GB2613072A

GB2613072A - Apparatus for emitting light for therapeutic purposes

Info

Publication number: GB2613072A
Application number: GB2214908.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Whitfield James; Anthony Sykes Sean
Original assignee: Five Create Ltd
Current assignee: Five Create Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-26
Filing date: 2022-10-10
Publication date: 2023-05-24
Anticipated expiration: 2042-10-10
Also published as: GB202214908D0; GB202115364D0; GB2613072B

Abstract

The apparatus 2 comprises a first light source 6 for emitting white light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of seasonal affect disorder, a second light source 8 for emitting blue light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of seasonal affect disorder and a third light source 10 for emitting therapeutic red light. The light sources may comprise light emitting diode arrays. The apparatus may comprise a touch-sensitive control means.

Description

APPARATUS FOR EMITTING LIGHT FOR

THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES

This invention relates to apparatus for emitting light for therapeutic purposes.

Apparatus for emitting light for therapeutic purposes is known. One known such type of apparatus is for emitting a bright white light for treating seasonable affect disorder (SAD). Typically the known apparatus is mounted on a table, desk or other flat surface and at a distance of 50cm for 0.5 -1.0 hour at a time. To be medically certified, the known apparatus must emit the white light at 101000 lux at a range of 50cm. Apparatus is also known which emits infrared light. This known apparatus is used for treating aches and pains arising from arthritis or muscle injuries, and it is also used to improve skin health for persons suffering with eczema.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide apparatus for emitting light for a wider range of therapeutic purposes than is available with known apparatus.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for emitting light for therapeutic purposes, which apparatus comprises: (I) at least one first light source for emitting white light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of seasonal affect disorder; (ii) at least one second light source for emitting blue light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of seasonal affect disorder; and (iii) at least one third light source for emitting red light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of ailments which are treatable with the red light.

The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that it can be used to treat a variety of ailments including seasonal affect disorder and/or arthritis and/or skin health and/or muscle injuries. The combination of the first light source for emitting the white light and the second light source for emitting the blue light is advantageous in enabling improved treatment of the seasonal affect disorder.

The apparatus is preferably one in which the first light source is such that it is able also to emit white light at a frequency for providing illumination for visual purposes of a user The first light source may be adjustable for enabling it to emit either the white light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of the seasonal affect disorder, or the white light at a frequency for providing general illumination for a user, for example for illuminating a room for general use or reading.

Preferably, the apparatus is one in which the first light source, the second light source and the third light source are operable in any required combination in order to provide a mixture of emitted light as required by a user.

The user is thus able to obtain the required combination of light best suited to treat the ailment or ailments of the user.

The apparatus may include touch-sensitive control means. The touch-sensitive control means may be positioned where desired on the apparatus. Thus, for example, the touch-sensitive control means may be on a light-emitting face part of the apparatus from which the light from the first, second and third light sources issues.

The first, second and third light sources may be of any known design. They may thus be in the form of single bulbs or light source arrays. Thus, for example the first, second and third light sources may be LED arrays.

The apparatus may be one in which the first light source emits the white light at a frequency of 405 -505nm for the therapeutic effect of the seasonal affect disorder. Preferably the first light source emits the white light at a frequency of 455nm for the therapeutic treatment of the seasonal affect disorder.

The apparatus may be one in which the second light source emits the blue light at a frequency of 573 -673nm for the therapeutic treatment of the seasonal affect disorder. Preferably the second light source emits the blue light at a frequency of 623nm for the therapeutic treatment of the seasonal affect disorder.

The third light source may emit the red light at infrared frequency.

The apparatus may have a colour rendering index, for example of from 99 -80. The use of the colour rendering index may be advantageous for colour-critical use of the apparatus.

The apparatus may include a housing. The touch-sensitive control means may then be on a rim part of the housing.

The apparatus may be one in which the housing comprises a neck portion for connecting to an electrical mains cable, and a flared portion from which the light from the first, second and third light sources emerges.

Advantageously, the neck portion comprises an aperture for receiving mounting means for enabling the apparatus to be used in different modes of use. The aperture may be in the form of a through bore for enabling the apparatus to receive a support rod whereby the apparatus is able to be used in wall mounted, free hanging pendant, table lamp or horizontal surface mounted modes of use.

Alternatively, the apparatus may be one in which the housing forms a rear portion of the apparatus.

The flared portion may comprise air vents for enabling heat from one or more of the first, second and third light sources to escape from the housing.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view from the front and one side of first apparatus for emitting light for therapeutic purposes; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view from above and one side of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a view like Figure 3 but from another side angle; Figure 5 is a front view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a side view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 is a front view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figures is the top view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 9 is a rear view of the apparatus is as shown in Figure 1; Figures 10 -15 show how the apparatus of Figure 1 may be used with different types of mounting means for enabling the apparatus to be used in different modes of use; Figure 16 is a perspective view of second apparatus for emitting light for therapeutic purposes, with the apparatus being mounted horizontally; Figure 17 shows the apparatus shown in Figure 16 but mounted vertically on a stand; Figure 18 is a side view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 17; Figure 19 is a rear view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 17; Figure 20 is a front view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 17; Figure 21 is a top view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 17; Figure 22 is an underneath view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 17; Figure 23 shows how the apparatus shown in Figure 16 may be in the form of hanging ceiling mounted apparatus; Figure 24 shows how the apparatus shown in Figure 16 may be in the form of wall mounted apparatus; Figure 25 is a view like Figure 17 but shows third apparatus of the present invention; Figure 26 is a view from the rear and one side of the apparatus as shown in Figure 25; Figure 27 is a view like Figure 25 but shows the apparatus in an on mode of use; Figure 28 is a view like Figure 27 but shows the apparatus in an off mode of use; and Figure 29 shows how the apparatus as shown in Figure 27 is curved and is able to provide the light for therapeutic purposes at a focal point Referring to Figures 1 -9, there is shown first apparatus 2 for emitting light for therapeutic purposes. The apparatus 2 comprises a housing 4. The apparatus 2 further comprises at least one first light source 6 for emitting white light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of seasonal affect disorder. The apparatus 2 further comprises at least one second light source 8 for emitting blue light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of seasonal affect disorder. The apparatus 2 further comprises at least one third light source 10 for emitting red light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of ailments which are treatable with the red light.

The first light source 6 is such that it is able also to emit white light at a frequency for providing illumination for visual purposes of a user, for example for generally illumination of a room and/or for reading.

The first light source 6, the second light source 8 and the third light source 10 are operable in any required combination in order to provide a mixture of emitted light as required by a user. A user is thus able to use the apparatus of the present invention in order to obtain optimal treatment for the particular requirements of the user. For example, the user may use the first light source and/or the second light source as required in order to treat the seasonal affect disorder of the user. In addition or alternatively, the user may use the third light source for treating arthritis, eczema, or muscle injuries.

Advantageously, the apparatus includes touch sensitive control means. The touch sensitive control means may be positioned where desired on the apparatus, for example on the housing.

The touch sensitive control means may be on a light-emitting face part 12 of the apparatus 2 from which the light from the first, second and third light sources 6, 8, 10 issues and/or on a rim part 14 of the housing 4.

Each of the first, second and third light sources 6, 8, 10 may be light-emitting diode arrays. Other types of light sources for the first, second and third light sources may be employed so that, for example, one or more of the first, second and third light sources 6, 8, 10 may be in the form of a single bulb.

The first light source may emit the white light at a frequency of 405 -505nm for the therapeutic treatment of the seasonal affect disorder. Preferably the first light source emits the white light at a frequency of 455nm for the therapeutic treatment of seasonal affect disorder.

The second light source may emit the blue light at a frequency of 573 -673nm for the therapeutic treatment of the seasonal affect disorder. Preferably the second light source emits the blue light at a frequency of 623nm for the therapeutic treatment of seasonal affect disorder.

The apparatus may have a colour rendering index of from 99-80.

The apparatus may be one in which the housing comprises a neck portion 16 for connecting to an electrical mains cable 18, and a flared portion from which light from the first, second and third light sources 6, 8, 10 emerges.

Preferably but optionally the neck portion 10 comprises an aperture 22 for receiving mounting means 24 (see Figures 10 -15) for enabling the apparatus 2 to be used in different modes of use. These different modes of use may include, for example, a wall mounted mode of use, a hanging mode of use or a surface mounted mode of use.

The flared portion 20 comprises air vents 26 for enabling heat from one or more of the first, second and third light sources 6, 8, 10 to escape from the housing 4.

As shown in Figure 2, the housing 4 is able to be made in two parts 28, 30 which clip together. The housing 4 is able to receive an electrical connection end 32 of the mains cable 18. The electrical connection end 32 is able to connect to a printed circuit board arrangement 34. The first, second and third light sources 6, 8, 10 are mounted in a lighting head 36. The lighting head 36 is held in place in the housing 4 by a disc 38. A diffuser 40 diffuses light as required.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate how the apparatus 2 is able to be used in a free hanging mode with the housing 4 hanging from the mains cable 18. In this mode of use, the aperture 22 is not used.

Figures 10 -15 illustrate how the aperture 22 is able to be used for enabling the apparatus 2 to be used in different modes of use. In the various modes of use illustrated in Figures 10-15, the aperture 22 receives different types of mounting means 24 but they all comprise a rod 42.

Figure 10 shows the rod 42 connected to a table-mounting arrangement comprising a base 44 and an upstanding rod 46. The housing 4 is in the form of a desk-lamp style stand downlight.

Figure 11 shows the rod 42 as an upstanding rod extending from a base 44. In this case, the apparatus 2 is able to be used in a desk lamp style for providing therapeutic treatment of seasonal affect disorder.

Figure 12 shows how a base 44 may be provided with an upstanding rod 46 and a horizonal rod 42 in order to enable the apparatus 2 to be mounted in a standing storage position Figure 13 shows the rod 42 extending from a wall mounting plate 48. The wall mounting plate 48 thus enables the apparatus 2 to be mounted on a wall.

Figure 14 shows how the mounting means 24 may comprise a short rod 42 which extends completely through the aperture 22. Each end of the rod 42 is then provided with a fixing aperture 50 for receiving a length of fixing material 52 as shown.

Figure 15 shows how the aperture 22 is able to receive mounting means 24 comprising a short rod 42. The short rod 42 connects to another short rod 54 to form a T-shaped construction. This T-shaped construction may form a hand grip or alternatively a mounting formation for enabling the apparatus 2 to be used in a beside/desk mode.

The apparatus 2 is able to be used for a variety of therapeutic purposes and always to provide optimum benefit as may be desired by the user. When the apparatus 2 is not being used as a therapy device, the apparatus 2 is able to be used as a normal lamp, for example a normal desk lamp.

As shown in the drawings, the apparatus 2 can be used in a number of different places in the home. The apparatus 2 is able to transition between, for example, a hanging pendant light mode that can be placed near or directly over a place where a person is exercising, or a desk lamp mode, or a wall mounted sconce mode, or a hand held mode.

The apparatus 2 is able to be WiFi enabled so that the apparatus 2 can be controlled from any smart phone with a compatible App. The apparatus 2 also advantageously has touch-sensitive controls on the housing 4. These touch-sensitive controls may enable a user to switch between various desired modes of use and to adjust brightness as may be required. The controls may feed back to the touch-sensitive screen 22 which is preferable a liquid crystal display screen but which may be another type of display screen if required. The feed back enables the user to chose visually between required modes, and to set on and off times, and to customise light modes.

The apparatus 2 is able to provide three different types of light which can be mixed together to create a custom light set-up to match exactly what is required by the user to enable the user to obtain best results. For example, two treatments may be combined at once, or a passive light treatment may be employed whilst working or undertaking other tasks.

The user can also control the apparatus 2 by touching near on the surface of the first, second and third light sources 6, 8, 10. This facility is to transform the light sources, for example an array of light emitting diodes, into a visual feedback board that displays control options for the user. The user may use individual light sources or groups of light sources in order to create shapes or letters that the user can interact with. The interaction may be via a capacitive touch control on the light-emitting face part 12 of the apparatus 2 and/or around the front rim part 14 of the apparatus 2. The use of this function may enable control, for example, different light modes, intensity of light, wake-up alarms, and turning the apparatus 2 on and off.

The apparatus 2 is able to be powered by USB-C with an automatic variable voltage between 5 -20 volts governed by the apparatus 2.

Multiple units of the apparatus 2 can be controlled by an optional hub that can be attached to a USB power lead that allows the linking of multiple units together wirelessly. Thus, for example, 2 -10 units of the apparatus 2 can all be controlled at the same time from the single hub.

Referring now to Figures 16 -29, similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

Figure 16 is a view from the front, above and one side of second apparatus 56 for emitting light for therapeutic purposes. It will be seen that the apparatus 56 is in curved strip form. The apparatus 56 has end caps 58, 60. The apparatus 56 also has a rear portion 62 which forms the rear of the apparatus 56. The end caps 58, 60 and the rear portion 62 form a housing part of the apparatus 56. The rear portion 62 is made of upholstered wood but other materials may be employed. The end caps 58, 60 are made of a plastics 1") material such for example as a bio-friendly plastics material. Other materials may be employed.

Figures 17 -22 shown how the apparatus 56 is able to be mounted in a stand 64. The stand 64 is a triangular stand as best shown in Figures 17 and 18. The hypotenuse side 66 of the stand is slightly curved as shown in Figure 18, with the curved face thus being able to accommodate the curve of the apparatus 56 and in particular the curve of the rear portion 62. The stand 64 is a bamboo stand but other stands may be employed.

Figure 19 shows how the rear of the end cap 60 is provided with three fixing points 68.

Figure 20 shows how the front face 70 is provided with three touch-sensitive control areas 72, 74, 76. These touch sensitive control areas 72, 74, 76 provide control for the first, second and third light sources of the apparatus 56.

Figure 23 shows schematically how the apparatus 56 is able to be hung via cables 78 from a ceiling (not shown), Figure 24 shows how the apparatus 56 is able to be wall mounted via wall mounts 80.

Referring now to Figures 25 -29, there is shown third apparatus 82 for emitting light for therapeutic purposes. The apparatus 82 looks like the apparatus 56 with its end caps 58, 60 and the fixing points 68. The apparatus 82 is shown mounted in the stand 64 for use for the apparatus 56.

The apparatus 82 is such that it comprises curved switch glass 84. Figure 27 shows the curved switch glass 84 in an on condition. In the on condition, a light emitting diode array 86 becomes visible. In the off condition shown in Figure 28, the light emitting diode array 86 is not visible Figure 29 shows how the light emitting diode array 86 is able to shine light 88 to a focal point 90. The focal point 90 represents the maximum light output.

In comparison with the apparatus 2, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 56 and 82 have the shape of one continuous curve instead of the traditional-type design of the apparatus 2. In the apparatus 56, 82, the light is mounted on the curved front surface of the apparatus. As shown schematically in Figure 29, each light emitting diode is able to point at the single focal point 90. Directional lenses on the light emitting diodes enable the light to be intensified at the focal point 90. Thus a user is able to be positioned at the focal point 90 and receive maximum alleviation of the seasonal affect disorder. The switch glass used on the front face enables the front face of the apparatus to move between a diffused surface and a transparent surface. The transition between the two surfaces is effected by passing a current through a film. When the current is applied, the film turns translucent. In the apparatus of the present invention, the switching between the two types of surface enables the provision of a soft diffused surface for regular light, and a clear non-diffused surface that exposes the full medical effect of the light emitting diode array 86.

Any suitable and appropriate number of light emitting diodes in the light emitting diode array 86 may be employed. The light emitting diode array 86 may provide a full colour array. The light emitting diode array 86 may comprise a set of 112 light emitting diodes and a set of 112 white light emitting diodes. The coloured light emitting diodes may provide a full spectrum of colour giving a required output. In addition to the required specific wavelengths for the white, blue and red light, the light source, for example the light emitting diodes, may provide additional wavelengths to output green and/or yellow light with these lights being available for use in other light treating therapies.

The elongate curved apparatus 56, 82 can be used in a wide variety of positions including being used with stands or mounting points allowing the apparatus to sit on a desk, hang from a ceiling, be wall mounted, or to be otherwise positioned where desired.

Advantageously, the light sources are powered via a USBC power point 92 as shown in Figure 19. The apparatus 56, 82 may be electrically powered in other ways if desired.

The apparatus 56, 82 is advantageously such that it has a touch-sensitive interface on its front face, using capacitive touch controls. Approaching any part of the apparatus may cause the apparatus to wake-up, whereafter a user is able to use gestures to make the light emitted from the apparatus increase or reduce in intensity and/or change colour.

As mentioned above, the stand 64 is made of upholstered wood. The wood may be a sustainable composite wood used in the making of furniture. The wood may then be upholstered to create a breathable hidden vented area, for example at the back, to allow ventilation around the light emitting diodes or other light sources. The vented area allows for heat dissipation from the light sources and the ability to do this in a hidden manner is aesthetically advantageous. Also aesthetically advantageous is the use of the single curved sheet of glass so that the front of the light part of the apparatus is one continuous pane of curved glass.

The apparatus of the present invention may be made from materials other than those mentioned above. In general, the apparatus of the present invention may be made from a wide variety of materials. The outer materials may be made from bamboo and rice husk blended bioplastics. The arm and mounting brackets may be engineered from solid bamboo. With such materials, the apparatus of the present invention is able to have a strong and aesthetically pleasing natural appearance.

The apparatus of the present invention may be able to help with depression and sleep. The apparatus is environmentally friendly. The apparatus may be designed so that it does not look like a medical device The apparatus 2 is able to recreate the benefits of sunlight, for example to ease joint pain, improve skin health, and generally provide healthy ultraviolet-free safe sunlight. The apparatus of the present invention may have easy-to-operate touch controls and the ability to customised light levels. The apparatus may thus be used by a user to brighten up winter months. The apparatus may have a 10,000 lux rating. The white colour temperature may be 4000k. The apparatus may consume low power.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the apparatus 2 may be manufactured without the aperture 22. The housing 4 may be of a shape other than that shown. Different types of first, second and third light sources 6, 8, 10 may be employed. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and/or shown above, taken singly or in any combination.

Claims

CLAIMSApparatus for emitting light for therapeutic purposes, which apparatus comprises: (I) at least one first light source for emitting white light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of seasonal affect disorder; (ii) at least one second light source for emitting blue light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of seasonal affect disorder; and (iii) at least one third light source for emitting red light at a frequency for the therapeutic treatment of ailments which are treatable with the red light.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first light source is such that it is able to emit white light at a frequency for providing illumination for visual purposes of a user.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the first light source, the second light source and the third light source are operable in any required combination in order to provide a mixture of emitted light as required by a user.
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including touch-sensitive control means.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the touch sensitive control means is on a light emitting face part of the apparatus from which the light from the first, second and third light sources issues.
6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first, second and third light sources are light emitting diode arrays.
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first light source emits the white light at a frequency of 405 -505nm for the therapeutic treatment of the seasonal affect disorder.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 in which the first light source emits the white light at a frequency of 455nm for the therapeutic treatment of the seasonal affect disorder.
9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second light source emits the blue light at a frequency pf 573 -673nm for the therapeutic treatment of the seasonal affect disorder.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 in which the second light source emits the blue light at a frequency of 623nm for the therapeutic treatment of the seasonal affect disorder.
11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and having a colour rendering index of from 99 -80.
12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a housing.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the touch-sensitive control means is on a rim part of the housing.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13 in which the housing comprises a neck portion for connection to an electrical mains cable, and a flared portion from which the light from the first, second and third light sources emerges.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 in which the neck portion comprises an aperture for receiving mounting means for enabling the apparatus to be used in different modes of use.
16. Apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15 in which the flared portion comprises air vents for enabling heat from one or more of the first, second and third light sources to escape from the housing.
17. Apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13 in which the housing forms a rear portion of the apparatus.