IL259606B1

IL259606B1 - Securing Device and Method for Securing Handheld/Portable phototherapy apparatus

Info

Publication number: IL259606B1
Application number: IL259606A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Ideal Eng Cc
Priority date: 2017-11-17
Filing date: 2018-05-24
Publication date: 2023-12-01
Also published as: IL259606A; IL259606B2; ZA201806985B

Description

259606/2 1 SECURING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SECURING A HANDHELD/PORTABLE PHOTOTHERAPY APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION THIS invention relates to a securing device for securing a handheld/portable phototherapy apparatus, as well as to a method of securing the phototherapy apparatus.

There are currently portable, handheld lasers which are used by professionals, as well as at home, for treating certain conditions/illnesses, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndromes (e.g. knee pain, low back pain, neck / upper back pain, muscle pain, etc.), joint disorders / arthritis (e.g. Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow, etc.), medical skin conditions (e.g. acne, herpes simplex, wound healing, fresh and old surgical wounds or scars, skin wounds, burns, etc.), post-pregnancy stretch marks (striae gravidarum), inflammation, dental medicine, acupuncture and sports injuries. One of these lasers is known as the B Cure Laser®, which is a portable, handheld soft-laser medical device for professional and home use.

A problem with these types of laser apparatuses is that a person is required to hold the laser apparatus (e.g. the B Cure Laser unit) in place for 20–30 minutes per session. This means that the patient must hold it where required for a prolonged period or another person must assist by holding the laser apparatus in place. This renders the patient and other person effectively incapacitated for the whole duration.

The Inventor wishes to address this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a securing device for securing a handheld/portable phototherapy apparatus, wherein the securing device includes: an attachment arrangement which is configured to attach the phototherapy apparatus to part of a body of a human/animal; and 259606/2 2 a securing arrangement which is connected to the attachment arrangement and which is configured to secure the phototherapy apparatus in a specific orientation in relation to the part of the body of the human/animal, when the device is attached thereto by means of the attachment arrangement.

The handheld/portable phototherapy apparatus may be a handheld/portable therapeutic laser apparatus/device, such as a B-Cure Laser®). The handheld/portable phototherapy apparatus may be a handheld/portable electro-optic device/apparatus.

The securing arrangement may define a recess/cavity/socket for receiving part of the phototherapy apparatus. More specifically, the part of the phototherapy apparatus may include a light source of the apparatus. The light source may be a laser light source. The securing arrangement may be configured to receive the light source of the phototherapy apparatus in order to secure the light source in a specific orientation in relation to the part of the body of the human/animal, when the securing device is attached thereto by means of the attachment arrangement.

The securing arrangement may define a first opening leading into the recess/cavity through which part of the phototherapy apparatus is receivable. The securing arrangement may define a second opening which leads out of the recess/cavity through which a light source of the phototherapy apparatus can transmit light, when located inside the recess/cavity.

The securing arrangement may be configured to attach/secure the phototherapy apparatus in a specific orientation such that, when the securing device is attached to the part of the body of the human/animal by means of the attachment arrangement, the light source may direct light to part of the body (i.e. thereby allowing the light to penetrate into the body).

The securing arrangement may include a tensioning/securing means which is configured to engage a body of the phototherapy apparatus, when part thereof is located inside the recess/cavity/socket, to thereby secure the body to the securing device. The tensioning means may include a cord/rope/string/wire which is configured to help grip/engage the body of the securing device, to thereby secure the phototherapy apparatus, when part thereof is located inside the recess/cavity/socket. 259606/2 3 The attachment arrangement may include a strap which is configured to wrap around part of a body of a human/animal, in order to secure the securing device to the body. The strap may be adjustable, more specifically length-adjustable. The strap may be a tensioner strap. The attachment arrangement may include a fastening means in order to fasten/secure the strap around part of the body. The fastening means may be a strap buckle.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of positioning a handheld/portable phototherapy apparatus in a specific orientation relative to part of a body of a human/animal, wherein the method includes: attaching/securing the phototherapy apparatus to a securing device/apparatus; and securing the securing device/apparatus to part of the body of the human/animal such that, when the phototherapy device/apparatus is attached/secured thereto, a light source of the phototherapy device/apparatus is directed towards part of the body of the human/animal.

The phototherapy apparatus may be a therapeutic laser apparatus.

The securing device/apparatus may be the securing apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a securing device in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of part of a securing arrangement of the securing apparatus shown in Figure 1; 259606/2 4 Figure 3 shows a plan view of a base portion of an attachment arrangement of the securing apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a plan view of a handheld phototherapy apparatus in the form of a therapeutic laser apparatus; and Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of where the handheld phototherapy apparatus shown in Figure 4 is attached to the securing apparatus shown in Figure 1, and wherein the securing apparatus is secured to an arm of a user, for the purposes of therapy.

Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of the securing device shown in Figure 1 Figure 7 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of the base.

Figure 8 shows a three-dimensional view of a securing mechanism.

Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of the attachment arrangement.

Figure 10 shows a side view of the embodiment of the attachment arrangement shown in Figure 9.

Figure 11A shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of the securing device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 11B shows a three-dimensional view of another exemplary securing mechanism .

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to a securing device for securing a handheld/portable phototherapy apparatus in a specific position for therapeutic purposes. More specifically, the phototherapy apparatus includes a securing arrangement for securing the handheld apparatus 19/02/2020 259606/3 259606/2 in place and an attachment arrangement for attaching the securing device to part of a body of a human/animal.

In the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to the securing device in accordance with the invention. The securing device 10 includes a base 12, an attachment arrangement 14 and a securing arrangement 16.

The base 12 has a generally flat, octagonal shape (see Figure 3). The base 12 defines a central, ellipse-shaped hole/opening 18. Six elongated holes 20.1-20.6 are spaced circumferentially around the central hole 18. The holes 20.1-20.6 each have a slightly curved shape in order to curve in a complementary fashion around the ellipse-shaped hole 18. In addition, the base 12 defines four elongated holes 22.1-22.4 which are located outside the holes 20.1-20.6. More specifically, the holes 22.1, 22.3 are aligned with a major axis 100 of the ellipse-shaped hole 18. Holes 22.2, 22.4 are aligned with a minor axis 102 of the ellipse-shaped hole 18. The attachment arrangement 14 includes a strap arrangement 24 and a strap buckle 26. The strap arrangement 24 includes a first strap 27 which is connected between the strap buckle 26 and a securing rod 28. More specifically, the strap 27 extends through the hole 22.4 and wraps around the rod 28 which is longer than the length of the hole 22.4, to thereby secure it to the base 12.

The strap arrangement 24 also includes a second strap 30 which is secured, at one end, to the base 12 through the hole 22.2. The strap 30 forms a loop 32 and extends from the hole 22.2 through the strap buckle 26.

The securing arrangement 16 includes two securing members 34, 36 which project away from the base 12 (from a side opposite at which the loop 32 is located). In other words, the securing members 34, 36 are located on one side of the base 12, while the loop 32 is located on the opposite side of the base 12. Each securing member 34, 36 is made from a resiliently deformable material such as rubber. Preferably, the base 12 is also made from a resiliently deformable material.

As shown in Figure 2, each securing member 34, 36 includes a flat body 38, 40. Each body 38, 40 has a base portion 42 which secures the securing arrangement 16 to the base 12 and an opposite receiving portion 46. Each receiving portion 46 includes four fingers/finger parts/members 50.1-50.4 which are divided by a number of V-shaped slits 54. When seen in 259606/2 6 plan view, the two outer finger members 50.1, 50.4 each define two holes 56.1, 56.2, 56.5, 56.6. The two inner finger members 50.2, 50.3 each define a single hole 56.3, 56.4.

Each base portion 42 includes three protrusions 60.1-60.3 which are shaped to protrude through the holes 20.1-20.6, in order to secure the securing members 34, 36 to the base 12.

As shown in Figure 2, opposed sides 64, 66 of each securing member 34, 36 which extend between the base portion 42 and receiving portion 46, are curved.

The securing arrangement 16 includes fastening means in the form of an elastic cord/string 70 which is woven through the holes 56.1-56.6 of both securing members 34, 36 in a generally circular manner, in order to allow the cord 70 to be used to urge the finger members 50.1-50.6 of the two securing members 34, 36 together. The cord 70 passes through a locking/securing mechanism 73 twice, to thereby allow the locking/securing mechanism 73 to restrict the relative movement of the two parts of the cord 70 passing there through. The locking mechanism 73 is a well-known type of cord lock mechanism and includes two parts 75, 77 which are displaceable relative to each other between an unlocked state which allows the cord 70 to move freely there through and a locked state in which it prevents the cord 70 from moving freely there through.

More specifically, the cord 70 extends through the locking mechanism 73 and through the hole 56.3 of the first securing member 34. The cord 70 then winds through the hole 56.1 where after it extends through the hole 56.2 of the second securing member 36. Thereafter, the cord winds through the holes 56.3-56.5 of the second securing member 36, where after it extends around and through the hole 56.6 of the first securing member 34. Finally, the cord 70 extends through the hole 56.4 of the first securing member 34 and extends back through the locking mechanism 73.

When the securing members 34, 36 are secured to the base 12, the elliptical spacing of the holes 20.1-20.6 causes the securing members 34, 36, together with the base 12, to define a cavity 80 for receiving part of a handheld therapeutic, laser device 200. Free ends of the finger members 50.1-50.8 define an opening leading into the recess 80. 259606/2 7 In order to secure the laser device 200, such as a B Cure Laser®, in position, a head portion 202 of the laser device 200, which includes a light source thereof, is inserted into the cavity 80.

Once inserted, the cord 70 is used to secure the finger members 50.1-50.4 around the head portion 202. When in this position, the light source is directed through the hole 18.

Before or after the laser device 200 is secured to the securing device 10, the strap 30 is fitted around a body part of a patient which is in need of treatment (e.g. an arm as illustrated in Figure ). The buckle strap 26 is then used to tighten the strap 30 around the body part, to thereby secure the laser device 200 in position. In other words, the hole 18 is positioned at the area on the body where laser therapy is required and the securing arrangement 16 secures the laser 200 in a suitable orientation in order to apply laser therapy through the hole 18 into/on the body.

Once the therapy session is complete, the strap 30 can be loosened in order to remove the laser device 200 or reposition it at a new location on the body.

Additional embodiments of the securing device 10 and the components thereof are shown in Figures 6-10. In contrast to the securing device 10 shown in Figure 1, that comprises a securing arrangement 16 that is permanently attached to the base 12 , the securing device 10 according to the other embodiments shown in Figures 6-10 comprises a base 12 and a securing arrangement 16 that is separate from the base 12, and is configured to be either releasably or permanently attached to the base 12.

Referring now to Figure 7, showing a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a base 12. The base 12 shown in Figure 7 is essentially similar to the base 12 shown in Figure 3. The base 12 shown in Figure 7 has a generally flat, octagonal shape, comprising a central, ellipse25 shaped hole/opening 18. In addition, the base 12 shown in Figure 7 comprises the four elongated holes 22.1-22.4 that are located adjacent to a circumference of the base 12. Holes 22.1 and 22.3 are aligned with a major axis 100 of the ellipse-shaped hole 18, while holes 22.2 and 22.4 are aligned with a minor axis 102 of the ellipse-shaped hole 18. The embodiment of the base 12 shown in Figure 6 is also made from a resiliently deformable material, for example foam. However, unlike the base 12 shown in Figure 3, the base 12 shown in Figure 7 does not comprise the securing arrangement 16, but is rather configured to either releasably or permanently attach to a securing mechanism 19 that has the same function as the securing arrangement 16. 19/02/2020 259606/3 259606/2 8 Referring now to Figure 8, showing a three-dimensional view of a securing mechanism 19. The securing mechanism 19 shown in Figure 8 comprises a base engaging element 192 and a securing member 194 projecting away from the base engaging element 192. According to one embodiment, the base engaging element 192 is generally similar in structure of the base 12. In other words, the base engaging element 192 has a generally flat, octagonal shape, comprising a central, ellipse-shaped hole/opening 193, that corresponds to the central ellipse-shaped hole /opening 18 of the base 12; and four elongated holes 196.1-196.4 that correspond respectively to the four elongated holes 22.1-22.4 of the base 12, when the base engaging element 192 is attached to the base 12. The base engaging element 192 comprises an upper surface 192-A and a lower surface 192-B. The lower surface 192-B is configured to attach, either releasably or permanently, to the base 12. On the other hand, the securing member 194 of the securing mechanism 19 projects away from the upper surface 192-A of the base engaging element 192.

Regarding the either releasable or permanent attachment of the base engaging element 192 to the base 12, any mechanism known in the art for attaching the base engaging element 192 to the base 12 is under the scope of the present invention, for example with an adhesive; a hookand-loop fastener; a clip fastener, and the like.

According to one embodiment, the securing member 194 of the securing mechanism 19 is configured to grasp and secure a laser device 200 similarly to the securing members 34, 36 of the base 12.

Referring now to Figure 9, showing a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of the attachment arrangement 14. Generally, the attachment arrangement 14 shown in Figure 9 is similar to the attachment arrangement 14 shown in Figure 1, comprising a strap arrangement 24 and a strap buckle 26 attached to one end of the strap arrangement 24. However, in addition, the attachment arrangement 14 shown in Figure 9 further comprises a quick release buckle 142 that is adjacent to the strap buckle 26.

The quick release buckle 142 is configured to releasably engage with either hole 22.1 of the base and hole 196.1 of the base engaging element 192, or hole 22.3 of the base 12 and hole 196.3 of the base engaging element 192, when the base engaging element 192 is attached to the base 12. Thus, the securing device 10 can be quickly secured to a part of a body of a human/animal by easily engaging the quick release buckle 142 with the aforementioned holes, 19/02/2020 259606/3 259606/2 9 and the securing device 10 can be quickly released from a part of a body of a human/animal, to which it is secured, simply by easily disengaging the quick release buckle 142 from the aforementioned holes.

According to another embodiment, the attachment arrangement 14 further comprises a fastener 144 at an opposite end relative to the end of the strap arrangement 24 to which the strap buckle 26 is attached. The fastener 144 is configured to fasten the strap arrangement 24 to the base 12 and securing mechanism 19 attached to the base 12. This can be achieved, for example, by engaging the fastener 144 to either hole 22.3 of the base 12 and hole 196.3 of the base engaging element 192, or hole 22.1 of the base and hole 196.1 of the base engaging element 192; or by engaging the fastener 144 to either hole 22.2 of the base 12 and hole 196.2 of the base engaging element 192, or hole 22.4 of the base 12 and hole 196.4 of the base engaging element 192, when the base engaging element 192 is attached to the base 12.

Referring now to Figure 10 showing a side view of the embodiment of the attachment arrangement 14 shown in Figure 9. The strap buckle 26, and the quick release buckle 142 attached to the strap buckle 26, are clearly shown in Figure 10. In addition, the way in which the strap arrangement 24 is secured by the strap buckle 26 is also seen in Figure 10. The strap buckle 26 comprises a first slot 262 and a second slot 264 configured to engage the strap arrangement 24. The strap arrangement 24 is inserted into the first slot 262 and then to the second slot 264 in a manner that allows fastening and releasing of the strap arrangement 24, as known in the art. Furthermore, the fastener 144 is at an opposite end of the strap arrangement 24 relative to the end of the strap engagement 24 that is secured to the strap buckle 26. In addition, the exemplary fastener 144 shown in Figures 9 and 10 is a hook-and-loop fastener that comprises a hook part 144-2 and a loop part 144-4, or vice versa, that are fastened while being engaged with the base 12 and base engaging element 192 attached to the base 12, as described above and shown, for example, in Figure 6.

Reference is now made to Figures 11A and 11B showing a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of the securing device shown in Figure 1 and a three-dimensional view of another exemplary securing mechanism. Securing member 194 is further provided with the ability to fit another strap 300 adapted to further secure the device 200. The strap 300 comprises two opposite portions of Velcro hooks 304 and a middle portion of Velcro loops 306. The strap 300 is positioned within slots 302 and 302' in the securing member 194 wherein it wraps the device 19/02/2020 259606/3 259606/2 200 so as to further secure it. The two hooks portions 304 are folded to secure the device and are hooked onto the loops portion 306 in the middle as clearly shown in Figure 11A.

The Inventor believes that the securing device 10 helps patients (or other person holding the laser device 200) by securing the laser device 200 in place for a prescribed therapeutic period.

The patient therefore no longer needs to hold the laser device 200 in place for prolonged periods and is able to do other activities whilst receiving treatment. The Inventor also believes that the arrangement is relatively easy to use.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment.

Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. 19/02/2020 259606/3

Claims

1.CLAIMS 1. A securing device for securing a handheld phototherapy apparatus which has a light source, wherein the securing device includes: an attachment arrangement which is configured to attach the handheld phototherapy apparatus to part of a body of an animal and/or human, and a base which is, in use, placed on part of the body of the animal and/or human, wherein the base defines a hole/opening, and a securing arrangement which is connected to the attachment arrangement and wherein the securing arrangement is configured to secure the handheld phototherapy apparatus releasably to the base, in a specific orientation in relation to the part of the body of the animal and/or human such that, when the securing device is attached to the part of the body of the animal and/or human by means of the attachment arrangement, the light source, when operated, transmits light through the hole/opening and onto/into part of the body, when in use.

2. The securing device of claim 1, wherein the handheld phototherapy apparatus is a handheld therapeutic laser apparatus.

3. The securing device of claim 1, wherein the handheld phototherapy apparatus is a handheld electro-optic apparatus.

4. The securing device of claim 1, wherein the light source is a laser light source.

5. The securing device of claim 1, wherein the securing arrangement includes a securing member which projects away from the base and which is configured to secure the handheld phototherapy apparatus to the base, when in use.

6. A method of positioning a handheld phototherapy apparatus in a specific orientation relative to part of a body of an animal and/or human, wherein the method includes: securing the handheld apparatus releasably to a securing device as claimed in claim 1, and securing the securing device to part of the body of the animal and/or human such that, when the handheld phototherapy apparatus is secured thereto, a light source of the 259606/ handheld phototherapy apparatus is directed towards part of the body of the animal and/or human. For the applicant Gold – Patents & Financial Services ltd.