin therapy apparatus 200. The pads 50 are arranged to cover three facial zones, being a forehead zone and two opposing side zones, using hook-over members 57 and connectors 58. With the face-specific shape of the pads, the LED arrays effectively cover (with a greater coverage) the T-zone and substantial cheek and chin areas of a patient's face. However, it is to be appreciated that alternative pads of similar construction can be shaped and contoured to be applied (alone or in combination) to a leg, arm, torso, knee, elbow, scalp, etc., in order to deliver treatment to a variety of skin conditions across a patient's body.

Figure 9 shows how a controller 90 might be connected to each pad 50 of an apparatus 200 using connectors 48 of much the same arrangement as described in relation to the first embodiment.

In use, individual pads 10, 50, or an assembled apparatus 100, 200 can be securely applied to a part of a patient's body and flexibly bent thereover to ensure the best fit and coverage for treatment.

The rigidity of the lower casing 30 provides non-bending support to the LED arrays 45 and the rigid panels 22 protect the LED arrays 45 from above. Meanwhile, the joints 32 of the lower casing 30 allow the pad 10, 50 to flex in more than one direction, in order to allow the pad 10, to fit to a contoured area of a body. The framework 24,54 of the upper casing 20, 60 does not limit the degree of bending of the lower casing 30 despite the protective rigid panels 22, since the framework 24, 54 is flexible in all directions. The resultant pad 10, 50 is significantly improved over existing devices, since it provides a greater degree of conformability, whilst wholly protecting the LED arrays 45 disposed therein and shielding a patient's skin from direct contact with the light source.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pad for an LED skin therapy apparatus, the pad comprising an upper casing and a lower casing attached peripherally therearound to form an enclosure, the enclosure enclosing one or more LED arrays therein, the lower casing comprising a substantially rigid material, wherein the upper casing comprises one or more substantially rigid panels mounted within a substantially flexible framework, and the lower casing comprises two or more predetermined fold lines disposed in different directions, each of the rigid panels of the upper casing being configured to be disposed above one of said LED arrays.
2. The pad according to claim 1, wherein the lower casing comprises fold lines disposed at an angle to one another.
3. The pad according to claim 2, wherein the fold lines are disposed substantially perpendicularly to one another.
4. The pad according to claim 3, wherein the fold lines are provided on or parallel to at least first and second axes of the pad.
5. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lower casing comprises a shallow container.
6. The pad according to claim 5, wherein the fold lines define chambers within the container. (r)
7. The pad according to claim 6, wherein the lower casing comprises at least two chambers within the container and the chambers are intercommunicating.
8. The pad according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the lower casing comprises a series of hingedly interconnected (by said fold lines) planar members, one for each chamber.cr)
9. The pad according to claim 8, wherein the lower casing comprises an upstanding wall around C\J the periphery of the planar members.
10. The pad according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each of the chambers is adapted to receive an LED array or an otherwise electronic substrate plate, such as a controller panel of a PCB.
11. The pad according to claim 10, wherein the led arrays and any otherwise electronic substrate plate are interconnected.
12. The pad according to claim 11, wherein the interconnections are provided by predetermined fold lines.
13. The pad according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the shape of the led arrays and any otherwise electronic substrate plates substantially correspond with the planar members of the lower casing.
14. The pad according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein one of said led arrays or any otherwise electronic substrate plate provides a connection means to an external power and control supply.
15. The pad according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein each of the rigid panels of the upper casing corresponds to a chamber.
16. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the framework of the upper casing comprises a smoothly moulded shape.
17. The pad according to claim 16, wherein the moulded shape of the framework is generally slightly convexly curved across at least two different directions as defined by the lower casing (the fold lines).
18. The pad according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein, the framework is generally slightly convexly curved across at least the first axis A-A' and the second axis B-B' in a resting, or non-deflected condition.
19. The pad according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the framework comprises a downwardly curved peripheral area so as to define a volume thereunder.
20. The pad according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the rigid panels are slightly curved or contoured to compliment the framework.
21. The pad according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the rigid panels are provided within apertures of the framework.
22. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the framework comprises predetermined bending areas.
23. The pad according to claim 22, wherein the bending areas comprise contoured valleys located between mounds.
24. The pad according to claim 23, wherein the mounds provide mounting areas for said rigid panels.cr)
25. The pad according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the predetermined bending areas of the framework preferably substantially correspond with the fold lines of the lower casing.
26. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the framework comprises a resiliently flexible material.(r)
27. The pad according to claim 26, wherein the framework comprises a thermoplastic elastomer C\J (TPE) or other suitable flexible material.
28. The pad according to any one of claims 26 to 27, wherein the framework material is capable of flexing in all directions between approximately 10% and 30% in any one direction.
29. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the rigid panels may be interconnected by short webs.
30. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the rigid panels comprise a suitably rigid material that is substantially resistant to deformation.
31. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the lower casing comprises a suitably rigid material that is substantially resistant to deformation.
32. The pad according to any one of claims 30 to 31, wherein the rigid material of the rigid panels and/or the lower casing is capable of flexing in all directions between approximately 5% and 10% in any one direction.
33. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the lower casing comprises a connection means for connection to an underside of the upper casing.
34. The pad according to claim 33, wherein the connection means comprises a plurality of snap fit connectors on the upstanding wall for cooperation with retention apertures on the underside of the upper casing.
35. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the pad comprises any suitable shape.
36. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pad may be releasably interconnectable with one or more other pads to form an LED skin therapy apparatus.
37. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a pad comprises an electrical connection between the LED arrays/ electronic substrate and an external controller.
38. An LED skin therapy apparatus, comprising one or more pads, each pad comprising an upper casing and a lower casing attached peripherally therearound to form an enclosure, the enclosure enclosing one or more LED arrays therein, the lower casing comprising a substantially rigid material, wherein the upper casing comprises one or more substantially rigid panels mounted within a substantially flexible framework, and the lower casing comprises two or more predetermined fold lines disposed in different directions, each of the rigid panels of the upper casing being configured to be disposed above one of said LED arrays.
39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the pads are releasably interconnectable.
40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein each pad comprises a connection means between pads.
41. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the connection means comprises an cr) elasticated connector element and a fixing means.
42. The apparatus according to claim 41, wherein fixing means comprises a hook-over member.
43. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein one or each pad comprises an electrical connection between the LED arrays and an external controller. C\J