Abstract:
An infrared heating device and therapy for lower back pain includes a belt fastenable around a user so that the belt is overlaying at least a portion of a lumbar region of the user. An infrared emitting element is adjustably positionable between the belt and at a selected area of the user&#39;s lumbar region where a user desires pain relief therapy. A portable power supply is attachable to the belt and electrically connectable to the infrared emitting element so that the user can receive infrared therapy at specific selected areas of the lower back while moving, standing, sitting, reclining or sleeping.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of priority to co-pending and co-owned provisional application titled INFRARED HEATING DEVICES &amp; THERAPY FOR CHRONIC LOWER BACK PAIN, filed by the present applicant on May 26, 2006, as application Ser. No. ______ (serial number not yet assigned) and such prior provisional application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    Chronic lower back pain is one of the most common causes of disability in North American society. 
         [0003]    A need for a device for the treatment of back pain and including chronic back pain has been found by the inventor to exist. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an infrared heating device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of an infrared emitting element for the infrared heating device of  FIG. 1  taken along section line  2 - 2 . 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is an exploded assembly view of an infrared emitting element for an infrared lumbar device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an infrared emitting element, portable rechargeable power source and re-charger. 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is a schematic depiction of an embodiment of an infrared lumbar device secured around a user and demonstrating a method of use. 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is a schematic depiction of an embodiment of an infrared lumbar device secured around a user and demonstrating a method of use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]      FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of a therapeutic infrared heating device  10  for use in treating chronic lower back pain. The infrared heating device  10  includes a lumbar belt  12  that may be made from a fabric material capable of being secured, as for example with a fastener  14 , around a user so that a portion of the user&#39;s lower back or lumbar region that is to be treated is at least partially covered. At least one infrared emitting element  20  is attachable to the lumbar belt  12  at positions corresponding, when the lumbar belt is worn by the user, to locations on a user&#39;s body where treatment may be desired. At least one portable power source  30  may also be attached to the lumbar belt  12  at a variety of positions. One or more additional infrared emitting elements  22  may be attachable to the belt. In some embodiments, rather than powering the additional IR emitting element by the same power source, one or more additional power sources  32  may also be attachable for powering the additional infrared emitting element  22  might also be attached t to the lumbar belt  12  as desired by the user. For example the power source  30  may be attachable on the lumbar belt away from the user&#39;s body for purposes of comfort. 
         [0011]    It has been found by the applicant that a lumbar belt  12  made of a hook-and-loop component material is useful for certain aspect of the invention. The loop component of a hook-and-loop fabric connector system has been found to be useful for any of a variety of purposes, including for purposes of providing comfort to the user because the loop portion is generally softer than the hook portion of the hook-and-loop fastener system, for purposes of securing the belt around the user where the fastening device  14  may include a patch of hook material  14  at one end  16  of the belt  12  so that the loop material at the other end  18  can be secured, and for purposes of convenient attachment of infrared emitting elements  20  and  22  at any desired position on the belt  12  where the belt at least partially overlays a portion of the user&#39;s body where therapeutic treatment is desired when the belt  12  is secured around the user&#39;s body. One example of a loop portion of the loop fabric material for the belt  12  is known as G96 Medical Laminate that is available from Velcro Company, USA. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the belt  12  is secured around the user and each IR emitting element is provided with corresponding portion of the hook-and-loop fastening system material. In the case where the belt is loop material, patches of hook material may be secured to any number of infrared emitting elements  20  and  22 , and more if desired (additional IR emitting elements are not shown in the drawing for purposes of clarity.) The infrared emitting elements  20  and  22  are sometimes referred to herein as IR emitting elements, IR heating elements, or IR emitters. According to one alternative embodiment the IR emitters can be positioned and temporarily secured at any number of locations for a desired period of time for treatment to be applied and may be repositioned periodically at uniform intervals or at irregular intervals for desired treatment purposes, such as facilitating dissipation of energy or to reduce potential build up of moisture or heat. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment each portable energy source  30  or  32  is attachable to the lumbar belt  12  with a patch  27  or  29 , respectively, of a hook-and-loop component material. In an embodiment where the lumbar belt is comprised of loop material, a patch of hook material can be secured to the power source. It has been found by the applicant that it is useful to provide for positioning of the power source on the outside surface of the lumbar belt to facilitate user comfort. It is also useful in one alternative embodiment the position for each power source might be changeable, for example so that the user can carry the portable power source on the belt in one position while standing, another position while sitting in a chair and another position for reclining. The changeable position is facilitated by the hook and loop connection and may be further useful for example for purposes of comfortable sleeping whether sleeping on one&#39;s back, one one&#39;s side or on one&#39;s front or simply moving the power source depending upon the user&#39;s movement from one position to another for sleeping comfort. 
         [0014]    In one alternative embodiment the lumbar belt  12  may be provided with a synching strap  40  to increase curvature or tightness in middle or small of the user&#39;s back. In one embodiment the synching strap  40  may be secured in a central region  46 , for example with stitching, and tightened, as by using tightening patches  42  and  44  of hook material, on either side independently or on both sides of the secured central region  46 . The tightening or loosening can also be useful for increasing or lessening the contact force between one or more IR emitters and the user&#39;s body. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment the power source  30  or the multiple power sources  30  and  32  may be comprised of one or more replaceable batteries providing the desired voltage to provide appropriate infrared emissions. In one embodiment, the power sources  30  and  32  are provided with electrical connectors  34  and  36 , respectively for connecting to the IR emitters  20  and  22  respectively. An on-off switch  38  may be provided to allow the user to control the input of power to the IR emitter. In one embodiment the voltage desired is between about 8 volts and 24 volts. In an alternative embodiment the power source may comprise one or more rechargeable batteries. For example, a re-charger  50  is shown having a plug-in connector  52  adapted to plug in to the power source  30  at receptacle  54 . For example, a rechargeable pack of batteries with appropriate voltage, current and power output capabilities has been found by the inventor to be useful. For example NiCad batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, lithium ion batteries, or lithium polymer (LIPO) batteries might each be useful. The NiCad batteries might be inexpensive, the nickel metal hydride batteries might provide a balance of economy and duration of power, the lithium ion batteries might be light weight and powerful, the LIPO batteries might be useful for traveling and for convenient formability. The inventor has found rechargeable batteries to be useful that have output of about 8 volts to 18 volts at about 500 milliamps to about 1000 milliamps. A type of battery, a size, and/or capacity that will provide power for about 6 to 12 hours before recharging is also useful. The re-charger  50  is selected and/or designed according to known principles for the type of rechargeable battery used. 
         [0016]      FIG. 2  shows a section view taken along section line. In the embodiment shown, the infrared emitting element  20  is formed of a carbon and polymer matrix mixture  60  formed on a fiberglass lattice  62 . In this embodiment there are spaced apart conductor bars  64  and  66  secured along opposed sides of the matrix mixture  60 . The matrix mixture  60  is embedded and surrounds the fiberglass lattice  62  to obtain structural support therefrom. The electrical conductors  64  and  66  are secured in electrical conducting contact with the matrix mixture  60  and the matrix mixture and conductor bars are all encased in Mylar lamination  68  so that only ends of the electrical conductors are exposed for attachment of power leads  70  and  72 . The laminated structure  68  is placed adjacent to a plastic support board  74  and an insulation layer  76  is interposed between the support board  74  and a control circuit  78  through which power is transmitted from the connector  34  and the power source  30  (not shown in  FIG. 2 , see  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 ) to the conductor bars  64  and  66  and the matrix mixture  60  of the infrared emitting element  20 . In one embodiment the control circuit may include temperature control circuitry  79 . According to another embodiment the control circuit  78  might also include circuitry to provide one or more other useful control functions for various purposes as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in electrical circuitry arts, such as isolating the components of the infrared device  10  from extraneous power surges, it might regulate the voltage, the current, and/or the total power input to the infrared emitting element  20 . A PVC moisture resistant and electrical insulating enclosure  80  is provided surrounding Mylar  68  encased carbon and polymer matrix mixture  60  with spaced apart conductor bars  64  and  66  formed on a fiberglass lattice  64 , the support board  74 , the insulation layer  76 , and the temperature control circuit  78 . The moisture resistant PVC enclosure  80  is sealed at  82  to resist penetration of moisture and to avoid inadvertent contact with control circuit  78 . A removable cloth moisture absorption and dissipation envelope  84  is also provided surrounding the PVC moisture resistant enclosure. In one embodiment the cloth envelope is formed of terry cloth material to facilitate wicking and absorption of moisture from between the user&#39;s body and the infrared emitting element. In an embodiment where the lumbar belt comprises a loop component of hook and loop material, a patch  88  of a hook component of hook and loop material may be secured to the cloth envelope so that selectable attachment of the infrared emitting element to the lumbar belt  12  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  5 , and  6 ) is provided. The cloth envelope  84  may be usefully constructed to have one end  85  that is openable and closable with a flap  86  to allow replacement of one envelope with another while using the same infrared emitting element. For example, when one envelope absorbs moisture it might be replaced with a dry envelope to facilitate comfortable ongoing infrared treatment while the first envelope is allowed to dry or is cleaned and dried for a next use. In one embodiment the cloth forming the envelope both provides wicking of moisture and also includes a component of “loops”, as with a terry cloth material, so that a flap of the same material can be closed onto the same hook material used to removable secure the envelope and its contents (the IR emitter  20 ) onto the lumbar belt  12 . 
         [0017]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded assembly view of an infrared emitting element  20 . In this embodiment the infrared emitting element  20  is shown being constructed of a carbon and polymer matrix mixture  60  formed on a fiberglass lattice  62 . In one embodiment the carbon may include graphite and the polymer may include Teflon. It has been considered by the inventor that deeper penetration into the user&#39;s body can be accomplished with long wavelength infrared such as infrared in a range above about 700 nm. For example, while infrared of any frequency is considered to be beneficial for treatment and reduction of some kinds of pain in the human body, infrared in a range of about 800 nm to about 1200 nm has been found to be useful for some purposes of the present invention. The proportion of carbon to polymer matrix mixture  60  in the infrared emitting element  20  in combination with the voltage and current used can be adjusted to modify the frequency of the wave length of the infrared emitted from the IR emitter  20 . For example wave lengths of about 850 nm might be usefully targeted to be emitted by the selected matrix mixture  60 . 
         [0018]    In the shown in  FIG. 2  there are spaced apart conductor bars  64  and  66  secured along opposed sides of the matrix mixture  60 . The matrix mixture  60  is embedded and surrounds the fiberglass lattice  62  to obtain structural support therefrom. The electrical conductors  64  and  66  are secured in electrical conducting contact with the matrix mixture  60  and the matrix mixture and conductor bars are all encased in a material that substantially transparent to infrared wavelength electromagnetic radiation, such as Mylar lamination  68 , that may be formed of laminate layers  68 A and  68 B so that only ends  65  and  66  of the electrical conductors  64  and  66 , respectively, are exposed for attachment of power leads  70  and  72 . The laminated structure is placed adjacent to a plastic support board  74  and an insulation layer  76  is interposed between the support board  74  and a control circuit  78  through which power is transmitted from the connector  34 , that may include wires  33  and  35  communicating the electrical power from the power source  30  (not shown in  FIG. 3 , see  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 , and) to the conductor bars  64  and  66  and the matrix mixture  60  of the infrared emitting element  20 . It has been found useful to maintain a size of the infrared emitting element relatively small so that localized and contrasting infrared radiation therapy can be applied at selected locations where pain has been experienced by the person using the device. For example, an infrared emitter that is rectangular and has dimensions of between about 2.5 cm and 7.5 cm (about 1 inch and 3 inches) in one direction and between about 5 cm and 15 cm (2 inches and 5 inches) in another direction may be useful for localizing the infrared radiation. The thickness of the infrared element may be relatively thin, for example about 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm, to facilitate comfortable use. 
         [0019]    The control circuit  78  is designed to permit transfer of power when the temperature is below selected, desired, or predetermined maximum limits, and to reduce power transfer when the temperature exceeds predetermined limits. For example, for safety and to avoid the sensation of being too hot the maximum temperature might be selected at or below about 40-45° C. (about 105-115° F.), such as below about 42° C. Other temperatures might be selected depending upon the treatment and the user&#39;s tolerance to the sensation of elevated temperatures, as for example up to about 70° C. (about 160° F.) that might be tolerated by certain users under carefully controlled circumstances, such as by continuous observation and monitoring by a trained professional during use. A PVC moisture resistant and electrical insulating enclosure  80  is provided surrounding the assembly including the Mylar  68  encased carbon and polymer matrix mixture  60  with spaced apart conductor bars  64  and  66  formed on a fiberglass lattice  64 , the support board  74 , the insulation layer  76 , the control circuit  78 , and the electrical conductors  70  and  72  and wires  33  and  35  of power cable  34 . The moisture resistant PVC enclosure  80  is sealed at both ends  82  and  83  to resist penetration of moisture and to avoid inadvertent contact with control circuit  78  and the conductors  70  and  72  and wires  33  and  35 . A removable cloth moisture absorption and dissipation envelope  84  is also provided surrounding the PVC moisture resistant enclosure  80 . In one embodiment the cloth envelope  84  is formed of terry cloth to facilitate wicking of moisture from the user&#39;s body between the infrared emitting element  20  and the user&#39;s body. The cloth envelope  84  may have an openable end  85  that can receive the infrared emitting element  20  and that is closable with a flap  86  to hold the infrared emitting element inside the envelope  84 . A patch  88  of hook and loop component material may be secured to the cloth envelope  84  to allow selectable attachment of the infrared emitting element  20  to the lumbar belt  12  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0020]      FIG. 4  shows an infrared emitting element  20  connected by a power cable  34  to a portable power source  30 . While the power source may be formed using one or more replaceable batteries that generate a desired voltage and current, for example a DC voltage of more than about 8 volts and up to about 24 volts and a current of more than about 500 milliamps, a portable rechargeable power source such as a pack including a plurality of re-chargeable batteries  31 , or a plurality of re-chargeable battery cells, has been found to be useful for certain purposes. For example NiCad batteries  31 , nickel metal hydride batteries  31 , lithium ion batteries  31 , or lithium polymer (LIPO) batteries  31  might each be useful for various purposes of constructing a rechargeable and portable power source  30  consistent with various aspects of the invention. For example, NiCad batteries might be inexpensive, nickel metal hydride batteries might provide a balance of economy and duration of power, the lithium ion batteries might be light weight and powerful, the LIPO batteries might be useful for traveling and for convenient formability because they can be conveniently formed having generally flat rectangular dimensions. The inventor has found rechargeable batteries to be useful that have output of about 8 volts to 24 volts at about 500 milliamps to about 1000 milliamps. A type of battery, a size, and/or capacity that will provide power for about 4 to 12 hours or more before recharging is also useful. In one embodiment a voltage of about 8-10 volts at about 700 milliamps might be provided by a NiCad battery having a size sufficiently small to be portable and held by the lumbar belt and sufficiently large to provide power for a period of about 5-6 hours. In another embodiment a voltage of about 12 to 14 volts might be provided at about 800 milliamps by a Lithium Ion battery pack that can power the infrared emitting element for about 6-8 hours. In another embodiment a voltage of about 14-18 volts at about 700-900 milliamps might be provided by a Lithium polymer (LiPO) battery pack constructed to power the infrared heating element for a period of up to about 12 hours. In one embodiment the portable power source  30  is provided with an activator device  37 , such as a user operated on-off switch to activate the flow of current from the power source to the power cable  34  and into the infrared emitting element  20  The re-charger  50  is selected and/or designed according to known principles for the type of rechargeable battery used. For example, those of ordinary skill in the portable battery arts will understand base upon the present disclosure that a re-charger  50  capable of recharging at a voltage slightly higher than the desired battery delivery voltage may be appropriate depending upon the type of battery selected. The re-charger  50  may include a receptacle  54  formed and connecting into the power source  30  that can receive a connector pin  52  that is coupled to a re-charger circuit  58  that converts standard household current received at prongs  58  into recharging current. 
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a schematic depiction of an embodiment of a method of using an infrared lumbar device  10  so that a lumbar belt  12  is secured around a user&#39;s body  100  at least partially covering a portion  102  of the lower back  104  or lumbar region  104  of the user&#39;s body  100  where infrared therapy is desired. According to one embodiment of a method for infrared treatment of chronic lower back pain, an infrared emitting element  20 A is positioned and secured to the lumbar belt  12  and secured via hook and loop faster components between the belt  12  and the body  100  a location  102 A to be treated. Fore example at a location  102 A of the lower back region  104  on the user&#39;s body  100  where lower back pain is experienced by the user periodically or chronically. A portable power source  30 A is electrically connected to the infrared emitting element by a power cable  34 A. The portable power source  30 A may be moveably secured to the belt  12  at a convenient location  106 A for easy access or otherwise for the convenience or comfort of the user. For example, the user might select any number of locations such as in the front or at the side for use while walking, sitting, or reclining or sleeping on the user&#39;s back. 
         [0022]    One or more additional infrared emitting elements  20 B might also be positioned at one or more other locations  102 B where treatment is desired, such as other specific locations  102 B toward a side of the lower back region  104  on the user&#39;s body  100  where lower back pain is experienced by the user. A portable power source  30 B is electrically connected to the infrared emitting element by a power cable  34 B. The portable power source  30 B may be moveably secured to the belt  12  at a convenient location  106 B for easy access or otherwise for the convenience or comfort of the user. 
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is a schematic depiction of an embodiment of a method of using an infrared lumbar device  10  so that a lumbar belt  12  is secured around a user&#39;s body  100  at least partially covering a portion  102  of the lower back  104  or lumbar region  104  of the user&#39;s body  100  at alternative locations where infrared therapy is desired. An infrared emitting element  20 A is positioned and secured to the lumbar belt  12  and secured via hook and loop faster components between the belt  12  and the body  100  a location  102 C to be treated that is varied slightly from the location  102 A of  FIG. 5 . For example, after a period of use at a location  102 A (see  FIG. 5 ) the perceived focus of remaining discomfort or pain sensation might be slightly different such as lower on the lower back region  104  on the user&#39;s body  100 . A portable power source  30 A that is electrically connected to the infrared emitting element  20 A by a power cable  34 A may be kept in the same place as before or it may be repositioned to another location  106 C for the convenience or comfort of the user. For example, the user might select any number of locations such as at the back for use while walking without hindering side movement of the arms, or for sleeping on the user&#39;s side or front. 
         [0024]    One or more additional infrared emitting elements  20 B might also be positioned at one or more other locations  102 D where treatment is desired, such as other specific locations  102 D toward the middle of the lower back region  104  on the user&#39;s body  100  where lower back pain is experienced by the user. The portable power source  30 B that is electrically connected to the infrared emitting element  20 B by a power cable  34 B may be held in the same position as before or may be moveably secured to the belt  12  at another convenient  106 D for the convenience or comfort of the user. 
         [0025]    While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.