Abstract:
A convertible lamp array device comprising a spine member and a first and second side panels rotatably connected to the spine member. The spine member and the first and second side panels have at least one source of light connected thereto. The first side panel and the second side panel can be rotated relative to the spine member into an open position to allow the sources of light emit light towards a target area. The first side panel and the second side panel can be rotated in a second direction relative to the spine member to arrange the device in a closed position for storage of the device. The device is free standing in the open position to allow the device to be used without any external support.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention concerns a lamp for treating human skin disease and cosmetic abnormalities, and more particularly relates to a convertible lamp array. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Using light to treat human skin disease and cosmetic abnormalities (e.g., acne) is well known to those skilled in the art. An apparatus is desired to allow the treatment of human skin disease and cosmetic abnormalities in an easier manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0003]    An aspect of the present invention is to provide a convertible lamp array device comprising a spine member, a first side panel and a second side panel. The spine member has a spine top side and a spine bottom side, with the spine member including at least one spine source of light connected to the spine bottom side of the spine member. The spine member also includes a first side and a second side. The first side panel is rotatably connected to the first side of the spine member. The first side panel includes a first side panel top side and a first side panel bottom side, with the first side panel including at least one first side source of light connected to the first side panel bottom side of the first side panel. The second side panel is rotatably connected to the second side of the spine member. The second side panel includes a second side panel top side and a second side panel bottom side, with the second side panel including at least one second side source of light connected to the second side panel bottom side of the second side panel. The first side panel and the second side panel can be rotated in a first direction relative to the spine member to arrange the device in an open position to allow the at least one spine source of light, the at least one first side source of light and the at least one second side source of light to emit light towards a target area. The first side panel and the second side panel can be rotated in a second direction relative to the spine member to arrange the device in a closed position for storage of the device. The device is free standing in the open position to allow the device to be used without any external support. 
         [0004]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a convertible lamp array device comprising a spine member, a first side panel, a second side panel, a first wing panel and a second wing panel. The spine member has a spine top side and a spine bottom side, with the spine member including at least one spine source of light connected to the spine bottom side of the spine member. The spine member also includes a first side and a second side. The first side panel is rotatably connected to the first side of the spine member. The first side panel includes a first side panel top side and a first side panel bottom side, with the first side panel including at least one first side source of light connected to the first side panel bottom side of the first side panel. The second side panel is rotatably connected to the second side of the spine member. The second side panel includes a second side panel top side and a second side panel bottom side, with the second side panel including at least one second side source of light connected to the second side panel bottom side of the second side panel. The first wing panel is rotatably connected to the first side panel and the second wing panel is rotatably connected to the second side panel. The device can be placed in an open position with edges of the first wing panel and the second wing panel resting on a support surface and with the spine member, the first side panel and the second side panel being spaced from the support surface. 
         [0005]    These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a convertible lamp array device of the present invention in a closed position. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention in a fully open position. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention in an open position. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3A  is a top view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention treating a face of a patient. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3B  is a front view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention treating the face of the patient. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention treating a scalp of a patient. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5A  is a top view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention treating a back or chest of a patient. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5B  is a front view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention treating the back or chest of the patient. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6A  is a top view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention treating a chest of a female patient. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6B  is a front view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention treating the chest of the female patient. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7A  is a top view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention treating an arm or leg of a patient. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7B  is a front view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention treating the arm or leg of the patient. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8A  is a top view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention treating hands or feet of a patient. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8B  is a front view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention treating the hands or feet of the patient. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention illustrating lamp mounting details and power supply connections. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a wiring diagram of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of a lamp sub-panel of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a wiring diagram of the lamp sub-panel of the convertible lamp array device of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as orientated in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0025]    The reference number  100  ( FIGS. 1-2 ) generally designates a convertible lamp array device embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the convertible lamp array device  100  comprises a spine  101 , a first side panel  102 , and a second side panel  103 , with the first side panel  102  and the second side panel  103  being rotatably attached to the spine  101 . The convertible lamp array device  100  can be used to treat human skin disease and cosmetic abnormalities (e.g., acne) using light alone or in other manners as is well known to those skilled in the art. It is also contemplated that the device  100  could be used for mood improvement, wound healing (as is well known to those skilled in the art), sun tanning, or curing various items (e.g., epoxies). In the illustrated example, the first side panel  102  and the second side panel  103  are rotatably attached to the spine  101  by four upper hinges  104  and eight spacers  106 . However, it is contemplated that any number of hinges  104  and spacers  106  could be used or that the first side panel  102  and the second side panel  103  could be rotatably attached to the spine  101  in any manner. Electrical light sources, shown in more detail in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , are located on inner surfaces of the first side panel  102 , the second side panel  103  and a bottom surface of the spine  101 . A first wing panel  107  and a second wing panel  108  are rotatably attached to the first side panel  102  and the second side panel  103 , respectively. In the illustrated example, the first wing panel  102  and the second wing panel  103  are rotatably attached to the first side panel  102  and the second side panel  103  by lower hinges  105 . Although only one hinge  105  is illustrated as connecting the first wing panel  107  and the second wing panel  108  to the first side panel  102  and the second side panel  103 , it is contemplated that any number of hinges  105  could be used or that the first wing panel  107  and the second wing panel  108  could be rotatably attached to the first side panel  102  and the second side panel  103  in any manner. It is contemplated that the spine  101 , the first side panel  102 , the second side panel  103 , the first wing panel  107  and the second wing panel  108  could be made of any material that has the strength to support the entire device  100  (e.g., plastic). The hinges  104  and  105  can have a constant torque and/or can be set at a selected rotated position and easily maintained in that position until rotated by a user of the convertible lamp array device  100 . 
         [0026]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the convertible lamp array device  100  can be situated in a closed position for moving and storage. Therefore, when the convertible lamp array device  100  is not in use, the convertible lamp array device  100  can be folded up and stored (e.g., on a bookshelf, counter or desk). The convertible lamp array  100  also has a partially open position as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  4 A,  4 B,  7 A,  7 B,  8 A and  8 B for treating heads, scalps, arms, legs, hands and feet of a patient as discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, the convertible lamp array  100  includes a fully open position as illustrated in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  6 A and  6 B for treating chests and backs of male and female patients. The convertible lamp array device  100  can be held in any partially or fully open position by means of a constant holding torque application mechanism contained in hinges  104  and  105 . The amount of holding torque applied can be varied by adjustment screws  204  and  205  in the hinges  104  and  105  as is well known to those skilled in the art. Air gaps  208  are created by the spacers  106  between the spine  101  and the first side panel  102  and the second side panel  103 , with the air gaps  208  providing ventilation during patient treatment. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate the convertible lamp array device  100  positioned for treating a face of a patient. During use of the convertible lamp array device  100  for treating the face of the patient, a head  301  of the patient can rest on a disposable exam paper  307 , which in turn rests on an exam table  302 . Arrows  303 - 306  show a direction of light propagation from lamp sub-panels  910 ,  911 ,  912  connected to the spine  101 , the first side panel  102  and the second side panel  103  as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 9-12 . In this arrangement, five lamp sub-panels are attached to the convertible lamp array device  100 , although other arrangements are possible. Light propagates along a first arrow  303  from at least one lamp sub-panel  910  (see  FIG. 9 ) attached to the spine  101 . Light also propagates along a second arrow  305  from one or more lamp sub-panels  911  (see  FIG. 9 ) attached to the first side panel  102 . Light further propagates along line  304  from one or more lamp sub-panels  912  (see  FIG. 9 ) attached to the second side panel  103 . An air space  306  is maintained between a surface of the head  301  of the patient and a surface of the lamps. In this configuration and all configurations below, the size of the air space  306  is adjustable via the hinges  104 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates the convertible lamp array device  100  positioned for treating a scalp of a patient  401 . In this arrangement, light propagates along a first arrow  303  from at least one lamp sub-panel  910  attached to the spine  101 . Light also propagates along a second arrow  305  from one or more lamp sub-panels  911  attached to the first side panel  102 . Light further propagates along line  304  from one or more lamp sub-panels  912  attached to the second side panel  103 . The air space  306  is maintained between the scalp of the patient and a surface of the lamps. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate the convertible lamp array device  100  positioned for treating a chest or back  501  of a patient. In this configuration, arms  502  of the patient are not involved in treatment and are shown passing to the outside of the first wing panel  107  and the second wing panel  108 . In this arrangement, light propagates along a first arrow  303  from at least one lamp sub-panel  910  attached to the spine  101 . Light also propagates along a second arrow  305  from one or more lamp sub-panels  911  attached to the first side panel  102 . Light further propagates along line  304  from one or more lamp sub-panels  912  attached to the second side panel  103 . The air space  306  is maintained between the chest or back  501  of the patient and a surface of the lamps. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate the convertible lamp array device  100  positioned for treating a chest  601  of a female patient. In this configuration, arms  502  of the patient are not involved in treatment and are shown passing to the outside of the first wing panel  107  and the second wing panel  108 . In this arrangement, light propagates along a first arrow  303  from at least one lamp sub-panel  910  attached to the spine  101 . Light also propagates along a second arrow  305  from one or more lamp sub-panels  911  attached to the first side panel  102 . Light further propagates along line  304  from one or more lamp sub-panels  912  attached to the second side panel  103 . The air space  306  is maintained between the chest  601  of the patient and a surface of the lamps. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate the convertible lamp array device  100  positioned for treating an arm or leg  701  of a patient. In this arrangement, light propagates along a first arrow  303  from at least one lamp sub-panel  910  attached to the spine  101 . Light also propagates along a second arrow  305  from one or more lamp sub-panels  911  attached to the first side panel  102 . Light further propagates along line  304  from one or more lamp sub-panels  912  attached to the second side panel  103 . An air space  306  is maintained between the arm or leg  701  of the patient and a surface of the lamps. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate the convertible lamp array device  100  positioned for treating hands or feet  801  of a patient. In this arrangement, light propagates along a first arrow  303  from at least one lamp sub-panel  910  attached to the spine  101 . Light also propagates along a second arrow  305  from one or more lamp sub-panels  911  attached to the first side panel  102 . Light further propagates along line  304  from one or more lamp sub-panels  912  attached to the second side panel  103 . The air space  306  is maintained between the hands or feet  801  of the patient and a surface of the lamps. 
         [0033]      FIG. 9  illustrates lamp mounting details and power supply connections of the convertible lamp array device  100 . In the illustrated example, an AC input power cord  901  supplies alternating current to an isolated AC-to-DC adapter  902 . Direct current at a voltage preferably at or below 48V is supplied through a direct current cable  903  to the spine  101 . It is contemplated that the direct current cable  903  may be connected or disconnected to the spine  101  with a detachable connector  904 . The detachable connector  904  is attached to the spine  101  to provide power distribution to a printed circuit board  909  on the spine  101 . Other means of powering the device  100  are contemplated (e.g., batteries). 
         [0034]    In the illustrated example, electrical connections are made from the printed circuit board  909  to lamp sub-panels  911  and  912  by first providing an electrical connection from the printed circuit board  909  to first and second side panel power distribution printed circuit boards  905  on the first side panel  102  and the second side panel  103  via flexible cables  950  having positive polarity  913  and negative polarity  914  (see  FIG. 10 ). The electrical connections are then made to the lamp sub-panels  911  and  912  by lamp sub-panel detachable connectors  952  having positive polarity  907  and negative polarity  908  (see  FIG. 10 ). Electrical connections are made to the lamp sub-panel  910  via a detachable connector  952  interacting with the printed circuit board  909 . The lamp sub-panels  910 ,  911  and  912  are preferably detachably coupled to the lamp sub-panel detachable connectors  952 . Spacers  906  in part determine positions of the lamp sub-panels  910 ,  911  and  912  with respect to the patient being treated. It is contemplated that some of the connectors  952  may have lamp sub-panels  910 ,  911  and  912  not attached to them, depending on the parts of the body most likely to be treated. 
         [0035]      FIG. 10  illustrates a wiring diagram for the convertible lamp array device  100 , including the power input and spine power distribution. The side panel power distribution to the first side panel  102  and the second side panel  103  is repetitive and is shown in more detail in  FIG. 12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a digital timer  1010  with a relay output can be provided. It is contemplated that the digital timer  1010  can be mounted to the spine  101  (or other parts of the device) to display and control duration of light exposure to the patient. A counter  1011  can also be provided to record and display the number of hours that the lamp sub-panels have been powered. It is contemplated that the counter  1011  can also be mounted to the spine  101  or other parts of the device  100 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 11  illustrates a bottom view of the lamp sub-panels  910 ,  911  or  912 . A plurality of light emitting diodes  1124  and  1125  are shown mounted on a printed circuit board  1150 . The plurality of light emitting diodes  1124  and  1125  provide the light for treating the human skin disease and cosmetic abnormalities. However, it is contemplated that any light source that can treat human skin disease and cosmetic abnormalities could be used. A positive polarity trace  1121  runs along the left side of printed circuit board  1150 , and a positive polarity trace  1122  runs along the right side of printed circuit board  1150 . A negative polarity trace  1123  runs along the longer aspect centerline of the printed circuit board  1150 . On the left half of the board, a ballast resistor  1126  resides near the center of the board. On the right half of said board, a ballast resistor  1127  resides near the right edge of said board. The positive polarity  907  portion of the connector  952  is provided with a polarization tab  1130  pointed upward and the negative polarity  908  of the connector  952  is provided with a similar polarization tab  1131  pointed upward. A plurality of drilled through holes  1140  are provided for ventilation as required. 
         [0037]      FIG. 12  illustrates a wiring diagram of one of the lamp sub-panels  910 ,  911  or  912 . A plurality of light emitting diodes  1124  and  1125  are shown connected in a series and parallel fashion. The values of the ballast resistors  1126  and  1127  can be chosen to determine the current in any series chain of three light emitting diodes  1124  or  1125 . A reverse polarity protection diode  1210  may also be provided on the printed circuit board. 
         [0038]    The reference numeral  210  ( FIG. 2A ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a second embodiment for the convertible lamp array device. The convertible lamp array device  210  is similar to the previously described convertible lamp array device  100 , with the addition of a rounded slot  211  in the first wing panel  107  and the second wing panel  108 . With the second embodiment of the convertible lamp array device  210 , the arms  502  of a patient can pass through the rounded slots  211  in the first wing panel  107  and the second wing panel  108  when the chest or back of the patient are being treated as illustrated above in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . The second embodiment of the convertible lamp array device  210  can also be used to treat the face, scalp, arm, legs, feet and hands of a patient as discussed above in regard to the first embodiment of the convertible lamp array device  100 . 
         [0039]    Various alterations to the methods of treatment using the convertible lamp array device  100  and the construction of the convertible lamp array device  100  are contemplated. For example, it is contemplated that: (1) thumb screws or Phillips headed screws can be used in the hinges  104  and  105  to adjust the position of the hinges  104  and  105 ; (2) the arm, leg, hand or foot of a patient can be raised above the exam table with a folded towel, pillow or pad; (3) the wing panels  107  and  108  can include fasteners when not in use for connection to the side panels  102  and  103 ; (4) one or more fans can be used to enhance patient comfort (e.g., mounted in the spine  101 ); (5) the number of lamp sub-panels can vary depending on the size and location of the area being treated; (6) each pair of top hinges could be formed into a single hinge; (7) each bottom hinge could be divided into two or more separate hinges; (8) a clip could be added to one or both wing panels for holding a patient chart; (9) an integrated circuit could be added to the lamp sub-panels to control the current in each series chain of lamps; (10) one or more light detectors can be added to the bottom side of each lamp sub-panel to control the dose of light given to the patient; (11) a detachable detector can be added on a cable to the spine to enable a self-calibration of light intensity at a given point or points in the treatment zone; (12) in treatments where wing panels are otherwise unused, the wing panels could be folded downward to contact the exam table in order to provide an independent height adjustment; and (13) the circuit board  909  could include LEDs for emitting light towards the patient. Other modifications are also contemplated. 
         [0040]    Aspects of the convertible lamp array devices  100  and  210  of the present invention include an absence of heat sinks and stands to produce a smaller, lighter device that can be carried by a clinician from room to room, a constant-torque application mechanism that resides in the hinges to produce a device that is self-supporting, illumination panels that comprise one smaller, rectangular panel bounded on both longer sides by two larger, substantially square panels to product a device that emits a more uniform distribution of radiation onto a face and nose of a patient and that can be collapsed by folding for storage in a relatively small spatial volume, two hinged, non-illuminated panels for producing a device that can be converted by a clinician to treat differently sized areas of the human body (e.g., face and back) by a simple folding and unfolding manipulation of the device, a low-voltage operation and open construction that results in a device that is electrically safe and well ventilated, and lamp sub-panels of similar size with connection/disconnection points that produces a device that can be repaired by a person not skilled in the art. 
         [0041]    It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.