PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

A light therapy device may comprise a housing comprising a front bezel and a back portion detachably coupled to the front bezel, a printed circuit board assembly coupled to the housing, and at least one LED electrically coupled to the printed circuit board assembly. The at least one LED may be arranged and configured to emit light through at least one aperture of the front bezel. In some embodiments, the at least one LED is arranged and configured to pulse at a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty cycle.

BACKGROUND

Field

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to photobiomodulation therapy devices. Certain embodiments relate to light therapy devices configured to emit at least one of red and infrared light.

Description of Related Art

Photobiomodulation therapy (or light therapy) is a therapeutic technique that uses low-level wavelengths of light to improve health and treat a variety of health conditions, including skin issues, such as wrinkles, scars, and persistent wounds, among many other conditions. Photobiomodulation therapy uses non-ionizing light sources, including lasers, light emitting diodes, and/or broadband light, in the visible (400-700 nm) and infrared (700-1100 nm) electromagnetic spectrum. Photobiomodulation is a nonthermal process involving endogenous chromophores eliciting photophysical (i.e. linear and nonlinear) and photochemical events at various biological scales. Similar to how plants use sunlight to heal and grow, humans and animals are able to harness these wavelengths of light and turn them into cellular energy. This treatment stimulates the body's natural healing processes.

Currently, there are a number of photobiomodulation therapy devices available on the market. However, many of these devices are too small and require multiple sessions to treat large areas. As a result, there is a need for a photobiomodulation therapy system that can treat several areas in fewer treatments.

SUMMARY

The disclosure includes a light therapy device comprising a housing comprising a front bezel and a back portion detachably coupled to the front bezel, a printed circuit board assembly coupled to the housing, and at least one LED electrically coupled to the printed circuit board assembly, wherein the at least one LED is arranged and configured to emit light through at least one aperture of the front bezel. In some embodiments, the front bezel is configured to create a gradient to pull heat from the printed circuit board assembly and thereby act as a heat sink for the light therapy device. The front bezel may be comprised of aluminum. In some embodiments, an interior surface of the front bezel is coated with a white surface finished to thereby reflect light.

The light therapy device may further comprise at least one lens coupled to the front bezel, the at least one lens positioned to cover at least a portion of the at least one aperture such that the light travels from the at least one LED through the at least one lens. The device may further comprise at least one reflector coupled to the front bezel, wherein the at least one reflector surrounds at least a portion of the at least one LED to thereby reflect the light emitted from the at least one LED. In some embodiments, each LED of the at least one LED comprises a multi-die chip LED. The multi-die chip LED comprises four LEDs. In many embodiments, the four LEDs comprise two crimson LEDs and two infrared LEDs. The at least one LED may be dimmable.

In some embodiments, the printed circuit board assembly comprises the at least one LED and a control board. The control board may include at least one integrated circuit driver. In some embodiments, the light therapy device further comprises a rechargeable battery that includes a protection circuit module. The light therapy device may be configured to simultaneously charge the rechargeable battery and emit light from the at least one LED.

In some embodiments, the light therapy device further comprises a rubber handle coupled to a side portion of the housing and configured to enable a user to hold the light therapy device. The housing may define a soap-bar shape ergonomic form factor.

The light therapy device may be arranged and configured to operate in a recovery plus mode, wherein when the light therapy device operates in the recovery plus mode, the at least one LED may be arranged and configured to emit pulsed near infrared light. In some embodiments, the light therapy device is arranged and configured to operate in an ambient mode, wherein when the light therapy device operates in the ambient mode, the at least one LED is arranged and configured to emit ambient light. The light therapy device may be arranged and configured to operate in an alarm clock mode, wherein when the light therapy device operates in the alarm clock mode, the at least one LED is arranged and configured to emit ambient light at at least one of a predetermined time and upon an occurrence of a predetermined condition. When the light therapy device operates in the alarm clock mode, the at least one LED may be arranged and configured to emit ambient light of increasing intensity.

The light therapy device may be at least substantially waterproof.

The disclosure includes a light therapy system comprising a housing, a printed circuit board assembly coupled to the housing, and at least one LED electrically coupled to the printed circuit board assembly, wherein the at least one LED is arranged and configured to emit light through at least one aperture of the housing, wherein the at least one LED is arranged and configured to pulse at a predetermined frequency and at a predetermined duty cycle.

The light therapy system may further comprise a control panel coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to at least one of the printed circuit board assembly and the at least one LED. In some embodiments, the control panel further comprises a power button arranged and configured to operatively control power to the light therapy device. The control panel may further comprise a pulse button arranged and configured to operatively control the pulse of the at least one LED. In some embodiments, the control panel further comprises at least one of a mode button, a play/pause button, and a time button, wherein the mode button is arranged and configured to select a mode for light emission from the at least one LED, the play/pause button is arranged and configured to at least one of start and stop light emission from the at least one LED, and the time button is arranged and configured to select a time period for light emission from the at least one LED. The control panel may further comprise at least one indication light, wherein the at least one indication light is arranged and configured to indicate at least one of a power status, a red light emission status, an infrared light emission status, and a pulse status.

In some embodiments, the control panel comprises a controller board arranged and configured to operate the control panel, the controller board communicatively coupled to a mobile application on a remote computing device, the mobile application arranged and configured to operate the light therapy device by sending at least one command to the controller board. The control panel may further comprise a beeper function arranged and configured to emit a sound after a predetermined amount of time.

In many embodiments, the light therapy device is a first light therapy device arranged and configured to operate in a lead mode, the system further comprising a second light therapy device arranged and configured to operate in a follow mode. The first light therapy device may be arranged and configured to enter the lead mode upon pressing the power button for at least a predetermined amount of time. In some embodiments, when the first light therapy device is in the lead mode and the second light therapy device is in the follow mode, the second light therapy device is configured to be controlled via the control panel of the first light therapy device. When the first light therapy device is in the lead mode, the control panel may be active and when the second light therapy device is in the follow mode, a control panel of the second light therapy device may be inactive.

In some embodiments, the printed circuit board assembly comprises the at least one LED and at least one integrated circuit driver. The light therapy system may further comprise a medical grade power supply unit at least one of electrically and communicatively coupled to the power button, the power supply unit configured to output about 48 volts of power. In some embodiments, the medical grade power supply unit is electrically coupled to at least one insulation displacement connector configured to receive at least one of power and data from a plurality of electrical wires coupled to the medical grade power supply unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.

For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. All such aspects or advantages are not necessarily achieved by any particular embodiment. For example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.

INTRODUCTION

An objective of the present invention is to provide a variety of photobiomodulation therapy devices. Of the embodiments described herein are devices of different sizes and comprising different numbers of red and/or infrared LEDs.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of a light therapy device10. As shown, the device10may include a housing12, a front bezel14, and a handle42. The device10may be configured to couple to a charging stand48, as demonstrated inFIG. 1. Further details of the charging stand48will be discussed later in the disclosure, particularly with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10.FIG. 1also shows that the device10may comprise a soap-bar shape46. In some embodiments, the soap-bar shape46comprises a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. The device10may comprise any ergonomic shape suitable for a user to carry the device10. Though not shown inFIG. 1, in some embodiments, the device10includes a grip, a second handle, or a similar holding mechanism coupled to the housing12. The device10may define dimensions of about 3.75 inches by about 5.75 inches, and may weigh about 1 pound.

FIG. 2shows a back perspective view of the front bezel14detached from the light therapy device. In many embodiments, the housing12comprises the front bezel14and a back portion16, which is shown inFIG. 8. The front bezel14may be configured to detachably couple to the back portion16via the at least one coupling peg17, shown inFIG. 2. In some embodiments, the front bezel14is configured to fixedly couple to the back portion16via the at least one coupling peg17. The back portion16may comprise mechanisms configured to receive the at least one coupling peg17. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 2, the at least one coupling peg17is substantially hollow. As such, the back portion16may comprise at least one protrusion or similar mechanism, wherein the at least one coupling peg17is configured to receive the at least one protrusion or similar mechanism within the hollow portion of the peg17. In some embodiments, a mechanical fastener, such as a screw, passes through each of the at least one coupling peg17to thereby threadably mechanically couple to the back portion16. It should be appreciated that any type of mechanical fastener may be used.

The front bezel14may comprise any number of pegs, such as two pegs, three pegs, four pegs, five pegs, six pegs, seven pegs, eight peds, nine pegs, ten pegs, eleven pegs, twelve pegs, and thirteen or more pegs. Each peg of the at least one coupling peg17may define the same length. As shown inFIG. 2, the at least one coupling peg17may comprise varying lengths. In some embodiments, the front bezel14is configured to couple to the back portion16via other coupling methods, in addition to or instead of the at least one coupling peg17. For example, the front bezel14may couple to the back portion16via a channel lock, a friction fit, a draw latch or other latching mechanism, and/or any other suitable mechanical coupling mechanism.

The front bezel14may include at least one aperture22. As will be discussed further with reference toFIG. 3, the at least one aperture22may comprise at least one of at least one lens28and at least one reflector30configured to fit over at least one LED20. In many embodiments, the front bezel14is configured to act as a heat sink24for the device10. As such, the front bezel14may create a gradient to pull heat from the printed circuit board assembly18(shown inFIG. 3and hereafter referred to as the “PCBA18”) and disperse the heat to an external environment around the device10. The front bezel14may be constructed of at least one of aluminum, magnesium, aluminum alloy, and magnesium alloy. The use of these, or similar, materials may facilitate the transfer of heat from the PCBA18through the front bezel14. Generally, the front bezel14may be constructed of any type of material commonly used in the art of heat sinks. In some embodiments, the front bezel14comprises substantially the entire front portion of the device10. Accordingly, substantially the entire front portion of the device10may act as the heat sink24. The total heat dissipation of the device10may be about 6.6 W.

Due to the use of the front bezel14as a heat sink24, in many embodiments, the device10does not require the use of one or multiple fans or ventilation openings for the release of heat. As such, the device10may be considered substantially waterproof. In some embodiments, the device10meets the requirements for an Ingress Protection Code rating of 22, also known as an IP22 rating. An IP22 rating may indicate that the device10is “Protected from touch by fingers and objects greater than 12 millimeters” and “Protected from water spray less than 15 degrees from vertical,” as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Referring now toFIG. 3, as previously mentioned, the at least one aperture22comprises at least one lens28and at least one reflector30. In many embodiments, the at least one lens28is configured to cover at least a portion of the at least one aperture22such that light travels from at least one LED20of the device10through the at least one lens28. The at least one reflector30may be configured to surround at least a portion of the at least one LED20to thereby reflect the light emitted from the at least one LED20. In some embodiments, the front bezel14comprises both the at least one lens28and the at least one reflector30. As such, the front bezel14may be considered a “dual-purpose” element of the system10. (And when the function as a heat sink24is included, the front bezel14may be considered a “tri-purpose” element.) In some embodiments, an interior portion26(shown inFIG. 2) of the front bezel14is coated with a white surface finish to thereby reflect light.

The at least one reflector30may comprise the portion of the front bezel14surrounding each LED of the at least one LED20and each lens of the at least one lens28. For example, going back toFIG. 2, each reflector of the at least one reflector30may comprise one of the circular cavities of the front bezel14. In some embodiments, each cavity is positioned around one LED of the at least one LED20. Each cavity may be at least partially covered, for example on a front surface of the front bezel14, with a lens of the at least one lens28. An interior portion26of each reflector of the front bezel14may be coated with a white surface finish to thereby reflect light. In some embodiments, the interior portion26comprises another reflective surface coating, such as chrome. The at least one reflector30may be configured to concentrate the light emitted from the at least one LED20and direct the concentrated light toward the at least one lens28.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bshow front and back views, respectively, of the PCBA18. In many embodiments, the PCBA18is coupled to the housing12and located in an interior portion of the housing12between the front bezel14and the back portion16. The at least one LED20may be electrically coupled to the PCBA18. In some embodiments, the PCBA18also comprises a control board34operatively coupled to the at least one LED20and at least one user control on the housing12. As such, the PCBA18may comprise a single board design that integrates the at least one LED20and the control board34into the single board. The PCBA18may also include the LED drivers, switches, and MCU logic. In some embodiments, the PCBA18is coupled to a Bluetooth module configured to facilitate Bluetooth connection between the device10and a remote computing device. The remote computing device may include at least one user control operatively coupled to the control board34and, thereby, to the at least one LED20. In some embodiments, the PCBA18comprises a single multilayer FR4 board. Though not shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the PCBA18may include at least one integrated circuit driver.

FIG. 5shows a schematic view of at least one LED20. In many embodiments, each LED of the at least one LED20comprises a multi-die chip LED32. As demonstrated inFIG. 5, each multi-die chip LED32may comprise four LED die32a,32b,32c, and32d.In some embodiments, two of the four LED die, for example LED die32aand32c, comprise LEDs configured to emit red light at a wavelength of about 660 nm. The other two LED die,32band32d, may comprise LEDs configured to emit infrared light at a wavelength of about 850 nm. In some embodiments, the LED die configured to emit red light are configured to emit red light at a wavelength between 655 nm and 660 nm with an irradiance of about 8.3 mW/cm2at 6 inches. The LED die configured to emit infrared light may be configured to emit infrared light at a wavelength between about 840 nm and 870 nm with an irradiance of about 13.75 mW/cm2at 6 inches. It should be noted that irradiance measurements are approximate and based on measurements taken at a room temperature of 25° C. The total unit radiant flux may be equal to or greater than 5,099 mW. The total light output may be about 8.09 W. In some embodiments, the multi-die chip LED32comprises part number PBLB-3LQE-MJ produced by ProLight Opto, of Epistar Corp. (Taiwan). Wavelengths for light emission, for example, 660 nm and 850 nm, may be selected by the user independently or in combination with each other on a session-by-session basis.

The device10may include a total of twelve LEDs in the at least one LED20. Each LED of the twelve may comprise one multi-die chip LED32. As such, the total number of LED die coupled to the PCBA18may comprise forty-eight LED die. In some embodiments, the at least one LED20comprises at least one 4-in-1 LED in a 3030 package. Stated differently, each LED of the at least one LED20defines a width of 3.0 mm and a length of 3.0 mm. Each LED of the at least one LED20may define a height of about 1.8 mm. The red and infrared LEDs may define a cross pattern as shown inFIG. 5, where the shaded LED die32aand32cmay be considered red LEDs, and the non-shaded LED die32band32dmay be considered infrared LEDs. In some embodiments, LEDs configured to emit the light at the same wavelength are located side-by-side or top-to-bottom. The following tables illustrate additional technical details of the at least one multi-die chip LED32.

In some embodiments, the at least one LED is configured to emit light at wavelengths other than 660 nm and 850 nm. For example, at least one die in the multi-die chip LED32may be configured to emit light at any of the following colors: royal blue, blue, yellow-green, and amber. The corresponding emission spectra may include 380-500 nm for royal blue light, 400-520 nm for blue light, 400-710 nm for yellow-green light and 475-800 nm for amber light. In addition, at least one LED die may be configured to emit light at a wavelength greater than 850 nm. Regardless of the emission spectrum, the at least one LED20may be dimmable. A user may be able to select a custom wavelength for light emission from the at least one LED20.

Turning now toFIG. 6, a front view of the device10is shown. As previously discussed, the device10may include a housing12comprising a front bezel14, a handle42, and may be coupled to a charging stand48.FIG. 6also includes the at least one lens28, the at least one reflector30, and the at least one LED20. As discussed with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, the at least one lens28and at least one reflector30may be integrated into the front bezel14. The at least one LED20may be arranged in three rows of four for a total of twelve LEDs, as demonstrated inFIG. 6. The at least one LED may be arranged in four rows of three, six rows or two, or any other suitable arrangement to substantially evenly space the twelve LEDs and distribute them across the front bezel14. In some embodiments, the at least one LED20comprises more than twelve LEDs. The at least one LED20may comprise fewer than twelve LEDs. The LEDs may be arranged in a shape other than even lines; for example, in a single circle or concentric circles. Any arrangement of LEDs may be suitable to provide light therapy to a user of the device10.

The handle42may be configured to couple to at least one side portion44of the housing12, as shown inFIG. 7. In some embodiments, the handle42is detachably coupled to the at least one side portion44. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the housing12may comprise a substantially round protrusion located on the side portion44and the handle42may comprise a narrow opening (e.g., a slit) configured to flex open in order to receive the protrusion. The protrusion may define any shape and is not limited to a round protrusion. The narrow opening may define a height of about 19 mm and a width, when not flexed, of about 1 mm. The handle42may be coupled to the housing12such that it is configured to rotate, slide, or otherwise adjust position. Such a flexible configuration may enable any number of users to adjust the handle42for comfortable holding and/or transport of the device10.

In some embodiments, the handle42is comprised of a flexible material such as rubber. The handle42may comprise an inflexible (or rigid) material. The handle42may comprise a combination of materials. For example, an area around the narrow opening configured to receive the protrusion to thereby couple the handle42to the housing12may comprise a flexible material while the rest of the handle42comprises an inflexible material. In some embodiments, the handle42comprises a textured surface. The handle42may comprise a substantially smooth surface. Example dimensions of the handle42are as follows: about 68 mm height, about 3 mm thickness, about 153 mm outer length, and about 27 mm width. Any of the dimensions of the handle42may be greater or lesser than the listed example dimensions. The handle42may couple to any portion of the housing12, including, but not limited to, the front bezel14, the back portion16, a corner portion, and a top portion.

In many embodiments, the device10includes at least one user control located on the housing12. The at least one user control may be located on a side portion44of the housing12. The at least one user control may comprise at least one button and at least one indicator, such as a LED. The at least one user control may be at least one of operatively and electrically coupled to the control board34. In some embodiments, the at least one user control comprises at least one of a power button, a status LED, a pairing button, and a pairing LED. The power button and status LED may be located on one side portion44of the housing12, and the pairing button and pairing LED may be located on the other side portion44of the housing12. The at least one user control shown inFIG. 7may comprise the pairing button and pairing LED. In some embodiments, the status LED comprises a tri-color LED configured to emit, for example, blue, yellow, and green light. The pairing LED may comprise a dual-color LED configured to emit, for example, blue and green light. In some embodiments, the pairing LED comprises a single color LED. The status LED may comprise a single color, dual-color, tri-color, quad-color, etc., LED. At least one of the status LED and pairing LED may be configured to emit light in a solid color, a flashing color, or any other pattern, including patterns of varying speed.

In some embodiments, the power button is configured to turn the device10on, turn the device10off, and reset the device10. The pairing button may be used to enable and disable an airplane mode, as well as to pair the device10to a remote computing device, via a Bluetooth connection, for use with a mobile application. The Bluetooth connection may comprise a Bluetooth 5.0 connection. In many embodiments, the device10is configured to retain Bluetooth pairing to a remote computing device after a power on/off cycle. At least one of the at least one user control and the remote computing device may be configured to initiate at least one operational mode of the device10. In some embodiments, the at least one operational mode comprises at least one of a Recovery Plus Mode, an Ambient Mode, and an Alarm Clock Mode.

When the device10is arranged and configured to operate in the Recovery Plus Mode, the at least one LED20may be configured to emit pulsed infrared light. In many embodiments, the at least one LED20is configured to emit substantially continuous red light in the Recovery Plus Mode. The pulsed infrared light may be emitted at a single frequency. In some embodiments, the infrared light is pulsed at varying frequencies throughout the duration of the Recovery Plus Mode. “Varying” frequencies may comprise frequencies between 0 and 100 Hz, emitted at different duty cycle percentages. For example, the Recovery Plus Mode may include pulsing infrared light at 25 Hz and at 50% brightness for two minutes, increasing the frequency to 50 Hz at 75% brightness for two minutes, then reducing the frequency to 35 Hz and 40% brightness for two minutes. The Recovery Plus Mode may comprise any combination of frequency and brightness per duty cycle. The infrared light may be pulsed for a certain amount of time; for example, the infrared light may be emitted for two seconds every five seconds. The infrared light may be pulsed for a shorter or longer duration than two seconds. In some embodiments, the Recovery Plus Mode comprises pulsing red light and substantially continuous infrared light. The Recovery Plus Mode may include pulsed or continuous emission of infrared and/or near infrared light. The duration of a treatment session using Recovery Plus Mode may be selected by a user of the device10via at least one of the mobile application and the at least one user control. The Recovery Plus Mode may help facilitate cellular recovery by encouraging the removal of waste products from cells during a “quench period” in the cellular recovery process. The device10may be configured to automatically shut off at the end of a Recovery Plus Mode session. A user may manually shut off the device10.

When the device10is arranged and configured to operate in the Ambient Mode, the at least one LED20may be configured to emit ambient light. In many embodiments, the at least one LED20is configured to emit substantially continuous red light in the Ambient Mode. The Ambient Mode may be configured to operate for any duration selected by a user; for example, ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes, sixty minutes, etc. The device10may be configured to automatically shut off after the preselected duration for Ambient Mode. A user may manually shut off the device10. In many embodiments, the Ambient Mode is configured such that the at least one LED20emits substantially continuous red light at 50% of maximum brightness. The user may select a desired brightness level for Ambient Mode. Though used for “ambient” light purposes, during the Ambient Mode, the user may experience any of the various benefits provided by exposure to red light.

When the device10is arranged and configured to operate in the Alarm Clock Mode, the at least one LED20may be configured to emit ambient light upon at least one of a predetermined condition and at a predetermined time. It should be noted that the ambient light emitted in the Alarm Clock Mode may comprise the same light emitted in the Ambient Mode—substantially continuous red light emitted at 50% brightness. The ambient light emitted in the Alarm Clock Mode may include a ramp-up sequence before reaching a predetermined brightness level (e.g., 50%), wherein the at least one LED20is configured to emit light of increasing intensity over a predetermined period of time. For example, the at least one LED20may be configured such that, upon (or before) the predetermined condition and/or at (or before) the predetermined time, the at least one LED20is configured to turn on and emit red light at 10% brightness with a gradual increase to 50%. The user may select the beginning brightness and the duration of the ramp-up sequence, as well as the peak brightness level.

For example, the user may program the Alarm Clock Mode such that the device10is configured to emit red light at 50% brightness at 6:30 AM every morning, Monday-Friday. Beginning at 6:20 AM on Monday-Friday, the at least one LED20may be configured to emit red light at 10% brightness. The at least one LED20may be configured to gradually increase the brightness such that at 6:25 AM, the at least one LED20emits red light at 25% brightness. The at least one LED20may continue gradually increasing the brightness over the next five minutes such that at 6:30 AM, the red light is emitted at 50% brightness. A user may forgo the ramp-up sequence and instead configure the device10to turn on and immediately emit red light at the predetermined brightness at the predetermined time.

In some embodiments, the Alarm Clock Mode is configured such that the at least one LED20emits ambient light upon a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may comprise a variety of conditions. For example, a remote computing device of the user may be communicatively coupled to the device10such that a mobile application on the remote computing device is configured to trigger the at least one LED20. In some embodiments, the mobile application comprises a sleep tracking application configured to trigger the at least one LED20after a predetermined amount of sleep. The sleep tracking application may be configured to trigger the at least one LED20upon detection that the user is in a “light” phase of sleep, which may make it easier and more pleasant for the user to wake up.

As another example, the mobile application may be communicatively coupled to a smart device of the user's home, such as a coffee maker. In some embodiments, the mobile application is configured to trigger the at least one LED20upon completion of brewing at least one of a pot and a cup of coffee. The mobile application may be configured to trigger the at least one LED20upon starting to brew at least one of a pot and a cup of coffee. The mobile application may be coupled to another smart device, such as a smart thermostat. In some embodiments, the mobile application is configured to trigger the at least one LED20when the smart thermostat reaches a predetermined temperature.

“Triggering” the at least one LED20may comprise starting a ramp-up sequence. In some embodiments, “triggering” the at least one LED20comprises immediately emitting ambient light at the predetermined brightness (e.g., 50%). The Alarm Clock Mode may be configured to automatically shut off the at least one LED20after a predetermined amount of time. For example, the at least one LED20may be configured to shut off thirty minutes after at least one of the predetermined time and the occurrence of the predetermined condition. The user may manually turn off the device10.

As previously mentioned, the at least one LED20may comprise a dimmable LED. A dimming feature may be included in any or all of the Recovery Plus Mode, the Ambient Mode, and the Alarm Clock Mode. The dimming feature may also be integrated into a light therapy session using the device10. In some embodiments, regardless of the Mode, the at least one LED20may ramp-up from off to full (or a predetermined) brightness in a ten second period. When the device10is turned off and/or at the end of a treatment session, the at least one LED20may ramp-down from the existing brightness level to off in a ten second period. The ramp-up and/or ramp-down period may comprise more or fewer than ten seconds.

In some embodiments, at least one of the Recovery Plus Mode, the Ambient Mode, and the Alarm Clock Mode includes a beeper function. The device10may be configured to emit a sound (e.g., “beep”) as an indication of progress of a session using at least one of the stated Modes. For example, during the Recovery Plus Mode, the device10may be configured to beep at the beginning of a session, when two minutes remain in the session, and at the conclusion of the session. The device10may be configured to emit a sound as an indication of progress in a “regular” session that does not use one of the stated modes. Beeper functionality, including the volume of the sound emitted, the type of sound emitted (e.g., beep, chirp, chime, or the like), the number of times the sound is emitted (e.g., single beep vs. double beep), and when the sound is emitted (e.g., start of a session, halfway through a session, five minutes remaining, one minute remaining, end of session, every two minutes during a session, etc.) may be customizable based on preferences of the user. Beeper functionality may be programed via the device10, using the at least one user control, or via a mobile application on the remote computing device. A user may choose to forgo the beeper function so that the device10does not emit any sound during operation.

Referring now toFIG. 8, a back view of the device10is shown. As previously stated, the device10may include a housing12comprising a front bezel14(shown inFIGS. 1, 2, and 6) configured to couple to the back portion16. The back portion16may include a second handle, a grip, or a similar mechanism configured to be held by a user of the device10. The handle, grip, or the like may be integrated into the back portion16(e.g., as an element molded into the back portion16) or may comprise a separate component mechanically coupled to the back portion16.

In many embodiments, the device10is configured to couple to a cradle of the charging stand48.FIGS. 7 and 8show that the cradle of the charging stand48may comprise a portion configured to couple to the back portion16of the device10. In some embodiments, the device10is configured to restably couple (e.g., lean against) the back portion of the charging stand48. The device10may be mechanically coupled to the back portion of the charging stand48. The charging stand48may comprise a tiltable arm such that the position of the device10may be tilted to adjust the angle of light emission from the device10. The “arm” of the charging stand48may be considered a portion of the stand48coupling the cradle to a base portion of the stand48. In some embodiments, the cradle of the charging stand48is tiltable with respect to the arm of the charging stand48. The arm of the charging stand48may be tiltable with respect to the base of the stand48. The arm and the cradle may be tiltable with respect to one another.

In many embodiments, the device10is at least one of mechanically and electrically coupled to the charging stand48via a bottom portion49of the housing12, as shown inFIG. 9. More specifically, the device10may be configured to restably couple to the cradle of the charging stand48via at least a portion of the bottom portion49and electrically couple to the charging stand48via the charging contact50a. In many embodiments, the charging contact50aof the device10is configured to electrically couple to a charging contact50b(shown inFIG. 10) located on the cradle of the charging stand48. The electrical coupling may be configured to charge the rechargeable battery38(shown inFIG. 11) of the device10. In many embodiments, the device10is configured to charge the rechargeable battery38and operate (i.e., emit light from the at least one LED20) substantially simultaneously.

The device10may be configured for non-stand charging. Stated differently, in some embodiments, the rechargeable battery38of the device10is configured to receive a charge from a source other than the charging stand48. In some embodiments, the bottom portion49comprises at least one input port configured to electrically couple to a charging cable. The charging cable may be configured to provide 9V at 2 Amps of DC input power. In some embodiments, the charging cable comprises a portion of a 9V, 2 A, AC-DC power adapter. The power adapter may comprise a medical grade (Class II) power adapter. As such, the device10may be considered a Class II medical device. The power adapter may include at least one of the following features: an AC input voltage of 100-240V and 50-60 Hz; a DC line cable length of about 120 cm, and a DC jack measuring about 5.5 mm with a positive center pin measuring about 2 mm. The power adapter may meet UL/cUL (Underwriter Laboratories, USA and Canada), FCC (Federal Communications Commission), TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein), and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) safety approvals. In some embodiments, the charging cable is configured to couple to the charging stand48in order to provide power to the stand48.

The bottom portion49may include an additional port, such as a mini-USB port, configured to couple the device10to a remote computing device in order to receive firmware and/or software updates. The mini-USB, or similar port, may be configured to transfer data from the device10to a remote computing device. In some embodiments, the data comprises light therapy session data including the number of sessions, duration of sessions, light emission spectra of sessions, and sessions including at least one of Recovery Plus Mode, Ambient Mode, and Alarm Clock Mode. In some embodiments, the device10is configured to store the light therapy session data until the data is retrieved via the mini-USB or similar port. The session data may be stored on a memory chip coupled to the PCBA18. In some embodiments, the device10is configured to share session data with a remote computing device via a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection. The device10may be communicatively coupled to the remote computing device via any other suitable wireless connection, such as via at least one of a cellular and WiFi network. The session data may remain on the device10even after the data is shared with the remote computing device.

FIG. 10shows a perspective view of the charging stand48. As previously mentioned, the charging stand48may include a cradle portion configured to hold the device10. As such, the charging stand48may function as both a charging dock and a stand for the device10. The charging stand48may be configured to restably couple to a variety of surfaces including, but not limited to, a table, a countertop, a desk, a bed, a chair, and a floor surface. As discussed with reference toFIG. 9, the charging stand48may include a charging contact50bconfigured to electrically couple to the charging contact50aof the device10, thereby providing power to the rechargeable battery38of the device10. In some embodiments, at least one of the charging contact50aand the charging contact50bcomprises a spring connector. At least one of the charging contact50aand the charging contact50bmay comprise magnetic material such that the charging contact50aand the charging contact50bare configured to magnetically couple. Magnetic coupling may enable the device10to retain a charging position on the charging stand48and reduce the chance of severing the charging connection after a small movement, bump, etc., of the device10and/or the charging stand48.

Similar to the charging cable, the charging stand48may be configured to provide 9V of power to the device10in order to charge the rechargeable battery38. In some embodiments, the battery38is configured to receive 1.5 A of charging current. The battery38may be configured to receive 0.5 A of charging current. In some embodiments, the battery38is configured to receive a charging current between 0.5 A and 1.5 A. The battery38may be configured to receive charging current above 1.5 A. The battery38may be configured to receive charging current below 0.5 A. In some embodiments, the status LED discussed with reference toFIG. 7is configured to illuminate different colors based on a charge status of the rechargeable battery38. For example, the status LED may be configured to illuminate green when the battery38is fully charged, blue while the battery38is charging, and yellow when the battery38is low on charge. In some embodiments, when the battery38is “dead” or substantially empty, the status LED does not illuminate until placed on the charging stand48(or connected to a charging cable), at which point the status LED illuminates blue.

FIG. 11shows a perspective view of the rechargeable battery38. In many embodiments, the rechargeable battery38comprises a lithium-ion (“Li-ion”) polymer battery. The rechargeable battery38may comprise any other suitable type of rechargeable battery. In many embodiments, the rechargeable battery38includes a protection circuit module40configured to protect the rechargeable battery38from damage, such as damage that can occur from over-charging or over-discharging. The damage that can occur may be severe, including explosion of the battery. In many embodiments, the rechargeable battery38complies with IEC 62133-2:2017 safety requirements (for secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other-non-acid electrolytes). The rechargeable battery38may also comply with all safety requirements for Lithium cells used in portable applications.

In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery38also includes a plurality of conductor cables39and a connector41, as shown inFIG. 11. The plurality of conductor cables39may comprise three conductor cables. The connector41may comprise a Molex-105307-1203 with a current capacity of 6 A per pin, or similar connector. In some embodiments, the connector41is configured to couple to the charging contact50aof the device10to thereby receive power from the charging contact50a, via a docking printed circuit board assembly. In some embodiments, the docking printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the charging contact50aand the rechargeable battery38. The plurality of conductor cables39may be configured to transport power from the connector41to the body of the rechargeable battery38. The rechargeable battery38may include the following technical parameters: battery power—15.73 W, battery voltage—4V, battery current—3.93 A. It should be noted that the listed parameters may be representative of only one embodiment of the rechargeable battery38. In some embodiments, the device10includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries. The device10may include a single rechargeable battery38.

FIG. 12shows a light therapy system100, according to some embodiments. The system100may include a light therapy device102coupled to a stand103. In many embodiments, the light therapy device102comprises a housing104, at least one LED108, at least one aperture110, and a control panel116, as shown inFIG. 12. Various elements of the light therapy device102may be similar to some elements of the light therapy device10discussed with reference toFIGS. 1-11. For example, like the at least one aperture22, the at least one aperture110may comprise at least one lens and/or at least one reflector configured to be positioned over the at least one LED108. In many embodiments, the at least one lens is configured to cover at least a portion of the at least one aperture110such that light travels from at least one LED108of the device102through the at least one lens. The at least one lens may have a reflection angle of about twenty degrees. The at least one reflector may be configured to surround at least a portion of the at least one LED108to thereby reflect the light emitted from the at least one LED108. In some embodiments, an interior portion of the at least one reflector is coated with a reflective surface coating. The at least one reflector may be configured to concentrate the light emitted from the at least one LED108and direct the concentrated light toward the at least one lens.

In addition, like the at least one LED20, the at least one LED108may comprise a multi-die chip LED. Each multi-die chip LED may comprise four LED die. In some embodiments, two of the four LED die comprise LEDs configured to emit red light at a wavelength of about 660 nm. The other two LED die may comprise LEDs configured to emit infrared light at a wavelength of about 850 nm. In some embodiments, the LED die configured to emit red light are configured to emit red light at a wavelength between 655 nm and 660 nm with an irradiance of about 20 mW/cm2at 6 inches. The LED die configured to emit infrared light may be configured to emit infrared light at a wavelength between about 840 nm and 870 nm with an irradiance of about 20 mW/cm2at 6 inches. It should be noted that irradiance measurements are approximate and based on measurements taken at a room temperature of 25° C. The total unit radiant flux may be equal to or greater than 65 W. The total light output may be about 8.09 W.

In some embodiments, the multi-die chip LED comprises part number PBLB-3LQE-MJ produced by ProLight Opto, of Epistar Corp. (Taiwan). In some embodiments, the at least one LED108comprises at least one 4-in-1 LED in a 3030 package. Stated differently, each LED of the at least one LED108may define a width of 3.0 mm and a length of 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the at least one LED108comprises at least one 4-in-1 LED in a 3535 package. Stated differently, each LED of the at least one LED108may define a width of 3.5 mm and a length of 3.5 mm. Each LED of the at least one LED108may define a height of about 1.8 mm. The red and infrared LEDs may define a cross pattern. In some embodiments, LEDs configured to emit the light at the same wavelength are located side-by-side or top-to-bottom.

In some embodiments, the at least one LED108is configured to emit light at wavelengths other than 660 nm and 850 nm. For example, at least one die in the multi-die chip LED may be configured to emit light at any of the following colors: royal blue, blue, yellow-green, and amber. The corresponding emission spectra may include 380-500 nm for royal blue light, 400-520 nm for blue light, 400-710 nm for yellow-green light and 475-800 nm for amber light. In addition, at least one LED die may be configured to emit light at a wavelength greater than 850 nm. Regardless of the emission spectrum, the at least one LED108may be dimmable. A user may be able to select a custom wavelength for light emission from the at least one LED108.

In many embodiments, both the devices10,102are configured to provide at least one of red and infrared light therapy. It should be noted that the term “infrared light therapy”, as applied to the device10and/or the device102, may include emission of infrared and/or near infrared light.

FIG. 13shows another embodiment of the light therapy system100, including the light therapy device102comprising the housing104, the at least one LED108, the at least one aperture110, and the control panel116. As demonstrated byFIGS. 12 and 13, different embodiments of the device102may comprise light devices of different sizes. In some embodiments, the device102shown inFIG. 13is configured to couple to a door, a wall, or a stand other than the stand103shown inFIG. 12. For example, the device102shown inFIG. 13may be configured to couple to any of the components disclosed in U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/027,338, filed Sep. 21, 2020, entitled PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY DEVICE ACCESSORIES and produced by Joovv, Inc. of Delaware, USA. Different embodiments of the device102may comprise different numbers of LEDs in the at least one LED108. For example, the device102may comprise sixty LEDs in the at least one LED108, as shown inFIG. 12. The device102may comprise one hundred fifty LEDs in the at least one LED108, as shown inFIG. 13. Of course, the device102may comprise any number of LEDs in the at least one LED108, and is in no way limited to embodiments comprising exactly sixty or exactly one hundred fifty LEDs.

In many embodiments, the device102meets the requirements for an Ingress Protection Code rating of 21, also known as an IP21 rating. An IP21 rating may indicate that the device102is “Protected from touch by fingers and objects greater than 12 millimeters” and “Protected from condensation,” as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission. Unlike the device10, the device102may not be substantially waterproof.

FIG. 14shows an example graph of a predetermined duty cycle114. In many embodiments, the at least one LED108is arranged and configured to pulse at a predetermined frequency112and a predetermined duty cycle114. As shown inFIG. 14, the at least one LED108may be configured to emit infrared light at one predetermined duty cycle114and red light at another, different, predetermined duty cycle114. For example, in a given session time, the at least one LED108may be configured to ramp-up emission of infrared light to a 50% frequency for a period of time, increase to a 75% frequency for a period of time, decrease back to 50% for a period of time, increase back to 75% for a period of time, decrease back to 50% for a final time, then ramp-down to zero emission at the end of the session. The amount of time infrared light is emitted at each predetermined frequency112may be substantially the same throughout the duration of the session. The amount of time may vary during the course of the session.

For red light therapy, the at least one LED108may be configured to ramp-up to 25% frequency for a period of time, increase to 50% frequency for a period of time, decrease back to 25% for a period of time, increase back to 50% for a period of time, decrease back to 25% for a final time, then ramp-down to zero emission at the end of the session. As with the infrared emission, the amount of time red light is emitted at each predetermined frequency112may be substantially the same throughout the duration of the session. The amount of time may vary during the course of the session.

The predetermined duty cycle114may comprise at least one predetermined frequency112not shown inFIG. 14. In some embodiments, red light is configured to be emitted at a higher frequency than infrared light. Red and infrared light may be emitted at the same frequency. Infrared light may be emitted at a higher frequency than red light, as illustrated inFIG. 14. In some embodiments, the predetermined duty cycle114comprises steady emission (e.g., constant emission at a single predetermined frequency112) of, for example, red light, and emission of infrared light at varying frequencies. The predetermined duty cycle114may comprise steady emission of infrared light and emission of red light at varying frequencies. In some embodiments, the predetermined duty cycle114comprises emission of only red light or infrared light. Varying the predetermined frequency112for a predetermined duty cycle114may include more than two different frequencies. For example, the predetermined duty cycle114may include emission of red light at 10%, then 70%, then 35%, then 95%, then 100%, then 25%, then 20%, then 60%, then zero. Any combination of frequency emissions may be implemented in the predetermined duty cycle114.

FIG. 15shows an embodiment of a printed circuit board assembly106(hereafter “PCBA106”). The PCBA106may be coupled to the housing104, and the at least one LED108may be electrically coupled to the PCBA106. In many embodiments, the PCBA106includes at least one integrated circuit (hereafter “IC”) driver146, at least one flexible printed circuit connector160, and at least one fan connector162. The at least one IC driver146may be configured to control the brightness of the at least one LED108. In addition, the at least one IC driver146may be configured to provide options for pulsing the at least one LED108. Pulsing the at least one LED108will be discussed further with reference to a Pulse Mode andFIG. 16. In some embodiments, the use of the at least one IC driver146helps facilitate the use of a single power supply unit for the device102. The power supply unit will be discussed in greater detail with reference toFIG. 33. The IC driver146may convert light from AC to DC power.

In some embodiments, the PCBA106is electrically coupled to a single 48V power harness. The power harness will be discussed further with reference toFIGS. 23-31. The at least one LED108electrically coupled to the PCBA106may comprise sixteen red LEDs and fourteen infrared LEDs. In some embodiments, the PCBA106comprises sixteen infrared LEDs and fourteen red LEDs. The at least one IC driver146may comprise different current setting resistor values depending on the distribution of LEDs on the PCBA106. For example, the at least one IC driver146of a PCBA106comprising sixteen red LEDs may have a different current setting resistor value than the at least one IC driver146of a PCBA106comprising fourteen red LEDs. The at least one IC driver146may be configured to control the red LED loop and the infrared LED loop individually. The device102may comprise a plurality of PCBAs106.

In some embodiments, the at least one flexible printed circuit connector160shown inFIG. 15is used to at least one of electrically and communicatively couple one PCBA106to another PCBA106within a device102. The fan connector162may be configured to at least one of electrically and communicatively couple the PCBA106to a fan. The fan may be configured to turn on upon receipt of a signal from the PCBA106. The signal may indicate that the heat emitted from the PCBA106has exceeded a predetermined level, so that the fan may turn on to assist in dissipating the heat. The fan may turn on automatically when the device102is turned on. In some embodiments, the system10includes a plurality of fans. In addition to at least one fan, the system10may comprise a heat sink158(shown inFIG. 32) to assist in heat dissipation. In many embodiments, the at least one lens, at least one reflector, PCBA106, and heat sink158comprise a single piece.

FIG. 16shows a front view of a control panel116. In many embodiments, the control panel116is coupled to the housing104and operatively coupled to at least one of the PCBA106and the at least one LED108. The control panel116may be coupled to a side portion of the housing104, as shown inFIG. 13. The control panel116may be coupled anywhere on the housing104. As illustrated inFIG. 16, the control panel116may include a power button118, a pulse button120, a mode button122, a play/pause button124, a time button126, at least one indication light128, and a control panel display130.

In some embodiments, the power button118is configured to operatively control power to the light therapy device102. The power button118may be configured to turn the device102on, turn the device102off, and put the device102in a standby mode. The pulse button120may be configured to operatively control the pulse of the at least one LED108. It should be noted that the term “the pulse” of the at least one LED108may indicate that the at least one LED108is arranged and configured to alternately emit light and refrain from emitting light. The play/pause button124may be configured to at least one of start and stop light emission from the at least one LED108. The time button may be configured to select a time period for light emission from the at least one LED108. The time button may also be configured to set a real time clock. The control panel display130may be configured to display information regarding a treatment session. The information may include, but is not limited to; a session time (elapsed or remaining), a session mode, a real time clock, and a date. The at least one indication light128may be configured to indicate at least one of a power status, a red light emission status, an infrared light emission status, and a pulse status.

In some embodiments, the mode button122is configured to select a mode for light emission from the at least one LED108. The mode for light emission may comprise at least one of a Recovery Plus Mode, an Ambient Mode, an Alarm Clock Mode, a Lead Mode140(shown in, and discussed with reference to,FIG. 21A), and a Follow Mode142(shown in, and discussed with reference to,FIG. 21B).

When the device102is arranged and configured to operate in the Recovery Plus Mode, the at least one LED108may be configured to emit pulsed infrared light. In many embodiments, the at least one LED108is configured to emit substantially continuous red light in the Recovery Plus Mode. The pulsed infrared light may be emitted at a single frequency. In some embodiments, the infrared light is pulsed at varying frequencies throughout the duration of the Recovery Plus Mode. “Varying” frequencies may comprise frequencies between 0 and 100 Hz, emitted at different duty cycle percentages. For example, the Recovery Plus Mode may include pulsing infrared light at 25 Hz and at 50% brightness for two minutes, increasing the frequency to 50 Hz at 75% brightness for two minutes, then reducing the frequency to 35 Hz and 40% brightness for two minutes. The Recovery Plus Mode may comprise any combination of frequency and brightness per duty cycle. The infrared light may be pulsed for a certain amount of time; for example, the infrared light may be emitted for two seconds every five seconds. The infrared light may be pulsed for a shorter or longer duration than two seconds. In some embodiments, the Recovery Plus Mode comprises pulsing red light and substantially continuous infrared light. The Recovery Plus Mode may include pulsed or continuous emission of infrared and/or near infrared light. The duration of a treatment session using Recovery Plus Mode may be selected by a user of the device102via at least one of the mobile application and the at least one user control. The Recovery Plus Mode may help facilitate cellular recovery by encouraging the removal of waste products from cells during a “quench period” in the cellular recovery process. The device102may be configured to automatically shut off at the end of a Recovery Plus Mode session. A user may manually shut off the device102.

When the device102is arranged and configured to operate in the Ambient Mode, the at least one LED108may be configured to emit ambient light. In many embodiments, the at least one LED108is configured to emit substantially continuous red light in the Ambient Mode. The Ambient Mode may be configured to operate for any duration selected by a user; for example, ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes, sixty minutes, etc. The device102may be configured to automatically shut off following the end of the preselected duration of the Ambient Mode session. A user may manually shut off the device102. In many embodiments, the Ambient Mode is configured such that the at least one LED108emits substantially continuous red light at 50% of maximum brightness. The user may select a desired brightness level for Ambient Mode. Though used for “ambient” light purposes, during the Ambient Mode, the user may experience any of the various benefits provided by exposure to red light.

When the device102is arranged and configured to operate in the Alarm Clock Mode, the at least one LED108may be configured to emit ambient light upon at least one of a predetermined condition and at a predetermined time. It should be noted that the ambient light emitted in the Alarm Clock Mode may comprise the same light emitted in the Ambient Mode—substantially continuous red light emitted at 50% brightness. The ambient light emitted in the Alarm Clock Mode may include a ramp-up sequence before reaching a predetermined brightness level (e.g., 50%), wherein the at least one LED108is configured to emit light of increasing intensity over a predetermined period of time. For example, the at least one LED108may be configured such that, upon (or before) the predetermined condition and/or at (or before) the predetermined time, the at least one LED108is configured to turn on and emit red light at 10% brightness with a gradual increase to 50%. The user may select the beginning brightness and the duration of the ramp-up sequence, as well as the peak brightness level.

For example, the user may program the Alarm Clock Mode such that the device102is configured to emit red light at 50% brightness at 6:30 AM every morning, Monday-Friday. Beginning at 6:20 AM on Monday-Friday, the at least one LED108may be configured to emit red light at 10% brightness. The at least one LED108may be configured to gradually increase the brightness such that at 6:25 AM, the at least one LED108emits red light at 25% brightness. The at least one LED108may continue gradually increasing the brightness over the next five minutes such that at 6:30 AM, the red light is emitted at 50% brightness. A user may forgo the ramp-up sequence and instead configure the device102to turn on and immediately emit red light at the predetermined brightness at the predetermined time.

In some embodiments, the Alarm Clock Mode is configured such that the at least one LED108emits ambient light upon a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may comprise a variety of conditions. For example, a remote computing device136of the user may be communicatively coupled to the device102such that a mobile application on the remote computing device136is configured to trigger the at least one LED108. In some embodiments, the mobile application comprises a sleep tracking application configured to trigger the at least one LED108after a predetermined amount of sleep. The sleep tracking application may be configured to trigger the at least one LED108upon detection that the user is in a “light” phase of sleep, which may make it easier and more pleasant for the user to wake up.

As another example, the mobile application may be communicatively coupled to a smart device of the user's home, such as a coffee maker. In some embodiments, the mobile application is configured to trigger the at least one LED108upon completion of brewing at least one of a pot and a cup of coffee. The mobile application may be configured to trigger the at least one LED108upon starting to brew at least one of a pot and a cup of coffee. The mobile application may be coupled to another smart device, such as a smart thermostat. In some embodiments, the mobile application is configured to trigger the at least one LED108when the smart thermostat reaches a predetermined temperature.

“Triggering” the at least one LED108may comprise starting a ramp-up sequence. In some embodiments, “triggering” the at least one LED108comprises immediately emitting ambient light at the predetermined brightness (e.g., 50%). The Alarm Clock Mode may be configured to automatically shut off the at least one LED108after a predetermined amount of time. For example, the at least one LED108may be configured to shut off thirty minutes after at least one of the predetermined time and the occurrence of the predetermined condition. The user may manually turn off the device102.

As previously mentioned, the at least one LED108may comprise a dimmable LED. A dimming feature may be included in any or all of the Recovery Plus Mode, the Ambient Mode, and the Alarm Clock Mode. The dimming feature may also be integrated into a light therapy session using the device102. In some embodiments, regardless of the Mode, the at least one LED108may ramp-up from off to full (or a predetermined) brightness in a ten second period. When the device102is turned off and/or when a treatment session is finished, the at least one LED108may ramp-down from the existing brightness level to off in a ten second period. The ramp-up and/or ramp-down period may comprise more or fewer than ten seconds.

In some embodiments, at least one of the Recovery Plus Mode, the Ambient Mode, and the Alarm Clock Mode includes a beeper function. The device102may be configured to emit a sound (e.g., “beep”) as an indication of progress of a session using at least one of the stated Modes. For example, during the Recovery Plus Mode, the device102may be configured to beep at the beginning of a session, when two minutes remain in the session, and at the conclusion of the session. The device102may be configured to emit a sound as an indication of progress in a “regular” session that does not use one of the stated modes. Beeper functionality, including the volume of the sound emitted, the type of sound emitted (e.g., beep, chirp, chime, or the like), the number of times the sound is emitted (e.g., single beep vs. double beep), and when the sound is emitted (e.g., start of a session, halfway through a session, five minutes remaining, one minute remaining, end of session, every two minutes during a session, etc.) may be customizable based on preferences of the user. Beeper functionality may be programed via the device102, using the at least one user control, or via a mobile application on the remote computing device. A user may choose to forgo the beeper function so that the device102does not emit any sound during operation.

Turning now toFIG. 17, in some embodiments, the control panel116comprises a controller board132arranged and configured to operate the control panel116. As indicated inFIG. 17, the controller board132may include the button inputs for each of the power button118, time button126, the pulse button120, the mode button122, and the play/pause button124. Though not labeled inFIG. 17, the controller board132may also include at least one connector port configured to receive at least one cable in order to at least one of electrically and communicatively couple a controller board132of one device102to a controller board132of another device102. In some embodiments, the at least one cable comprises an RJ11 cable and the at least one connector port comprises an RJ11-compatible port.

The control panel116may include an additional port, such as a mini-USB port, configured to couple the device102to a remote computing device136in order to receive firmware and/or software updates. The device102may be configured to receive firmware and/or software updates wirelessly from the remote computing device136via a mobile application134. The mini-USB, or similar port, may be configured to transfer data from the device102to a remote computing device136. In some embodiments, the data comprises light therapy session data including the number of sessions, duration of sessions, light emission spectra of sessions, and sessions including at least one of Recovery Plus Mode, Ambient Mode, and Alarm Clock Mode. In some embodiments, the device102is configured to store the light therapy session data until the data is retrieved via the mini-USB or similar port. The session data may be stored on a memory chip coupled to at least one of the controller board132and the PCBA106. In some embodiments, the device102is configured to share session data with a remote computing device136via a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection. The Bluetooth connection may comprise a Bluetooth 5.0 connection. The device102may be communicatively coupled to the remote computing device136via any other suitable wireless connection, such as via at least one of a cellular and WiFi network. The session data may remain on the device102even after the data is shared with the remote computing device136.

In many embodiments, the controller board132of the control panel116is communicatively coupled to a mobile application134on the remote computing device136, as shown inFIG. 18. The mobile application134may be arranged and configured to operate the device102by sending at least one command138to the controller board132of the control panel116. In some embodiments, the controller board132includes a Real Time Clock. The Real Time Clock may enable the device102to store information and understand how to tell time. In some embodiments, the Real Time Clock is useful for communicating with the mobile application134, as the device102can “remember” session history and transfer information to the mobile application134.

FIG. 19shows a view of a back portion154of the light therapy device102with a zoomed-in view of a plurality of ports156. In many embodiments, the plurality of ports156comprises the mini-USB (or similar) port and the dual RJ11-compatible (or similar) ports previously discussed in this disclosure. Though illustrated on the back portion154, the plurality of ports156may be located on a side portion, top portion, bottom portion, or front portion of the housing104. In some embodiments, the mini-USB port is coupled to one location of the housing104and the dual RJ11-compatible ports are coupled to a different location of the housing104. The back portion154may also include an AC-input socket for providing power to the device102. As previously mentioned, the device102may include at least one fan to assist in dissipation of the heat produced by the PCBA106. Accordingly, the back portion154of the device102may include at least one ventilation opening in the housing104in order to provide air to an internal portion of the device102. The at least one fan may comprise at least one of a traditional fan and a side blow fan. In many embodiments, the at least one fan comprises a low-noise fan.

FIG. 20shows the system100including six light therapy devices: a first light therapy device102a, a second light therapy device102b, a third light therapy device102c, a fourth light therapy device102d, a fifth light therapy device102e, and a sixth light therapy device102f.In many embodiments, the light therapy devices102a-fare at least one of mechanically, electrically, and communicatively coupled to one another via at least one cable144in a “daisy-chain” configuration. The at least one cable144may comprise an RJ11 (or similar) cable. In some embodiments, an RJ11 cable is configured to couple two light therapy devices102. Accordingly, in the arrangement illustrated inFIG. 20, the system100may require five RJ11 cables to couple the six light therapy devices102. Though illustrated with six light therapy devices102, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the system100includes fewer than six devices102. The system may include more than six light therapy devices102.

In many embodiments, when the system100includes a plurality of light therapy devices102, a first light therapy device102ais configured to operate in a lead mode140and a second (or third, fourth, etc.) light therapy device102b(102c,102d, etc.) is configured to operate in a follow mode142.FIGS. 21A and 21Billustrate a control panel116in a lead mode140and a follow mode142. In some embodiments, when the first light therapy device102ais in the lead mode140and the second light therapy device102bis in the follow mode142, the second light therapy device102bis configured to be controlled via the control panel116of the first light therapy device102a. As such, when the first light therapy device102ais in the lead mode140, the control panel116is active, as illustrated inFIG. 21A. When the second light therapy device102bis in the follow mode142, the control panel116may be inactive, as illustrated inFIG. 21B. An inactive control panel116may comprise a blank control panel display130and non-illuminated at least one indication light128.

In some embodiments, the first light therapy device102ais configured to enter the lead mode140upon pressing the power button118for at least a predetermined amount of time. The second light therapy device102bmay be configured to enter the follow mode142upon pressing the power button118for at least a predetermined amount of time. In some embodiments, a button other than the power button118is used to configure lead and follow modes140,142. For example, the mode button122may be used to configure lead and follow modes140,142in the devices102a,102b. A plurality of buttons on the control panel116may be used to configure lead and follow modes. In some embodiments, the device102in lead mode140is configured (e.g., lead mode is set) before the device102in follow mode142is configured (e.g., follow mode is set). The lead mode140and follow mode142setup may be achieved via the mobile application134.

FIG. 22shows a perspective view of the system100, including four light therapy devices102a,102b,102c, and102d. In some embodiments, the light therapy devices102a-dare substantially the same as the light therapy devices102shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. As depicted, the light therapy devices102a,102b,102c, and102dmay be configured to couple to a door. The light therapy devices102a,102b,102c, and102dmay be configured to couple to a wall, a mobile stand, and/or a fixed stand.

FIG. 23shows a schematic view of the system100, including an AC input socket151, a power supply unit148, a plurality of electrical wires152, a controller board132, at least one insulation displacement connector150, and a plurality of PCBAs106. As indicated, the AC input socket151may be coupled to the power supply unit148. In some embodiments, the AC input socket151is at least one of electrically and mechanically coupled to the power supply unit148. In some embodiments, the at least one insulation displacement connector150comprises at least one insulation displacement connector. The plurality of electrical wires152may extend from the power supply unit148and couple to each of the controller board132and the PCBAs106via the at least one insulation displacement connector150. In some embodiments, the use of the at least one insulation displacement connector150facilitates efficiency in cable management by enabling the system100to use a single cable harness, where the wiring for each PCBA106is grouped into the harness via the at least one insulation displacement connector150. The cable harness may be configured to get thinner the further the harness extends from the power supply unit148. As indicated inFIG. 23, the device102may include five PCBAs106. The device102may include fewer than five PCBAs106. For example, the embodiment of the device102shown inFIG. 12may comprise two PCBAs106. The embodiment of the device102shown inFIG. 13may comprise five PCBAs106. In some embodiments, the device102includes one, three, four, or more than five PCBAs106.

FIGS. 24-28show electrical schematics of the system100.FIGS. 24-28illustrate embodiments of the system100with increasing numbers of light devices. For example,FIG. 24shows an electrical schematic including a first light device102a,FIG. 25shows an electrical schematic including a first light device102aand a second light device102b,FIG. 26shows an electrical schematic including a first light device102a, a second light device102b, and a third light device102c. Each ofFIGS. 24-28also includes the AC input socket151, the power supply unit148, the plurality of electrical wires152, the controller board132, and an insulation displacement connector (represented as “IDC” in the Figures)150per light device102.

In many embodiments, the controller board132is also coupled to an insulation displacement connector150. The controller board132may be electrically coupled to a first insulation displacement connector150avia a plurality of sharpened blades, whereby each sharpened blade of the plurality of sharpened blades penetrates the insulation surrounding each wire of the plurality of electrical wires152to thereby electrically and communicatively couple the first insulation displacement connector150ato the controller board132. The first light therapy device102amay be at least one of electrically and communicatively coupled to a second insulation displacement connector150bin substantially the same manner. The second light therapy device102bmay be at least one of electrically and communicatively coupled to a third insulation displacement connector150c, and so forth for the third, fourth, and fifth light therapy devices102c-e. In some embodiments, the system100includes more than five light therapy devices102. The system100may comprise n+1 insulation displacement connectors150, where “n” represents the number of light therapy devices102.

In some embodiments, the plurality of sharpened blades comprises six sharpened blades, and the plurality of electrical wires152comprises six electrical wires152a-f. The plurality of electrical wires152may comprise more or fewer than six electrical wires. For example, the number of electrical wires may be 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or any other number necessary for the electrical configuration of the system100. In many embodiments, the number of sharpened blades corresponds to the number of electrical wires in the plurality of electrical wires152. The number of sharpened blades may be greater than the number of electrical wires in the plurality of electrical wires152. In such an embodiments, at least one of the sharpened blades is not coupled to an electrical wire.

The plurality of electrical wires152is configured to transmit at least one of power and data through a first insulation displacement connector150a, a second insulation displacement connector150b, the AC input socket151, and the power supply unit148. The first and second insulation displacement connectors150a,150bare at least one of electrically and communicatively coupled to one another.

In many embodiments, the plurality of electrical wires152carries at least one of power and data through the system100. Electrical wires152a,152bmay carry current for power from the AC input socket151to the power supply unit148, thereby electrically coupling the AC input socket151and power supply unit148, as illustrated inFIG. 24. The power supply unit148may provide a target output voltage of 48 volts to the light therapy system. By sending data to the first light therapy device102a, electrical wires152c,152dmay be configured to control red light emission and electrical wires152e,152fmay be configured to control infrared light emission.

The plurality of electrical wires152may be spliced at each insulation displacement connector150a-f. The use of insulation displacement connectors150may be referred to as insulation displacement technology, or “IDT”. In many embodiments, these connectors150provide an easy and clean way for electrical coupling. All connectors150a-fmay receive at least one of power and data from a continuous wiring harness.

FIG. 29Aillustrates the first light therapy device102a. A treatment surface105on the housing104may include the at least one LED108. The at least one LED108may be evenly distributed across each light therapy device102, such that the light therapy device102includes a certain number of red LEDs and infrared LEDs. It should also be appreciated that LEDs of blue light, green light, amber light, and light of other wavelengths may be used instead of red and infrared LEDs.

As previously discussed, in some embodiments, the light therapy device102comprises a plurality of PCBAs106. The at least one LED108of a first PCBA106amay comprise sixteen red LEDs and fourteen infrared LEDs. A second PCBA106bmay comprise fourteen red LEDs and sixteen infrared LEDs. Like the first PCBA106a, a third PCBA106cmay comprise sixteen red LEDs and fourteen infrared LEDs. A fourth PCBA106dmay comprise fourteen red LEDs and sixteen infrared LEDs, like the second PCBA106b. As such, the pattern may continue with alternating numbers of red and infrared LEDs on each PCBA106, where every other PCBA106comprises substantially the same proportion of each color of LEDs.

FIG. 29Billustrates an insulation displacement connector150configured to couple to the controller board132and/or light therapy devices102a-e. In some embodiments, the insulation displacement connector150is configured to splice ten wires on the connection point and is configured to send at least one of power and data to the corresponding controller board132and/or light therapy devices102a-e. As previously stated, the insulation displacement connector150may comprise any number of electrical wires, depending on the size and/or configuration of the system100and the number of light therapy devices102.

FIG. 29Cillustrates an example embodiment of a portion of the plurality of electrical wires152. The plurality of electrical wires152may comprise six electrical wires152a-f. In some embodiments, this number of electrical wires152is configured to couple to a controller board132and at least one light therapy device102.

FIG. 29Dillustrates an AC input socket151, including front, top, and side views. In some embodiments, only electrical wires152a-bcarrying power may pass from the AC input socket151to the power supply unit148, thereby supplying power to the light therapy system100.

FIG. 30illustrates an electrical schematic of the light therapy system100. The plurality of electrical wires152may electrically couple to the insulation displacement connectors150a-f, thereby providing power from the power supply unit148to the light therapy devices102a-eand the controller board132. As previously discussed, the plurality of electrical wires may be configured to carry data, as well as power, from the insulation displacement connectors150a-fto the light therapy devices102a-eand the controller board132.

FIG. 31shows a detailed view of the at least one insulation displacement connector150. In some embodiments, the at least one insulation displacement connector150is configured to receive at least one of power and data from a plurality of electrical wires152coupled to the power supply unit148. The at least one insulation displacement connector150may be configured to snapably couple to the PCBA106and controller board132. In some embodiments, the at least one insulation displacement connector150comprises a male connector153a, which is configured to snapably couple to a female connector153bcoupled to the PCBA106. The male connector153amay comprise part number 09NR-D4K-P from J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd. The female connector153bmay comprise part number B9B-XH-A from J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd, which may be configured to snapably receive the male connector153a. In some embodiments, the insulation displacement connector150is configured to receive 48V of power from the power supply unit148and distribute the power over the plurality of electrical wires152. The use of the at least one insulation displacement connector150may allow the system100to make electrical connections and distribute power without losing voltage.

FIG. 32shows a side view of a portion of the device100, including the heat sink158, a thermal interface material, the PCBA106, the at least one LED108, the at least one IC driver146, and a plurality of attachment mechanisms. In some embodiments, the thermal interface material is located between the PCBA106and the heat sink158to ensure sufficient pressure and interface area between the PCBA106and the heat sink158. As illustrated inFIG. 32, the LEDs108and the IC driver146may be mounted on the PCBA106. The light therapy device102may include the plurality of attachment mechanisms to mount the PCBA106to the heat sink158. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 32, two mounting screws are used are used as the attachment mechanisms. Any number of mounting screws, or other types of attaching mechanisms, may be used to couple the PCBA106to the heat sink158.

FIG. 33shows a perspective view of the power supply unit148, including the AC input socket151. In many embodiments, the power supply unit148comprises a medical grade power supply unit148at least one of electrically and communicatively coupled to the power button118. The power supply unit148may be configured to output about 48V of power. As previously discussed, the light therapy device102may use a single power supply unit148. The use of a single power supply unit148may create a higher efficiency ratio from power consumption to light output. Stated differently, the process of converting power IN to power OUT may be more efficient through the use of a single power supply unit148than it would be through the use of multiple power supply units. In addition, the user of a single power supply unit148may allow for more light engine options for the system100. The power supply unit148may be double fused for additional safety. The power supply unit148may have an operating altitude of up to 5000 meters.

In some embodiments, the power supply unit148comprises a medical grade (Class II) power supply unit148. As such, the device102may be considered a Class II medical device. The device102may hold the following certifications from the International Electrotechnical Commission: IEC 60601, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 62471, IEC 60601-2-83, IEC 60601-1-11, IEC 60601-2-57, and IEC 60601-1-6. In some embodiments, the device102is a double-insulated device for increased safety.

FIG. 34shows a view of a back plate149of the power supply unit148; including AC input151and AC output connections. The AC-IN socket151may comprise a C18 type socket with two integrated fuse holders. The AC-OUT socket may comprise a C17 type socket. The power supply unit148may include two 250 VAC fuses at 10 A to protect the two lines of the AC-IN socket. The AC input151may be configured to plug into a standard 15 A wall socket, then daisy chain to multiple light therapy devices102via the RJ11 cables. At least one of the AC-IN151and AC-OUT sockets may comprise a locking feature. In some embodiments, all wires, connectors, sockets, and terminals of the power supply unit148are UL approved.

Materials

Any of the components of the light therapy device10and the light therapy device102may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the front bezel14of the device10may comprise die-cast aluminum, magnesium, or a blend of the two or alloys of the two. The back portion16of the device10may comprise injection-molded plastic(s). The at least one reflector30may comprise clear plastic or glass. The heat sink158may comprise aluminum. In many embodiments, the PCBAs18,106, comprise a combination of materials.

Various components may comprise any metallic, plastic, or combination material. Metallic materials may comprise steel, aluminum, magnesium, or any other metal or combination of metals. In many embodiments, the components are comprised of durable material(s) configured to withstand everyday wear-and-tear and more significant potential damage, such as being dropped, bumped, knocked against a wall and/or door, etc. The components may comprise any color, whether the natural color of a material (e.g., metallic components may be silver in color) or an applied color (e.g., paint, powder coating, etc.).

Interpretation

None of the steps described herein is essential or indispensable. Any of the steps can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can be used. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example in this specification can be combined or used with or instead of any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other.

The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting. The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the full scope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headings and subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled “Topic 1” may include embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the “Topic 1” section.

The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain methods, events, states, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

The term “and/or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or” applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced with A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A and B, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include B and C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can include only B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments can include A, B, and C. The term “and/or” is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

The term “substantially” is used to mean “completely” or “nearly completely”. For example, the disclosure includes, “In some embodiments, the front bezel14comprises substantially the entire front portion of the device10.” In this context, “substantially the entire front portion” means that the front bezel may comprise completely or nearly completely the front portion of the device. The front bezel may comprise at least 80% of the front portion of the device, and fall within the understood meaning of “substantially” as used in this disclosure.

The term “about” is used to mean “approximately”. For example, the disclosure includes, “the power supply unit configured to output about 48 volts of power.” In this context, “about 48 volts” means “approximately” 48 volts. A power output between 45 volts and 51 volts may fall within an acceptable range of “about 48 volts”.