LIGHT THERAPY DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

The portable light therapy device comprises a housing, at least one energy generations source, for generating energy such as light and electricity, the device further comprising at least one probe for contacting a user and providing stimulation to a selected location on the user. The device may be wearable, portable, and may further have wired and unwired communication capability. The device may be used on or around the ear, and is further customizable. The method steps of use of the device contemplate either user operation or operation by another to locate stimuli locations on a user, position the light therapy device and further operate the device to provide desired stimulation and adapt to feedback from the device.

Claims

1. A light therapy device comprising: a) a housing; b) a power source; c) an energy-generation source; d) an electronic processor; e) an electronic controller; and f) an energy-emitting probe having a length, wherein said probe is movable, is connected on a first end to at least one other element of the light therapy device, and is configured to emit energy through a second end, wherein said second end is configured to contact at least on stimulus point of a user that is external to said user's body.

2. A device as in claim 1, wherein said device further comprises at least two energy-emitting probes.

3. A device as in claim 1, further comprising lighting means at said second end.

4. A device as in claim 3, wherein said light means at said second end is further characterized as an LED.

5. A device as in claim 3, wherein said second end further comprises a sound node for transmitting air pressure differences.

6. A device as in claim 3, wherein said second end further comprises a temperature node for transmitting temperature differences.

7. A device as in claim 1, wherein said device comprises a second energy-omitting device which is configured to provide sensory feedback to the user.

8. A device as in claim 1, further comprising conductive means at said second end.

9. A device as in claim 8, wherein said conductive means is further characterized as means for conducting electrical energy.

10. A device as in claim 1, wherein said processor is configured to generate at least one wavelength and at least one cycle time.

11. A device as in claim 1, wherein said housing is wearable and is configured to be worn as an earpiece outside of the outer ear.

12. A device as in claim 1, wherein said housing is wearable and is configured to be worn as an earpiece inside of the outer ear and substantially outside of the ear canal.

13. A device as in claim 1, wherein said wearable housing is comprised of an elastomeric-based material.

14. A device as in claim 1, wherein said wearable housing is comprised of a silicone-based material.

15. A device as in claim 1, wherein said power source is a battery.

16. A device as in claim 1, wherein said power source is an alternating current power source.

17. A device as in claim 1, wherein said device further comprises a transmitter configured to interface with an application, said application being usable on a remote device.

18. A device as in claim 1, wherein said device further comprises a power control feature, an audio source, an audio control volume control, and a USB port.

19. A method of using a light therapy device comprising: a) A light therapy device is positioned over an ear of a user; b) The user selects a stimulus point outside of the ear; c) A probe of the light therapy device is moved and positioned substantially in contact with the stimulus point; d) Using a controller of the light therapy device, an electronic processor of the light therapy device is adjusted to a set point corresponding to the position of the probes and the selected stimulus point; e) The light therapy device is activated by the user; f) The user receives feedback from the light therapy device probes and adjusts the probes as needed to substantially contact the stimulus point.

20. A method as in claim 19 wherein said step for positioning a light therapy device is further comprised of positioning the light therapy device over an ear such that the ear substantially holds the light therapy device in position in proximity to the ear.

21. A method as in claim 19 wherein said step for using a controller of the light therapy device to adjust the electronic processor of the light therapy device further comprises adjusting the set-point of a variable from the group consisting of: light therapy device wavelength, light therapy device frequency, and light therapy device cycle time, and further adjusting such the set-point of said variable until the feedback is achieved from the device by the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective right-side view of a light device constructed in accordance with the invention, showing the device on a human ear.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of light emitting adjustable arm. A portion has been cut away to facilitate illustration of the internal components.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective back view of the light device of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a partially broken away perspective view of an aspect of the light device housing.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control circuit for the light device.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control circuit for an alternate embodiment of the light device.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective right-side view of an alternative embodiment wherein the insert is customized and manufactured to fit an individual ear. This embodiment shows a cord to an alternate battery source that is hand held.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a view of the customized ear insert with lights.

[0036] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the customized embodiment

[0037] FIG. 10 is a view of a wearable device comprised of a plastic housing, two flexible probe arms, a behind-the-ear battery and battery housing, five probes in the form of LEDs, a USB port, a power button, audible feedback features and audio volume control.

[0038] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a wearable device comprised of a plastic housing, two flexible probe arms, a behind-the-ear battery and battery housing, five probes in the form of LEDs, two adjustable members, a USB port, an audio source, a power button, audible feedback features and audio volume control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a device for light therapy is illustrated.

[0040] Now referring to FIG. 1, the core components of the invention are a wearable housing with a rechargeable power source and adjustable positioning light probe arms which have the ability to be positioned as follows: a programmable and rechargeable controller contained in a C-shaped hook housing (1), to secure the device over and behind the ear with adjustable wire light probe arms (3), to transmit light and electrical stimulation to predetermined ear points located on the ear through select points in the light probe (2).

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, some of the surfaces of the adjustable arms can be constructed and encompass an elastic type material (5), examples include elastomeric based material, silicone-based material, among other elastic materials, to provide comfort while wearing the device as well as overall protection of the device. Contained inside the adjustable arms is an adjustable member (4), which can be configured to adjust the position of the arm, examples include a bendable material such as metal or similar. Associated with the adjustable member is a light emitting wire (6), common examples include a fiber optic cable. The adjustable member also has associated with it an electrical wire (7), to transfer electrical current throughout the adjustable arm.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, the light therapy device houses a way for the user to turn the device on and off most commonly with an on/off switch (8). Also illustrated is a possible location for the programmable controller (9), for manual program operation.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 4, the light therapy device (1), contains a light emitting source (10), which generates the light to be transferred to the light probe arms and in this embodiment, receives its power from the power source which contains a battery (12). It is well known in the art that a power source does not have to be a battery, but for illustration purposes in this embodiment, a battery was chosen. The power source is charged via standard charging methods which can include a USB port or other suitable means. The light and electrical emitting source of the device is controlled by at least one electronic processor (11), which has the ability or possesses the characteristics to generate electrical stimulation , light in various wavelengths, including visible, infrared, and ultraviolet, as well as the time cycle duration of the therapy session or both or all of these characteristics.

[0044] FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of a wearable device comprised of a C-shaped hook housing (1), two probe arms (18), a behind-the-ear battery and battery housing (13), five probes in the form of LEDs (2), a USB port (14), a power button (8), audible feedback features (17), a probe spacer (16), and audio volume control (15).

[0045] One embodiment of the invention may further include a transmitter which is configured to interface with a remote application on a device such as a cell phone or a computer. The application and transmitter may interact over wireless communication or wired communication. Wireless communication may occur via Bluetooth, WiFi, or some other wireless communication mechanism or system known in the art of wireless communication. Wire communication may occur via USB, micro USB, or other wired communication mechanism or system known in the art of wired communication.

[0046] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather that of limitation. Obviously, many modification and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended class, wherein reference numerals are merely for convenience and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention maybe practice otherwise than as specifically described.

[0047] Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations, and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by both this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.