Patent Publication Number: US-2023149733-A1

Title: Phototherapy device and system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/696,197 filed Nov. 26, 2019; and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/772,317; 62/772,337; and 62/772,340, all filed on Nov. 28, 2018. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In the field of pediatric jaundice treatment, the primary therapy is to irradiate exposed skin of the newborn baby with visible blue or green light. The light causes a photochemical reaction of unconjugated bilirubin into an isomer that is more easily processed out of the body. 
     SUMMARY 
     A phototherapy device according to an example of the present disclosure includes a ring having an open top side and side walls that circumscribe a central region for receiving a phototherapy subject. The side walls have a work surface that is configured to receive visible light through the open top side and reflect the visible light toward the central region for phototherapy. The work surface has a first surface that is a diffuse reflector and a second surface that is a specular reflector. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the ring includes a front and a back, and the diffuse reflector is on the back and the specular reflector is on the front. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the specular reflector or the diffuse reflector makes up at least 15% of the surface area of the working surface, and the other of the specular reflector or the diffuse reflector makes up a remainder of the surface area of the working surface. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the specular reflector or the diffuse reflector makes up at least 40% of the surface area of the working surface, and the other of the specular reflector or the diffuse reflector makes up a remainder of the surface area of the working surface. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the ring has a racetrack oval shape and the side walls include two opposed elongated walls that extend approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the specular reflector is on one of two opposed elongated walls and the diffuse reflector is on the other of the two opposed elongated walls. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the diffuse reflector is a Lambertian reflector. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the diffuse reflector has a TAPPI brightness of 70 to 130, and the specular reflector has a reflectance of at least 70% based on a quotient of radiance reflected and radiance received. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the diffuse reflector includes one or more additives that are operable to convert ultraviolet radiation that is received through the open top side into visible light. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first surface has ridges. Each of the ridge includes a portion that is sloped relative to vertical toward a bottom of the ring. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the bottom is reflective. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the specular reflector includes a straight reflector portion and a parabolic reflector portion. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, a portion of the side wall that has the specular reflector has a height H 1  taken from a horizontal plane of a bottom of the ring and another portion of the side wall that has the diffuse reflector has a height H 2  taken from the horizontal plane, and the height H 1  is 20% to 80% of the height H 2 . 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the ring includes a bottom, and the bottom has a release door. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the release door includes a panel and a hinge. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the release door includes a panel and an elastic retainer. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the ring has a fitted shape with respect to human body shape. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments includes a head alignment structure that defines an interior head pocket and vents. 
     A phototherapy system according to an example of the present disclosure includes a light source operable to emit visible light, and a ring vertically below the light source. The ring has an open top side and side walls that circumscribe a central region for receiving a phototherapy subject. The side walls have a work surface that is configured to receive the visible light through the open top side and reflect the visible light toward the central region for phototherapy. The work surface includes a first surface that is a diffuse reflector and a second surface that is a specular reflector. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the ring includes a front and a back, the light source obstructs the back, the diffuse reflector is on the back, and the specular reflector is on the front. 
     A phototherapy device according to an example of the present disclosure includes a light ring device operable to be placed around a region in which a subject can be placed for phototherapy. The light ring device is configured to illuminate the circumference of the region, and thus the subject. The top and dorsal surfaces of the subject are untreated and accessible to care providers. The top and bottom of the light ring device are open, which leaves the subject accessible to care providers. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, there is a lighting system that is configured to emit vectored light away from the subject and then redirect the light via a reflection system back towards the subject. The reflection system is specular, lambertian, or a combination thereof. The re-directed light passes back over the emission source of the vectored light. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, there is a lighting system that is configured to emit vectored light toward the subject. Backscattered light off of the subject is then redirected back towards the subject via a reflection system. The reflection system is specular, lambertian, or a combination thereof. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments includes a lens for focusing the light. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments includes a bassinet, crib, or bed frame, and the light ring device is disposed therein. 
     A further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments includes a strap with a disconnection clip or clamp. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, a center portion of the light ring device can be raised or lowered relative to an underlying surface. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the light ring device includes at least one rechargeable battery and a light source to which the at least one rechargeable battery is connected. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the light ring device includes at least one radio transmitter. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the light ring device at least one radio receiver. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the light ring device includes a display screen. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the light ring device includes a translucent wall, a pediatric bassinet, and a mattress. 
     In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the light ring device includes a top or bottom enclosure that has a reflective surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. 
         FIG.  1 A  illustrates an isometric view of a phototherapy device. 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates a planar view of the device of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 A  illustrates an isometric view from the front side of another example phototherapy device. 
         FIG.  2 B  illustrates an isometric view of from the back side of the device of  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a sectioned view of the device of  FIGS.  2 A / 2 B showing light reflection. 
         FIG.  4 A  illustrates an overhead view of the device of  FIG.  2 A / 2 B with a phototherapy subject. 
         FIG.  4 B  illustrates an isometric view of the device of  FIG.  2 A / 2 B with a phototherapy subject. 
         FIG.  5 A  illustrates an isometric view of the device of  FIG.  2 A / 2 B with a light source in a phototherapy system. 
         FIG.  5 B  illustrates a side view of the phototherapy system of  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  6 A  illustrates an isometric view of another example phototherapy device with a release door (trap door). 
         FIG.  6 B  illustrates the release door (trap door) in operation. 
         FIG.  7 A  illustrates an isometric view of another example phototherapy device with a release door (panel/retainer). 
         FIG.  7 B  illustrates a sectioned view of the release door (panel/retainer) of  FIG.  7 A . 
         FIG.  8 A  illustrates an overhead view of a fitted shape phototherapy device. 
         FIG.  8 B  illustrates an isometric view of the device of  FIG.  8 A . 
         FIG.  9    illustrates an example phototherapy device with a head alignment structure. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates another example phototherapy device that is expandable. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates another example phototherapy device that has an access port and a window. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a phototherapy ring segment. 
         FIG.  13 A  illustrates a reflective mattress. 
         FIG.  13 B  illustrates a sectioned view of the mattress of  FIG.  13 A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  schematically illustrate an example phototherapy device  20 . The phototherapy device  20  may be used for pediatric jaundice treatment. It is to be understood, however, that although the examples herein may be described and shown with regard to jaundice phototherapy, the device  20  may also find benefit in other end uses. 
     As shown, the phototherapy device  20  is in the form of a ring  22  that is formed by one or more side walls  24  that circumscribe a central region R for receiving a phototherapy subject, such as a baby. In this example, the ring  22  has a racetrack oval shape with two opposed elongated walls that extend approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis A. Opposed curved end walls join the side walls. A bottom  26  of the ring  22  may be open or may be a solid wall, and the top of the ring  22  is open. In general, the bottom  26  is associated with or defines a horizontal plane, while the direction orthogonal is vertical. The shape here is useful for jaundice treatment in that the region R is generally suitable for accommodating a baby. It is to be appreciated that the shape may be varied somewhat, but most typically will be oval or an oval variation. 
     The side walls  24  define a work surface W that generally faces into the region R and is configured to reflect radiation received through the open top of the ring  22 , mainly visible light but also at least a portion of the ultraviolet band of the spectrum. The work surface W is the surface (or surfaces) of the device  20  that is functionalized for directed reflectance toward the region R and, in particular, toward a focal portion of the region R in which the phototherapy subject is to reside for therapeutic purposes. In this regard, the work surface or surfaces W will have the characteristics of a) being functionalized for a specific type of reflectance, such as with an engineered surface that is designed to provide a particular type of reflectance, and b) being oriented to direct reflected light toward the focal portion, such as with a slope or curvature that is oriented toward the focal portion. In this regard, the work surface or surfaces W are configured for the main purpose of directing light at the focal portion for therapeutic purposes, while surfaces that are on ancillary components that primarily serve other purposes and that only incidentally reflect light are not considered working surfaces. 
     For jaundice, the visible light of interest is blue and green light (400-550 nm wavelength). In that regard, the work surfaces W are sloped and reflective. However, the surfaces are configured to have different reflectance. For example, the work surface W includes a surface  28   a  is a diffuse reflector and a surface  28   b  that is a specular reflector. In the figure, the surfaces  28   a / 28   b  are shaded differently to demonstrate the extent of each. The different types of reflectance surfaces facilitate tailoring the performance of the phototherapy device  20  with regard to therapeutic effectiveness and ergonomics, for example. In further examples, at least 15% of the surface area of the work surface and up to about 85% is made up of the surface  28   b , with the remaining surface area being made up of the surface  28   a , excluding any gaps, joints, or the like (i.e., non-work surfaces). In further examples, each of the surfaces  28   a / 28  will make up at least 30% or at least 40% of the surface area that bounds region R, excluding any gaps, joints, or the like. In the example shown, the surface area containing the surface  28   a  is continuous and the surface area containing the surface  28   b  is continuous. It is to be appreciated, however, that the surfaces  28   a  and/or  28   b  may alternatively be discontinuous, such as with a plurality of discrete sections of surface  28   a  and/or  28   b.    
     A specular reflector reflects each incident ray at the same angle to the surface normal as the incident ray, but on the opposing side of the surface normal in the plane formed by incident and reflected rays. A diffuse reflector reflects a ray but scatters it at many angles rather than at just one angle as for the specular reflector. One example diffuse reflector for the surface  28   a  is a Lambertian reflector that reflects light with equal luminance when viewed from all directions lying in the half-space adjacent to the surface. For instance, the reflectance of the surface  28   a  follows Lambert&#39;s cosine law in which the radiant intensity or luminous intensity observed from an ideal diffusely reflecting surface is directly proportional to the cosine of the angle θ between the direction of the incident light and the surface normal. For example, the surfaces  28   a  may be provided by papers, foils, paints, or similar materials that provide the diffuse reflection. 
     In a further example, the surface  28   a  is a Lambertian reflector with a high brightness. For instance the surface  28   a  has a TAPPI brightness of 70 to 130. In additional examples, the paper, foil, paint, or other material of the surface  28   a  includes one or more additives or pigments for enhancing performance, such as optical brightening agents or fluorescing agents. An optical brightening agent is a chemical compound that absorbs ultraviolet and violet radiation (typically 180-400 nm) and re-emits visible light in the blue range (e.g., 400-520 nm). Example optical brightening agents may include, but are not limited to, di-, tetra-, and hexa-sulfonated agents of stilbene derivatives (e.g., diphenylethene). Further example agents are 4,4′-diamino-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid, 4,4′-bis(benzoxazolyl)-cis-stilbene, and 2,5-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)thiophene. The conversion increases brightness, as radiation that was non-visible radiation becomes visible. Such conversion may also facilitate increasing energy efficiency, as additional radiation from a light source can be used for therapy. Such conversion may also serve to limit the negative biological effects of UV irradiation transfer to the patient. 
     Example specular reflectors for the surface  28   b  are mirrored or polished surfaces. In general, the specular reflector has a reflectance of at least 50% based on the quotient of radiance reflected and the radiance received. In further examples, the reflectance is at least 70% to as high as 100% for enhanced therapeutic effect. For example, the surface  28   b  may be provided by papers, foils, paints, or similar materials that provide the specular reflectance. 
     When used for phototherapy, an overhead light source is provided vertically above the phototherapy device  20 . In this regard, the phototherapy device  20  and the light source may be considered to be part of a phototherapy system for treating a phototherapy subject, such as a baby. The light impinges the surfaces  28   a / 28   b . Due to the sloped angle of the side walls  24 , the ring  22  generally directs the light toward the region R. Thus, the ring  22  redirects light that does not directly impinge on a baby in the region R, thereby increasing the irradiance on the baby. 
     The different reflectance of the surfaces  28   a / 28   b  facilitates tailoring the performance of the phototherapy device  20 . For instance, the specular reflectance of the surface  28   b  provides highly efficient redirection of the light toward the region R, and the diffuse reflectance of the surface  28   a  provides less efficient redirection of the light toward the region R. Although highly efficient, the specular reflectance of the surface  28   b  provides a relatively intense visual effect, e.g., high glare. For instance, the specular reflectance of the surface  28   b  can reflect high intensity light from the light source and/or other surrounding objects directly at the eyes of a user, such as a doctor or nurse. The diffuse reflectance of the surface  28   a  is less efficient but provides a relatively less intense visual effect, e.g., a lower glare. For instance, due to light diffusion, the light reflected at the user is less intense. Thus, the sizes and positioning of the surfaces  28   a / 28   b  are configured to provide good light redirection, yet reduce visual intensity for the user. 
     For example, the phototherapy device  20  generally has a front and a back. The front is the side from which the user approaches and uses the phototherapy device  20 , such as to insert and remove a baby from the phototherapy device  20 . The back is the side opposite the front. In general, in practical use, user-access to the back is likely to be limited or obstructed by additional equipment, such as a lamp. In the example shown, the side wall  24  that has the surface  28   b  is the front and the side wall  24  that has the surface  28   a  is the back. For instance, the back excludes any specular reflectors. Assuming the eye level of the user is vertically above the phototherapy device  20 , on approach and during use a greater amount of the area of the surface  28   a  is in line-of-view of the user than area for the surface  28   b . As a result, the user is exposed mainly to the lower visual intensity area of the surface  28   a  rather than the higher visual intensity area of the surface  28   b . Yet, an increased amount of light impinges the baby in the region R due to the higher efficiency of the reflectance of the surface  28   b . Moreover, although the surface  28   a  is a diffuse reflector, at least a portion of the light reflected from the surface  28   b  also impinges on the baby in region R. Thus, the surface  28   b  reduces visual intensity but still provides some therapeutic effect. The phototherapy device  20  therefore provides a user-friendly experience but maintains a high level of therapeutic effectiveness. 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate another example of a phototherapy device  120 ;  FIG.  3    illustrates a sectioned view of the phototherapy device  120 ; and  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate additional views of the phototherapy device  120  with a baby. In this disclosure, like reference numerals designate like elements where appropriate and reference numerals with the addition of one-hundred or multiples thereof designate modified elements that are understood to incorporate the same features and benefits of the corresponding elements. In this example, similar to the phototherapy device  20 , the surface  128   a  is a diffuse reflector and the surface  128   b  is a specular reflector. However, each of the surfaces  128   a / 128   b  are further configured to enhance effectiveness. 
     The surface  128   a  includes ridges  140 . Each ridge  140  defines a first, or upper, surface portion  140   a  and a second, or lower, surface portion  140   b . The upper surface portion  140   a  is generally horizontal but may be varied. The lower surface portion  140   b  is sloped, relative to the vertical direction, toward to the bottom  26  of the phototherapy device  120 . The surface  128   a  may be provided as a continuous surface or wall but more typically will be provided in sections or pieces that are attached together. For instance, the surface  128   a  is made up of end sections, corner sections, and side sections, all generally designated at  142  ( FIG.  4 B ). 
     In use, incoming light L impinges on the lower surfaces  140   b  and diffusively reflects, as represented at RD. At least a portion of the diffusively reflected light RD impinges a baby, represented at B, in the region R. Other portions of the diffusively reflected light RD may be above or below the baby B. In this example, the bottom  26  is reflective such that the portion of the diffusively reflected light RD that is below the baby is reflected from the bottom  26  toward the baby B. The ridges  140  and the reflective bottom  26  thus facilitate enhanced effectiveness by directing light toward the baby B that may otherwise be lost. 
     The surface  128   b  is a compound reflective surface. In this example, an upper portion  150  of the surface  128   b  is straight and a lower portion  152  of the surface  128   b  is parabolic. Similar to the surface  128   a , the surface  128   b  is made up of end sections, corner sections, and side sections, all generally designated at  144  ( FIG.  4 A ). As an example, the corner section is a radial reflector that has a radius of greater than zero. 
     In use, the straight portion  150  reflects incoming light L downwards toward the baby B, generally onto the upper portion of the baby B. The parabolic portion  152  reflects light sideways, toward one or more focal points F that generally coincide with the position of the baby B, onto the lower portion of the baby B. 
     An additional aspect of the phototherapy device  120  relates to the configuration of the side wall  24 . In general, entirely short side walls may result in relatively high light loss but permit relatively unobstructed user access and sight lines to a baby B. Entirely tall side walls contain more light for therapeutic use but may obstruct user access and sight lines to the baby B. In this regard, the phototherapy device  120  facilitates relatively free access and sight lines while also containing light. Referring to  FIG.  2 A , the portion of the side wall  24  that has the surface  128   b , i.e., the front, is shorter in height than the portion of the side wall  24  that has the surface  128   a , i.e., the back. The shorter front permits ready access and sight lines, while the taller back facilitates containing light. For instance, from a horizontal plane P of the bottom  26 , a height H 1  of the side with the surface  128   b  is shorter than a height H 2  of the side with the surface  128   a . As a further example, the top of the side with the surface  128   b  is 20% to 80% below the top of the side that has the surface  128   a . In an additional example, the top of the side with the surface  128   b  is 25% to 50% below the top of the side that has the surface  128   a . In yet a further example, a useful height H 2  for the purposes above is from 3 inches to 12 inches. 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  demonstrate an example of the phototherapy device  120  in an end use environment with a user, designated at U. In the illustrated configuration the phototherapy device  120  is in a bassinet  160  that is supported on a stand. An overhead light source  162  is suspended vertically over the bassinet  160  and phototherapy device  120 . In the example shown, the light source  162  includes a light  162   a , a support arm  162   b , and a base  162   c . The support arm  162   b  and base  162   c  obstruct one side of the bassinet  160  and phototherapy device  120 . For example, the support arm  162   b  and base  162   c  limit walk-up access by a user to one side of the phototherapy device  120 . The user is thus unlikely to or unable to approach from the obstructed side and thus approaches or uses the phototherapy device  120  from the side opposite the arm  162   b  and base  162   c . In such an arrangement in which one side is obstructed, the specular reflectance surface  128   b  faces toward the obstructed side and the diffuse reflectance surface  128   a  faces toward the non-obstructed side. Put another way, the side wall  24  that has the surface  128   a  (the back) is on the obstructed side and the side wall that has the surface  128   b  (the front) is on the user side. The surface  128   b  thus reflects light in a direction away from the non-obstructed user side, while the surface  128   a  that provides relatively lower glare to the non-obstructed user side. The obstructed and non-obstructed sides are also designated in  FIG.  4 B . 
       FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate another example phototherapy device  220 . The phototherapy device  220  is the same as the phototherapy device  120  except that the bottom  26  includes a release door  270 . In this example, the release door  270  is a trap door that includes a panel  270   a  and a hinge  270   b  that is pivotable along an axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the phototherapy device  220 . 
     The release door  270  is configured to facilitate the prevention of the phototherapy device  220  from being used as a carrier. For instance, in the event that the phototherapy device  220  is picked up with the baby B in it, the panel  270   a  gives way under the weight of the baby B such that the panel  270   a  pivots about the hinge  270   b . The weight of a baby may vary, but in general the weight under which the release door  270  releases is about one pound or more. The baby B can thus remain in a substantially unmoved position by moving through the release door  270  as the phototherapy device  220  is lifted upwards around the baby B. 
     In a further example, the panel  270   a  is formed of or includes a disposable absorbent layer  270   c . The absorbent layer  270   c  serves to absorb fluids and may also be soft to provide comfort. 
     In additional examples, the hinge  270   b  is an adhesive, such as an adhesive tape, that attaches the panel  270   a  to the bottom  26 . The adhesive is pliable under the weight of a baby B such that it acts as a hinge when the phototherapy device  220  is lifted. 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrate another example phototherapy device  320 . In this example, the bottom  26  of the phototherapy device  320  includes a release door  370 . The release door  370  includes a panel  370   a  and one or more releasable retainers  370   d.    
     Similar to the release door  270 , the release door  370  is configured to facilitate the prevention of the phototherapy device  320  from being used as a carrier. For instance, in the event that the phototherapy device  320  is picked up with the baby B in it, the releasable retainer or retainers  370   d  release under the weight of the baby B such that the panel  370   a  remains substantially in place. Similar to above, the weight under which the panel  370   a  releases is about 1 pound or more. The baby B can thus remain in a substantially unmoved position by in essence “withdrawing” the bottom  26  as the phototherapy device  320  is lifted upwards around the baby B. 
     In the illustrated example, the releasable retainer  370   d  is a flexible sheet  372 , such as but not limited to an elastic sheet (e.g., vinyl) that is affixed at the bottom of the phototherapy device  320 . The flexible sheet  372  wraps partially around the panel  370   a , which in this example is a mattress. The bottom  26  is open such that an upward-facing region or surface of the panel  370   a  is exposed and serves as the support for the baby B. The flexible sheet  372  wraps around the sides of the panel  370   a  to the bottom side or surface of the panel  370   a . The elasticity of the flexible sheet  372  generally maintains the panel  370   a  in place during use of the phototherapy device  320 , although the panel  370   a  may shift somewhat. Upon lifting of the phototherapy device  320 , however, the weight of the baby B overcomes the elasticity of the flexible sheet  372  such that the flexible sheet  372  is unable to hold the panel  370   a  in place and thus releases as shown at  373 . As a result, the panel  370   a , and baby B, remain substantially in place as the remainder of the phototherapy device  320  is lifted upwards around the baby B. 
       FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  illustrate another example of a phototherapy device  420 . While the devices of the prior examples have a racetrack oval shape, the phototherapy device  420  defines a fitted shape  480  with respect to human body shape. In other words, the fitted shape  480  generally follows the outline of a human, such as the baby B (when viewed vertically with the baby B lying flat). The fitted shape  480  is generally symmetric about the longitudinal axis A of the phototherapy device  420  and includes a head region  482 , a torso region  484 , and a leg region  486 , that correspond in shape, respectively, to the head, torso, and legs of the baby B. In this regard, the head region  482  is generally circular or pseudo-circular in outline and tapers to a neck  482   a . The torso region  484  extends from the neck  482   a  and includes a shoulder  484   a . The shoulder  484   a  has a concave curvature and diverges from the neck  482   a  to an arm section  484   b . The arm section  484   b  is generally straight and further diverges to a hip point  484   c . The leg region  486  includes a thigh section  486   a  that extends from the hip point  484   c . The thigh section  486   a  is generally straight and converges to a foot section  486   b . The foot section  486   a  converges along a curvature to a wedge section  486   c . The wedge section  486   c  projects toward the head and torso regions  482 / 484 , but only a relatively short distance that is partially into the thigh section  486   a . The wedge section  486   c  extends in the space that will be between the legs of the baby B, thereby facilitating maintaining the legs apart for greater light exposure and to help prevent rollover of the baby. Additionally, the wedge section  486   c  includes reflective surfaces  486   d  to further redirect light towards the legs of the baby B. For example, the reflective surfaces  486   d  are specular or diffuse as described herein. 
     The fitted shape  480  facilitates enhancing efficiency of light transfer to the baby B. For instance, in comparison to the racetrack oval shape, the fitted shape  480  more closely tracks the outline of the baby B, thereby providing a relatively more uniform and shorter distance between the baby B and the reflective surfaces  128   a / 128   b . A more uniform and shorter distance facilitates reducing light loss and increasing light impingement on the baby B. In particular, the fitted shape  480  may enhance efficiency of light transfer for statistically high and low weight percentile babies. 
     In additional examples the phototherapy devices disclosed herein include further features to facilitate use and/or effectiveness. It is to be understood that although the following examples may be presented with respect to a particular phototherapy device (e.g., device  120 ), that the examples are applicable to each one of the disclosed phototherapy devices. 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the illustrated phototherapy device  120  additionally includes a head alignment structure  90 . The structure  90  includes a top wall  90   a  and side walls  90   b  that are joined by the top wall  90   a . The walls  90   a / 90   b  define an interior head pocket  90   c  in which the head of the baby B resides. The walls  90   a / 90   b  and pocket  90   c  serve to facilitate providing support and/or alignment of the head of the baby B. One or more of the walls  90   a / 90   b  are transparent so as to permit the light L to impinge the head region of the baby B. The structure  90  may therefore be used to provide support/alignment, yet minimally block the light L for therapy. 
     In examples, one or more of the walls  90   a / 90   b  are formed of a transparent polymer, such as but not limited to, acrylic, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or polyethyleneterephthalate (PET). In the illustrated example, one or more of the walls  90   a / 90   b  have vents  92  that facilitate air exchange around the head of the baby B. For instance, the vents are open passages and/or screened passages (e.g., stainless steel mesh). 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the phototherapy device  120  additionally includes one or more expanding slits  94  in the device walls. The slits  94  permit a user to adjust the longitudinal and transverse sizes of the phototherapy device  120 , such as to better conform to the size of the baby B, or to better conform to different size bassinets. 
     As shown in  FIG.  11   , the phototherapy device  120  additionally includes a port  96   a  and window  96   b . For instance, the port  96   a  is a passage that connects the interior and exterior of the phototherapy device  120 . The port  96   a  may be used to provide access for cords, tubes, sensors, cameras, or other lines or equipment. The window  96   b  is transparent and permits a user to see at least a portion of the baby B from a horizontal viewpoint. In this example, the phototherapy device  120  also includes a weight  98 . For instance, the weight  98  makes tipping of the device  120  more difficult. 
       FIG.  12    shows a modified version of the phototherapy device  120  in which the device  120  is a ring segment, i.e., a portion of ring that extends only part of the way around the region R. The device  120  therefore illuminates less than 100% of the perimeter of the region R, e.g., less than 100% of the perimeter of the baby. In examples, the ring segment includes the diffuse reflector as described above (e.g., surfaces  28   a / 128   a ), the specular reflector as described above (e.g., surfaces  28   b / 128   b ), or a combination of diffuse and specular reflector surfaces. In one example, the ring segment is approximately half of the ring  22  as in any of the prior examples, e.g., the front half (with surface  28   b / 128   b ) or the back half (with surfaces  28   a / 128   a ). The ring  120  may facilitate observation of the baby by a doctor or nurse while still partially providing phototherapy. 
       FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  illustrate another example phototherapy device  521 . In this example, the phototherapy device  521  includes a frame  523  that includes a body support  525 , reflective surfaces  527 , and support surface  529 . The frame  523  is generally rigid and able to support the weight of the surfaces  527 / 529  and the baby B without substantially deflecting such that its basic shape is lost. For instance, the frame  523  is formed of a polymer, such as but not limited to, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or polyoxymethylene (POM). The reflective surfaces  527  generally form a concave shape relative to the support surface  529 . The support surface  529  is transparent and may be formed of clear vinyl, for example. The body support  525  may be formed of foam, such as but not limited to polyester foam or elastic bands. The body support is sandwiched between the frame  521  and the support surface  529 . 
     In the illustrated example, the reflective surfaces  527  are provided by concentric parabolic reflectors  531  and/or angled reflectors  533 . For instance, the reflectors  531 / 533  are specular reflectors, diffuse reflectors, or combinations thereof. The reflectors  531 / 533  reflect incoming light L from the overhead light source  162  toward the baby B. In one example, there are one or more of the parabolic reflectors  531 . Each such parabolic reflector  531  has a focal point  531   a . In further examples, the focal points  531   a  of two or more parabolic reflectors coincide, although in other examples the focal points  531   a  of two or more parabolic reflectors do not coincide. The focal point or points  531   a  correspond to the region in which the baby B will lay, which is generally the local region extending upwards from the body support  525 . 
     In some end use environments, the geometry of the structure that holds a phototherapy device, such as a bassinet or an incubator, may not be able to physically accommodate the shape of the prior example phototherapy devices. In that regard, by comparison, the phototherapy device  521  is relatively compact and low-profile yet facilitates redirecting light that would otherwise not impinge the baby B back upwards toward the baby B. 
     Unfortunately, many known phototherapy systems are highly inefficient in transferring the light to the baby, thereby extending the length of time of treatment and consuming excess electrical power. Due to the curvature of the body, many known phototherapy systems concentrate light along the longitudinal axis of the body, at the surface nearest the light source. Such systems provide poor light distribution to body surfaces that curve away from the incident light or that are out of line-of-sight of the light source. These systems may also consume substantial amounts of electrical power, while actually returning less than 3 percent of that power as light that impinges the baby. The phototherapy devices as disclosed herein are designed to facilitate reducing light loss and thus enhance efficiency and power use. 
     Although a combination of features is shown in the illustrated examples, not all of them need to be combined to realize the benefits of various embodiments of this disclosure. In other words, a system designed according to an embodiment of this disclosure will not necessarily include all of the features shown in any one of the Figures or all of the portions schematically shown in the Figures. Moreover, selected features of one example embodiment may be combined with selected features of other example embodiments. 
     The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from this disclosure. The scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.