U.S. patent application number 12/849835 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-09 for integrated system, method and apparatus for treating back pain during rest.
This patent application is currently assigned to ANODYNE THERAPY, L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Craig Turtzo.
Application Number | 20120030873 12/849835 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45554962 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120030873 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turtzo; Craig |
February 9, 2012 |
INTEGRATED SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING BACK PAIN
DURING REST
Abstract
An application for a mattress that directs light and heat
towards an area of pain of a person while the person rests on the
mattress. The light and heat are provided by an array of LEDS that
are integrated into the mattress. A controller provides electrical
power to the LEDS for providing sufficient heat and light for
therapeutic treatment of pain to the person who rests on the
mattress above the array of LEDS.
Inventors: |
Turtzo; Craig; (Tarpon
Springs, FL) |
Assignee: |
ANODYNE THERAPY, L.L.C.
Tampa
FL
|
Family ID: |
45554962 |
Appl. No.: |
12/849835 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/421 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 2005/0662 20130101;
A61N 2005/0645 20130101; A61N 2005/0652 20130101; A47C 21/003
20130101; A61N 2005/0634 20130101; A47C 21/04 20130101; A61N 5/0625
20130101; A61N 5/0613 20130101; A61N 2005/0659 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/421 |
International
Class: |
A47C 21/04 20060101
A47C021/04 |
Claims
1. A mattress for providing heat and light to a person for the
purpose of treating pain, the system comprising: an array of LEDS,
the array of LEDS integrated into the mattress, the LEDS positioned
in openings of a surface of the mattress to direct the light and
the heat towards an area of pain of the person when the person lays
on the surface of the mattress; a controller interfaced to the LEDS
for controlling an electric current provided to the array of LEDS;
and a source of the electric current.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the LEDS emit heat and infrared
light.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the LEDS emit heat, infrared
light and visible light.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sheet situated
between the LEDS and the person, the controller increasing the
electric current to the array of LEDS to compensate for heat and
light loss caused by the sheet.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the mattress is made of memory
foam.
6. A method of reducing pain in a person, the method comprising:
providing a mattress having an array of LEDS, the array of LEDS
integrated into the mattress, the light-emitting edge of the LEDS
interfaced with a surface of the mattress to direct the light and
the heat towards an area of pain of the person when the person lays
on the surface of the mattress; a controller interfaced to the LEDS
for controlling an electric power provided to the array of LEDS;
and a source of the electric power; the person resting a portion of
the person's body having the pain on the surface of the mattress
having the array of LEDS, the LEDS emitting the light and the heat
towards the portion of the person's body during a portion of the
period of time.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the LEDS emit heat and infrared
light.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the LEDS emit heat, visible light
and infrared light.
9. The method of claim 6, further comprising a sheet situated
between the LEDS and the person and the method further comprising
the step of increasing the electric power applied to the LEDS to
compensate for reductions of the heat and the light introduced by
the sheet.
10. The method of claim 6, wherein the mattress is made of memory
foam.
11. The method of claim 6, wherein the period of time is when the
person is sleeping and the portion of the period of time is less
than or equal to the period of time when the person is
sleeping.
12. A system for supporting and providing heat and light to a
person for the purpose of treating pain, the system comprising: a
mattress; a means for providing heat and light integrated into the
mattress, the means for providing heat and light interfaced with a
surface of the mattress to direct the light and the heat towards an
area of pain of the person when the person lays on the surface of
the mattress; a means for selectively providing an electric current
to the means for providing heat and light; and a source of the
electric current.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein means for providing heat and
light emit heat and infrared light.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein means for providing heat and
light emit heat, infrared light and visible light.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein means for providing heat and
light is an array of infrared LEDS.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein means for providing heat and
light is an array of intermixed infrared LEDS and visible light
LEDS.
17. The system of claim 12, further comprising a sheet situated
between the means for providing heat and light and the person, the
means for selectively providing the electric current increasing the
electric current to the means for providing heat and light to
compensate for lost heat and lost light caused by the sheet.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the mattress is made of memory
foam.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______ titled "SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING BACK
PAIN DURING REST," attorney docket 552.4 filed even date here
within. This application is also related to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______ titled "HEAT AND LIGHT-EMITTING PAD," attorney
docket 552.5 filed even date here within. This application is also
related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ titled "WORN
HEAT AND LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICE," attorney docket 552.7 filed even
date here within.
FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to the field of pain relief and more
particularly to a system for the deliver of heat and infrared light
to a user for the relief of pain.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is known that exposure to heat and certain wavelengths of
light are useful to temporarily increase local circulation, reduce
pain and to enhance healing as detailed in Michlovitz and Nolan,
Modalities for Therapeutic Intervention (4th Ed.), F.A. Davis
Company (2005). Recent inventions have used light and/or heat as a
therapeutic device for the relief of pain. In particular, it has
been shown that infra-red and near infra-red light of certain
wavelengths possess therapeutic qualities. Exposure to certain
wavelengths of light is known to alleviate various effects that sun
exposure, gravity, pollution and chemicals have on the skin.
[0004] LED Devices that emit infrared wavelengths of light are well
known and are capable of providing sufficient light for therapeutic
effects to persons exposed to the light under certain conditions.
Additionally, such LED Devices also emit heat, which also provide
therapeutic effects such as reducing pain in certain situations.
Existing stand-alone LED devices do not provide for sufficiently
convenient at-home applications of infrared light and heat. For
example, cable-connected devices are available having multiple LED
arrays for the irradiation of a user's leg or foot, but the cable
causes problems as the user moves. Likewise, battery powered
devices also having multiple LED arrays for the irradiation of a
user's foot or leg improve upon this problem, but the batteries
cause an issue by presenting hard bulges that exert pressure on the
user when the user rests in certain positions.
[0005] What is needed is a system that will irradiate a locale of a
user with heat and light while the user rests.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A mattress that directs light and heat towards an area of
pain of a person while the person rests on the mattress. The light
and heat are provided by an array of LEDS that are integrated into
the mattress. A controller provides electrical power to the LEDS
for providing sufficient heat and light for therapeutic treatment
of pain to the person who rests on the mattress above the array of
LEDS.
[0007] In one embodiment, a mattress for providing heat and light
to a person for the purpose of treating pain is disclosed. The
mattress has an integrated array of LEDS, the LEDS being interfaced
with a surface of the mattress to direct the light and the heat
towards an area of pain of the person when the person lays on the
surface of the mattress. The system has a controller interfaced to
the LEDS for controlling electric current provided to the array of
LEDS and a source of the electric current.
[0008] In another embodiment, a method of reducing pain in a person
is disclosed including providing a mattress having an array of LEDS
integrated into the mattress, the light-emitting edge of the LEDS
being interfaced with a surface of the mattress to direct the light
and the heat towards an area of pain of the person when the person
lays on the surface of the mattress. The mattress includes a
controller interfaced to the LEDS for controlling electric power
and a source of the electric power. The method continues with the
person resting a portion of the person's body having the pain (e.g.
lower back) on the surface of the mattress having the array of
LEDS. The LEDS emit light and heat towards the portion of the
person's body during a portion of the period of time (e.g. during
sleep).
[0009] In another embodiment, a system for supporting and providing
heat and light to a person for the purpose of treating pain is
disclosed including a mattress that has an integrated device for
providing heat and light. The integrated device for providing heat
and light is interfaced with a surface of the mattress to direct
the light and the heat towards an area of pain of the person when
the person lays on the surface of the mattress and has a circuit
for selectively providing electric current to control the heat and
light and a source of the electric current.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention can be best understood by those having
ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed
description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a second perspective view of a second
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a third perspective view of the second
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth perspective view of the second
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a second cross-sectional view of the
second embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a third cross-sectional view of the
second embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a third
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a first cross-sectional view of the
second embodiment in use.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a first cross-sectional view of the
second embodiment in use.
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth
embodiment in use.
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary control
system of all embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates a cutaway side plan view of an exemplary
LED array and control system of all embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary LED
array and control system of all embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates a cutaway side plan view of an exemplary
LED array and control system of the first embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed
description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements
in all figures.
[0028] Throughout this description, a mattress (bed) is used as an
example of furniture. This is but an example and it is anticipated
that the present method, apparatus and system be used in
conjunction and/or integrated into any type of human-supporting or
contact furniture such as pillows, chairs, recliners, couches,
sofas, futons, car/vehicle seats etc. It is further anticipated
that the present method, apparatus and system be applied to other
devices/systems that normally contact the human body such as
bicycle seats, motorcycle seats, arm rests, head rests, etc. When
integrated into, for example, a pillow, the pillow is, for example,
placed behind the back when the person is sitting in a chair for
back pain or against the neck for neck pain.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a first
embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, an array of LEDS 22 is
integrated into a treatment pad 16 that is positioned on, for
example, a bed/mattress 10. The LEDS 22 are connected by a circuit
board 84 and held in a soft, rubber/plastic holder 17 (see FIG.
16). In some embodiments, the thin pad 16, LEDS 22 and circuit
board 84 are enclosed in a cloth cover for protection. The LEDS are
powered through a cable 18 connected to a power supply/controller
(see FIG. 13). The power supply/controller provides a controlled
amount of electrical energy to the array of LEDS 22, causing the
LEDS 22 to emit light at one or more wavelengths, preferably
including infrared or near infrared. Additionally, the LEDS 22
produce heat. Both the light and heat provide therapeutic effect to
a person in contact with the thin pad 16 of LEDS 22 when in contact
with the person. It is anticipated that, for relief of back pain,
the person positions themselves such that the person's back or
lower back is located directly over the thin pad 16 of LEDS 22 (see
FIGS. 9 and 10). The invention is anticipated to perform equally as
well with other parts of the human body.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, a second perspective view of a second
embodiment is shown. This embodiment includes a modular section
within furniture such as a mattress 10. In such, a cavity 12 is
made/formed/left in the furniture/mattress 10 into which an option
module 30/20 is fit. In such, for deployment of the
furniture/mattress 10 without the array 20 of LEDS 22, a blank
insert 30 is placed in the cavity. Therefore, when the
furniture/mattress 10 is covered (e.g., with a sheet 16--see FIG.
7) and the cavity 12 is filled with the blank insert, it is
difficult to detect by a person using the furniture/mattress 10.
Alternately, when the array 20 of LEDS 22 is to be used, the blank
insert 30 is removed and the array 20 of LEDS 22 is inserted into
the cavity 12 of the mattress/furniture 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the
entire array 20 is populated with LEDS 22, preferably infrared or
near-infrared LEDS 22 or a mixture of infrared or near-infrared
LEDS 22 and/or visible light LEDS 22. Any wavelength of LEDS 22 is
anticipated. In embodiments in which the furniture/mattress 10 is a
mattress 10, it is anticipated that the mattress 10 comprise any
known mattress material currently used in the industry, including
foam rubber (e.g., latex foam), memory foam (visco-elastic memory
foam material) and the like. Memory foam material is often made
from synthetic polyurethane foam material with the addition of
certain types of chemicals which increase the weight or density of
the foam, as known in the industry. It is further anticipated that
the mattress 10, in some embodiments, is an air mattress 10 and,
therefore, the mattress 10 is completely sealed and air-tight
around the cavity 12.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a third and fourth perspective
view of the second embodiment is shown. In this the array 24 of
LEDS 22 is populated with LEDS 22 towards one end of the array 24
and the array 24 is passive at the opposite end (absent of active
LEDS). In such, when a shorter person uses the array 24, for
example to relieve lower back pain, the array 24 is positioned in
the mattress as shown in FIG. 3 and the active LEDS 22 are
positioned toward the head of the bed 11, thereby aligning with the
shorter person's lower back. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 4, when
a taller person uses the array 24, for example to relieve lower
back pain, the array 24 is turned 180 degrees within the mattress
so that the active LEDS 22 are positioned away from the head of the
bed 11, thereby aligning with the taller person's lower back.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the second
embodiment is shown. In this view, the blank insert 30 is snuggly
fit within the cavity 12 (e.g. a tight fit limiting or reducing
movement/sliding along any axis). In some embodiments, a hole or
slot 14 connects the cavity with the bottom of the
furniture/mattress 10 for running cables 26 (see FIG. 6).
[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, a second cross-sectional view of the
second embodiment is shown. In this view, the array 20 of LEDS 22
is snuggly fit within the cavity 12 (e.g. a tight fit limiting or
reducing movement/sliding along any axis). In some embodiments, an
electrical cable 26 from the LEDS 22 to a controller 70 and/or
power supply 74 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) exits through the hole or
slot 14 connects the cavity with the bottom of the
furniture/mattress 10 for running cables 26.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 7, a third cross-sectional view of the
second embodiment is shown. In this view, the array 20 of LEDS 22
is positioned within the cavity 12. In some embodiments, an
electrical cable 26 from the LEDS 22 to a controller 72 and/or
power supply 74 (see FIG. 13) exits through the hole or slot 14
that connects the cavity with the bottom of the furniture/mattress
10 for running cables 26. In this view, a cloth cover 16 is
positioned over the array 20 of LEDS 22. Studies have shown that by
increasing the power and/or duration of activity of the LEDS 22,
sufficient heat and light penetrate layers of cloth 16 such as
sheets, bedding, etc, and provide relief for pain such as lower
back pain. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the sheet 16 (for
example) covers the LEDS 22 and the user positions their body such
that the area in pain rests on top of the sheet 16 where the LEDS
22 lay beneath.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of a third
embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, a set of LEDS 22 are
integrated directly into furniture/mattress 18. The LEDS 22 are
fitted into holes or apertures of the mattress 18 and are in a
fixed position relative to the head 11 of the mattress. Again, as
in FIG. 7, it is anticipated that in some embodiments, a cloth
cover 16 is positioned over the LEDS 22 and the power and/or
duration of activity of the LEDS 22 is increased, providing
sufficient heat and light to penetrate the layers of cloth 16 such
as sheets, bedding, etc, and provide relief for pain such as lower
back pain.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a first and second
cross-sectional view of the second embodiment in use is shown. In
this the array 24 of LEDS 22 is populated with LEDS 22 towards one
end of the array 24 and the array 24 is passive at the opposite
end. In such, when a shorter person 5 uses the array 24, for
example to relieve lower back pain, the array 24 is positioned in
the mattress 10 as shown in FIG. 9 and the active LEDS 22 are
positioned toward the head of the bed 11, thereby aligning with the
shorter person's 5 lower back. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 10,
when a taller person 6 uses the array 24, for example to relieve
lower back pain, the array 24 is positioned in the mattress 10 so
that the active LEDS 22 are positioned away from the head of the
bed 11, thereby aligning with the taller person's 6 lower back.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, perspective views of a fourth
embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, an array 52 of LEDS 22 and
power sources 74 are integrated into a wearable device 56 that
attaches to a person's body 54 with a belt 58 and fastener 59. The
belt 58 and fastener 59 are any such device as known in the
industry and the exemplary hook and loop fastener 59 is one
possible fastener. Other belt 58 lengths, widths and shapes are
anticipated as well as other fasteners 59 such as buckles, buttons,
snaps, etc.
[0038] In some embodiments, the array 52 of LEDS 22 and power
sources 74 (e.g. batteries 74) are covered with a cloth material 51
such as nylon, silk, polyester, cotton, etc. As previously
discussed, the power and/or duration of activity of the LEDS 22
is/are increased, providing sufficient heat and light to penetrate
the layer of cloth 51 to provide relief for pain such as lower back
pain as shown in FIG. 12. It is anticipated that the wearable
device 56 of this embodiment is adaptable in size and shape to be
worn on other parts of the body 54 such as feet, ankles, knees,
legs, other areas of the back, neck, arms, hands and head. By
situating the power source 74 (e.g. batteries 74) within the back
area of the wearable device 56, heat emitted from the batteries as
they discharge provides additional heat to, for example, the
person's 54 back (see FIG. 12).
[0039] Referring to FIG. 13, a schematic view of an exemplary
control system of all embodiments is shown. In this example, each
LED 22 in the array 20 is current limited by an individual resistor
70. To illuminate the LEDS 22, a voltage is supplied by the
controller 72 and the value of the resistors 70 determines the
current flowing through each LED 22 and hence, the power output of
each LED 22. The lower the resistance of each resistor 70, the
higher the power output of its corresponding LED 22. This is an
example of how such LEDS 22 are provided with a predetermined
amount of power and other methods are well known using various
combinations of LEDS 22 connected in series and/or parallel with
various combinations of resistors 70 or other current controlling
devices. In some embodiments, the current is directly controlled by
the controller 72, eliminating the need for resistors 70. Any known
system for providing a controlled amount of power to the LEDS 22 is
anticipated here within.
[0040] As discussed previously, in applications in which a cloth
16/51 is situated between the user and the LEDS 22, the power to
the LEDS 22 is increased to provide greater heat and light output
to overcome the loss inserted by the cloth 16/51. This is
accomplished in any way known in the industry including selecting
lower resistance values of the resistors 70 or increasing the
voltage output of the controller 72, etc.
[0041] The controller 72 provides power to the LEDS 22 during an
active period. It is anticipated that the controller 72 provide
power to the LEDS 22 for a pre-determined period of time from
minutes up to continuously, as needed to address the user's
specific pain. It is also anticipated that the controller 72
provide any known sequencing of power levels and timing as needed
to address the specific pain. For example, for certain pain/healing
operations, it is desired to alternate heat/cool and the controller
72 provides power for one period, thereby providing heat, and no or
little power for another period, thereby removing the heat.
Additionally, the controller 72, in some embodiments, provides
pulse width modulation to control the power to the LEDS in which,
the greater the pulse width, the greater the power supplied to the
LEDS and the greater the light and heat intensity. In this
embodiment, the pulse width and frequency is either fixed or
variable.
[0042] For completeness, a power source 74 is shown, as known in
the industry. Any known power source 74 is anticipated, including,
but not limited to, a battery pack, a rechargeable battery pack and
a power supply such as a power brick for converting household
electric power into a DC voltage.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 14, a cutaway side plan view of an
exemplary LED array control system of all embodiments is shown. In
the preferred embodiment, the LEDS 22 are held in holes of a
material 80, preferably a soft, sponge-like material that also
conducts heat to provide a more even heat should one LED 22 heat
more than another LED 22. The LEDs are physically and electrically
interfaced to a circuit board 84 situated between the belt 58 and
the LEDs 22/material 80. Other components such as the controller 72
and resistors 70 (if needed) are preferably mounted on the circuit
board 84. Also connected to the circuit board 84 is a power switch
82 for signaling the controller 72 to enter an operating mode.
Responsive to the user operating the power switch 82, the
controller provides power to the LEDS 22. For example, after the
user operates the power switch 82, the controller 72 provides power
to the LEDS 22 for a fixed amount of time and then removes power to
the LEDS 22 for another fixed amount of time, repeating this
sequence for a pre-determined number of cycles. Although any switch
82 is anticipated, a proximity switch 82 is preferred to reduce the
chance of the user inadvertently tripping the switch while wearing
the belt 56. The proximity switch 82 preferably has hysteresis
requiring the user to touch the proximity switch 82 for a time
period before the operating mode is entered and requiring the user
to again touch the proximity switch 82 for a time period before
shutting off power. To inform the user that the operating mode has
been entered or the system is shut off, a sounder 87 (see FIG. 15)
is provided in some embodiments, preferably emitting one sound or
sequence for entering the operating mode and another for power
off.
[0044] In some embodiments, the LEDS 22 and power sources 74 (not
visible in FIG. 14) are covered with a cloth material 51 such as
nylon, silk, polyester, cotton, etc. As previously discussed, the
power and/or duration of activity of the LEDS 22 is/are increased,
providing sufficient heat and light to penetrate the layer of cloth
51 to provide relief for pain such as lower back pain. It is
anticipated that the wearable device 56 of this embodiment is
adaptable in size and shape to be worn on other parts of the body
54 such as feet, ankles, knees, legs, other areas of the back,
neck, arms, hands and head. By situating the power source 74 (e.g.
batteries 74) within the back area of the wearable device 56, heat
emitted from the batteries as they discharge provides additional
heat to, for example, the person's 54 back (see FIG. 12).
[0045] Referring to FIG. 15, a top plan view of an exemplary LED
array control system of all embodiments is shown. In the preferred
embodiment, the LEDS 22 are held in holes of a material 80,
preferably a soft, sponge-like material that also conducts heat to
provide a more even heat should one LED 22 heat more than another
LED 22. The LEDs are physically and electrically interfaced to a
circuit board 84 situated between the belt 58 and the LEDs
22/material 80. Other components such as the controller 72 and
resistors 70 (if needed) are preferably mounted on the circuit
board 84. The power source 74 (e.g. batteries 74) is electrically
connected to the circuit board 84 the power source 74 (e.g.
batteries 74) is situated within the back area of the wearable
device 56. In some embodiments, the power source 74 is located near
the circuit board 84 so that as the batteries 74 discharge, heat
emitted provides additional heat to, for example, the person's 54
back (see FIG. 12).
[0046] Also connected to the circuit board 84 is a power switch 82
for signaling the controller 72 to enter an operating mode.
Responsive to the user operating the power switch 82, the
controller provides power to the LEDS 22. For example, after the
user operates the power switch 82, the controller 72 provides power
to the LEDS 22 for a fixed amount of time and then removes power to
the LEDS 22 for another fixed amount of time, repeating this
sequence for a pre-determined number of cycles. Although any switch
82 is anticipated, a proximity switch 82 is preferred to reduce the
chance of the user inadvertently tripping the switch while wearing
the belt 56. The proximity switch 82 preferably has hysteresis
requiring the user to touch the proximity switch 82 for a time
period before the operating mode is entered and requiring the user
to again touch the proximity switch 82 for a time period before
shutting off power. To inform the user that the operating mode has
been entered or the system is shut off, a sounder 87 (see FIG. 15)
is provided in some embodiments, preferably emitting one sound or
sequence for entering the operating mode and another for power
off.
[0047] The power source 74 is charged through a power connector 85
that is connected to an external power source (not shown) such as a
wall-wart as known in the industry.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 16, a cutaway side plan view of an
exemplary LED array control system of the first embodiment is
shown. In the preferred implementation, the LEDS 22 are held in
holes of a material 17, preferably a soft, sponge-like material
that also conducts heat to provide a more even heat should one LED
22 heat more than another LED 22. The LEDs are physically and
electrically interfaced to a circuit board 84. Other components
such as the controller 72 and resistors 70 (if needed) are
preferably mounted on the circuit board 84. Also connected to the
circuit board 84 is a power switch 82 for signaling the controller
72 to enter an operating mode. Responsive to the user operating the
power switch 82, the controller provides power to the LEDS 22. For
example, after the user operates the power switch 82, the
controller 72 provides power to the LEDS 22 for a fixed amount of
time and then removes power to the LEDS 22 for another fixed amount
of time, repeating this sequence for a pre-determined number of
cycles. Although any switch 82 is anticipated, a proximity switch
82 is preferred to reduce the chance of the user inadvertently
tripping the switch while wearing the belt 56. The proximity switch
82 preferably has hysteresis requiring the user to touch the
proximity switch 82 for a time period before the operating mode is
entered and requiring the user to again touch the proximity switch
82 for a time period before shutting off power. To inform the user
that the operating mode has been entered or the system is shut off,
a sounder 87 (see FIG. 15) is provided in some embodiments,
preferably emitting one sound or sequence for entering the
operating mode and another for power off.
[0049] In some embodiments, the LEDS 22 and electronics 70/72/82/84
are enclosed within a cloth material 90 such as nylon, silk,
polyester, cotton, etc. As previously discussed, the power and/or
duration of activity of the LEDS 22 is/are increased, providing
sufficient heat and light to penetrate the layer of cloth 90 to
provide relief for pain such as lower back pain. It is anticipated
that any number of LEDS 22 be present to cover a suitable area of
the user's body. In some embodiments, power is provided by a power
cable 18 connected to an external power source such as a power
brick or wall-wart, as known in the industry.
[0050] Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set
forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner
in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same
result.
[0051] It is believed that the system and method and many of its
attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing
description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that
various changes may be made in the form, construction and
arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its
material advantages. The form herein before described being merely
exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention
of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.
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