LIGHT THERAPY FOR SPA

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a light therapy system for a spa.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spas can provide hydrotherapy, which promotes relaxation, pain relief, and improved sleep habits. These benefits can be enhanced by incorporating red and infrared light therapy. Infrared light therapy has been shown to promote healing and relieve pain. For example, infrared light therapy can be helpful in the treatment of a variety of conditions including skin lesions, tendinopathy, temporomandibular disorders, neck pain, and lower back pain. Red and near infrared light can penetrate the skin and reach soft tissue. The photons of the red and near infrared light can stimulate cellular level activity and healing. Several light wavelengths can be used during infrared light therapy. For example, light wavelengths ranging from or about 600 nm to or about 1200 nm have been used to effectively treat and manage pain and other conditions.

SUMMARY

Light therapy provides many health benefits including pain relief, increasing energy, improving sleep habits, providing relaxation, and skin rejuvenation, among others. Light therapy systems for spas can be expensive, inaccessible to some users, and harmful if not operated correctly.

Moreover, there are challenges to incorporating infrared light therapy into spas. If the infrared light is above the water line, prolonged infrared exposure can cause eye damage. If the infrared light is below the water line, it may be difficult to realize the full benefit of the therapy. Thus, there remains a need for a safe infrared light assembly that can provide therapeutic benefits in a spa setting.

The light therapy systems described herein are designed to overcome these challenges without sacrificing other benefits of light therapy systems. In several embodiments, the light therapy systems described herein have one or more of the following advantages:

- improve power consumption;
- improve treatment benefits by proving personalized therapy recommendations and/or pre-defined therapy settings;
- compatibility with different devices including spas, baths, and swimming pools;
- reduce harmful effects by providing safety measures including alarms and notifications.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for water immersion. The system for water immersion includes a shell including an interior wall defining a receptacle sized and shaped to hold water. The shell can include a seat between a floor of the shell and an upper edge of the shell. A therapeutic light assembly can be positioned in the interior wall of the shell, for example between the seat and the upper edge of the shell. The therapeutic light assembly can include a lens that allows the transmission of infrared light, a housing recessed in the interior wall of the shell, and/or at least one infrared LED positioned between the lens and the housing. In use, the therapeutic light assembly can be positioned below the water line during normal use. Other locations for the therapeutic light assembly are imaginable, for example in the foot well or between the seat and the floor of the shell. The system for water immersion can be included in a spa, a pool, a bath, a whirlpool bath, a shower, and/or a sauna.

In some aspects, the therapeutic light assembly can include a plurality of infrared LEDs and/or a plurality of visible light LEDs. In some aspects, the plurality of visible light LEDs are red light LEDs. In some cases, the plurality of infrared LEDs and the plurality of visible LEDs can be arranged in alternating order. In some cases, the at least one infrared LED can be recessed in a bore in the housing. With respect to the housing, it can include a wall at least partially surrounding the bore to prevent infrared light from reaching the water line.

In some cases, the plurality of infrared LEDs have a 660 nm wavelength output. The plurality of visible light LEDs have an 850 nm wavelength output. The therapeutic light assembly may include the same number of infrared LEDs and visible light LEDs, for example twenty infrared LEDs and twenty visible light LEDs. In other arrangements, the therapeutic light assembly may include a different number of infrared LEDs and visible light LEDs. In some cases, the plurality of infrared LEDs can be positioned substantially along a plurality of concentric rings. The plurality of visible light LEDs can be positioned substantially along a plurality of concentric rings.

The system can include a software module or app configured to be installed on a remote device, the software module or app including non-transitory, computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the software module or app, cause the software module or app to: receive a user input; and communicate instructions to the system to adjust an intensity and/or duration of light emitted from the at least one infrared LED.

The system can include an alarm system which can emit an alarm indicative of an operational status of the therapeutic light assembly. In some aspects, the operational status of the therapeutic light assembly includes an active status, an inactive status, or an intensity level. With respect to the alarm, it can include an audible alarm, a visual alarm, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the therapeutic light assembly can include a reflector plate. The reflector plate can include a plurality of reflector hubs, each reflector hub surrounding one of the plurality of infrared LEDs.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for providing a therapeutic light treatment. The system can include a shell, one or more therapeutic light assemblies positioned in the interior wall of the shell, a memory that stores computer-executable instructions, and/or a processor in communication with the memory. With respect to the shell, it can include an interior wall defining a receptacle sized and shaped to hold water. The therapeutic light assembly can be positioned in the interior wall of the shell and include a plurality of infrared LEDs and/or a plurality of red LEDs. When executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions can cause the processor to activate the plurality of infrared LEDs and/or the plurality of red LEDs and deactivate the plurality of infrared LEDs and/or the plurality of red LEDs after a pre-determined period of time. The system for water immersion can be included in a spa, a pool, a bath, a whirlpool bath, a shower, and/or a sauna.

In some aspects, the pre-determined period of time can be less than or equal to about 20 minutes. When executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions can cause the processor to take one or more actions, including but not limited to: reduce a number of active infrared LEDs compared to a number of active red LEDs, reduce a number of active infrared LEDs compared to a number of active red LEDs, maintain the plurality of infrared LEDs and the plurality of red LEDs at a constant level of power output for the entirety of the pre-determined time period, gradually increase a power output of the plurality of infrared LEDs and the plurality of red LEDs over a period of at least 30 seconds, gradually increase a power output of the plurality of infrared LEDs and the plurality of red LEDs over a period of at least one minute, cycle the plurality of infrared LEDs and/or the plurality of red LEDs between a first power output and a second power output, process an indication of a selected therapy mode at the user interface and control a power output of the plurality of infrared LEDs and the plurality of red LEDs based on the selected therapy mode, and/or process an activation command at the user interface and only activate the plurality of LEDs and the plurality of red LEDs after processing the activation command. The system can also include a user interface which can receive a user input. In some cases, the user interface can be onboard the shell. In some aspects, the system includes one or more sensors. The one or more sensors can include a sensor to detect the presence of a user in the seat and/or a sensor to detect a level of water within the receptacle.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for water immersion. The system for water immersion can include a shell including an interior wall and an exterior wall and a light assembly. With respect to the shell, the interior wall can define a receptacle sized and shaped to hold water. The light assembly can be positioned in the interior wall of the shell and include a front end exposed to an interior of the shell and a rear end positioned in an interior portion of the shell between the interior wall and the exterior wall. The light assembly can include a bezel configured to be secured in an opening in the shell. The light assembly can include a lens that allows the transmission of light. The lens can be secured to the bezel or other trim components for appearance. The light assembly can include a housing mounted behind the lens. The light assembly can include at least one LED positioned between the lens and the housing. In some cases, the housing and the at least one LED can be removed from the light assembly from the rear end of the light assembly when the light assembly is positioned in the interior wall of the shell. The system for water immersion can be included in a spa, a swim spa, a pool, a bath, a whirlpool or experience bath, a shower, and/or a sauna. Although reference is made herein to therapeutic light assemblies, the structure of the light assemblies can be applied to any light assembly for serviceability of the light assembly. For example, components of the light assembly can be removed from the rear end of the light assembly when the light assembly is positioned in the interior wall of the shell without having to remove the water from the water immersion structure.

In some aspects, the lens can include a front surface and a flange extending rearward from the front surface of the lens. The flange can extend through an opening in the bezel. With respect to the housing, it can include a front surface and a flange extending rearward from the front surface of the housing. In some cases, the front surface of the housing can be positioned radially inward of the flange of the lens. The lens can include a patterned design for example as shown in the drawings herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a potential location for a therapeutic light assembly for a spa shell.

FIG. 2 illustrates a therapeutic light assembly on a lower back area of a spa seat.

FIG. 3 illustrates a single light assembly in an interior wall of a spa unit.

FIG. 4 illustrates two light assemblies in a seating area of a spa unit.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a therapeutic light assembly.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-section of the therapeutic light assembly shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates an exploded view of the therapeutic light assembly shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 illustrates possible therapy cycles of red and IR LEDs for three different modes.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a therapeutic light assembly incorporated into different settings.

FIG. 8 illustrates a spa unit with an inactive light therapy system.

FIG. 9 illustrates a spa unit with an active light therapy system.

FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B illustrate another embodiment of a therapeutic light assembly.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section of the therapeutic light assembly shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13. Illustrates an embodiment of a reflector plate.

FIG. 14 illustrates yet another embodiment of a therapeutic light assembly.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a therapeutic light assembly including dimensions corresponding to one or more recesses of a spa unit.

FIGS. 16A-16E illustrate another embodiment of a therapeutic light assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a potential location 50 for a therapeutic light assembly to be integrated into a spa shell 110. In some cases, an interior wall the shell can define a receptacle sized and shaped to hold water. The therapeutic light assembly can be a system for water immersion. The therapeutic light assembly can be positioned below the water line under normal use conditions. In some cases, the therapeutic light assembly can be positioned on a seat back portion of the spa shell 110, between the spa seat 112 of the water line. The spa shell 110 can include a therapeutic light assembly for each spa seat or on each seating area of the spa shell 110. This can beneficially provide light therapy for one or more spa users at a time.

As shown in FIG. 2, the therapeutic light assembly 100 can be positioned to target a lower back area of a user sitting in the spa. For example, the therapeutic light assembly 100 can be positioned closer to a spa seat 112 than an upper edge 114 of the spa. But in other configurations, the therapeutic light assembly 100 can be positioned to target the upper back area of a user sitting in the spa. In this configuration, the therapeutic light assembly 100 can be positioned closer to the upper edge 114 of the spa than the spa seat 112. The therapeutic light assembly 100 can be positioned in the spa seat 112 to target the gluteal muscles. The therapeutic light assembly 100 can be positioned between the spa seat 112 and the floor 116 of the spa to target the legs. The therapeutic light assembly can be positioned in the floor 116 of the spa to target the feet. In some cases, however, the therapeutic light assembly 100 can be positioned in more than one location on the spa shell 110 to permit light therapy on more than one part of a user's body at the same time (e.g., lower back, upper back, glutes, legs, etc.).

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate potential locations for a therapeutic light assembly. One or more light assemblies can be positioned between the spa seats 112a, 112b and the upper edge 114 of the spa. Although the light assemblies are illustrated in the corner of the spa, the light assemblies can be located anywhere along an interior wall of the spa where a user may rest their back. Additional light assemblies may be provided for one or more additional seating locations within the spa.

FIG. 3 illustrates a spa seat 112a including one light assembly 102 provided in an interior wall of the spa. The light assembly 102 is centrally located along a back portion of the spa seat 112a to target the middle of the user's lower back. FIG. 4 illustrates a spa seat 112b including two light assemblies 104, 106 in a back portion of the spa seat 112b. In use, both light assemblies 104, 106 target the lower back area of the user. Additional therapeutic light assemblies may be positioned in the lower back area or elsewhere in the spa shell.

FIG. 5A illustrates a therapeutic light assembly 200. FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-section of the therapeutic light assembly 200 shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C shows an exploded view of the therapeutic light assembly 200 shown in FIG. 5A.

The therapeutic light assembly 200 can include a lens 202 configured to be sealed against a spa shell 210. The lens 202 can be made of a clear material that allows transmission of infrared (IR) and red light. The lens 202 can be fabricated out of a light diffusing material or layered by a light diffusing film. To avoid discomfort, the lens 202 can be shaped to conform to an inner surface of the spa shell 210. For example, the light assembly 200 can be recessed within the lens assembly so that the lens 202 is flush with the inner surface of the spa shell or only slightly protrudes from the inner surface of the spa shell.

The light assembly can include a housing 206 recessed in the spa shell. A plurality of LEDs can be positioned between the lens and the housing. The plurality of LEDs can include a plurality of visible and/or IR LEDs. The plurality of LEDs can be mounted to a board, for example a PCB 204. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the plurality of LEDs 205 can include a plurality of red-light LEDs 205a (e.g., 660 nm) and a plurality of IR LEDs 205b (e.g., near-IR at 850 nm). Red-light LEDs 205a can include light having a wavelength ranging between about 400 nm to about 700 nm. IR LEDs 205b can include light having a wavelength ranging between about 700 nm to about 1 mm. The visible and IR LEDs 205a, 205b can be positioned to create overlapping cones of light, so the light interferes with each other. For example, the visible and IR LEDs 205a, 205b can be positioned in alternating order. In this configuration, a visible LED and an adjacent IR LED can have overlapping cones of light. The plurality of LEDs 205 can also be positioned to provide a substantially uniform field of light and/or to create a uniform intensity over a treatment area for both red and IR light. The plurality of LEDs can include the same number of red-light LEDs 205a and IR LEDs 205b or different numbers of LEDs. For example, the light assembly can include more red-light LEDs 205a than IR LEDs 205b.

The visible and IR LEDs 205a, 205b can be independently operated based, for example, on the desired therapeutic treatment. Possible specifications for the LEDs are provided below in Table 1. The combination of red LEDs 205a and IR LEDs 205b can beneficially provide enhanced light therapy. Red light can provide more effective light therapy to the surface of the skin while the wavelength of the IR light can penetrate more deeply into the body. The light assembly can include the same number of red LEDs 205a and IR LEDs 205b or a different number of red LEDs 205a and IR LEDs 205b. For example, the light assembly 200 can include a greater number of red LEDs 205a than IR LEDs 205b, for example 20 red LEDs 205a and 18 IR LEDs 205b.

TABLE 1

LED Specifications

LED

# of

Radiant
Max Power

Specifications
Wavelength
LEDs
View Angle
Flux
Input (W)

IR Sources
850 nm-1 mm
18 to 32
120-130
200-950
3.5 (per LED)

LEDs

Red Sources
400 nm-700 nm
18 to 32
120-130
150-300
.84 (per 2 LEDs)

LEDs

The light assembly 200 can include a cover plate 203 between the lens 202 and the plurality of LEDs 205. The cover plate 203 can have a pattern of holes 203a to match the pattern of the plurality of LEDs 205. Optionally, a light diffuser (not shown) can be positioned between the plurality of LEDs 205 and the lens 202.

The lens 202 can be secured and sealed to the housing 206 that encapsulates the cover plate 203, the plurality of LEDs 205, and other electronics. The housing 206 can include a sealed jacketed wire harness that exits through the rear (side opposite to the lens) and on outer side of the spa shell. For example, the sealed jacketed wire harness can exit through a sealed grommet 207 of the housing 206 (see FIG. 5B). The sealed grommet 207 can include an opening 207a which can beneficially allow the wire harness to extend through the sealed grommet 207 and connect to the PCB 204. The geometry of the housing 206 can limit propagation of IR waves up to the water level. For example, the plurality of LEDs can be recessed in a bore in the housing 206. As shown in FIG. 5B, the plurality of LEDs 205 are entirely recessed a front edge of the housing 206. The housing 206 of the therapeutic light assembly 200 can include a threaded interface 206a for attachment to the spa shell 210. A nut 209 with a corresponding threaded interface can beneficially secure the housing 206 to the spa shell 210.

The light assembly 200 can include features to cool the plurality of LEDs 205 or space around the plurality of LEDs 205. For example, the light assembly 200 can include vent openings in the back of the housing 206 and PCB 204 where the plurality of LEDs 205 are mounted to allow for cooling. The light assembly 200 may additionally or alternatively include a heat sink and/or cooling fan. The heat sink can beneficially draw heat away from the light assembly 200 and into a space behind the shell 210.

In some cases, the frequency at which the plurality of LEDs 205 is activated, the time the plurality of LEDs 205 are active, and the number of plurality of LEDs 205 activated at the same time can be controlled. This can beneficially regulate the temperature of the light assembly 200 and its surroundings. For example, reducing the number of active IR LEDs 205b can reduce the amount of heat generated by the light assembly 200 and thus reduce (or cool) the temperature of the light assembly 200 and its surroundings. In some cases, the electric current powering the light assembly 200 can be decreased to reduce the amount of heat generated by the light assembly 200. Reducing the electric current, for example, can reduce the amount of heat generated by the plurality of LEDs 205. The light assembly 200 can also include a constant current control which can beneficially reduce the amount of heat waste generated by the light assembly 200.

The user can select from one or more pre-programmed therapy modes or customize treatment. One example of a pre-programmed therapy mode can include activating the light therapy system for about 20 minutes. The amount of time the light therapy system is activated can be decreased or increased. In some cases, for example, a pre-programmed therapy mode can include activating the light therapy system for more than or less than 20 minutes (e.g., 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 18, 22, 25, 30 minutes, etc.).

The different therapy modes can vary LED intensity, the number of activated LEDs, and/or the duration of the therapy cycle. In the case of customized treatments, the system may place limits on different variables, for example safe times, intensities and resultant delivered total fluence. Therapeutic variables are outlined below in Table 2. Possible duty cycles of red and IR LEDs are shown for three different modes in FIG. 6.

TABLE 2

System Specifications

System Specifications
Metric

System Voltage
10 VDC-15 VDC

Power (Maximum)
IR Light: 3.5 Watts per IR LED

(2 IR LEDs minimum)

Red Light: 0.84 Watts per 2

red light LEDs

Current Draw (Maximum)
600 mA−/Light +

(104 mA per LED, 6

banks of LEDs)

IR Irradiance (Max @ 0 inches)
30 to 150 mW/cm2

Red Irradiance (Max @ 0 inches)
5 to 90 mW/cm2

Range of IR Intensity Adjustment
0-100%

Range of Red Intensity Adjustment
0-100%

Time of Therapy
0-30 Minutes

Preset Therapies
Yes

The therapy modes can be selected or controlled through a user interface on or near the spa. The therapy modes may also be controlled using a remote device, for example on an application configured to run on the remote device. A software module or application (app) can be installed on a remote device, the software module or application can include a non-transitory, computer-readable media that can store computer-executable instructions. When executed by the software module or application, the computer-executable instructions can cause the software module or application to receive a user input and communicate the instructions to the spa to adjust an intensity and/or duration of light emitted from the at least one infrared LED of the light assembly. In some cases, the computer-executable instructions can cause the processor to maintain the plurality of infrared LEDs and the plurality of red LEDs at a constant level of power output for an entirety of a pre-determined time period, and/or gradually increase a power output of the plurality of infrared LEDs and the plurality of red LEDs over a period. The computer-executable instructions can also cause the processor to activate only the plurality of red LEDs. This can beneficially prevent the therapeutic light assembly from overheating when, for example, the therapeutic light assembly is activated for demonstration purposes (e.g., in the absence of water thus preventing the plurality of IR LEDs from overheating).

The user interface or remote device can also provide usage reports to track therapy routines. In some cases, the remote device can wirelessly communicate with the spa unit via a cellular or a wi-fi connection. The application on the remote device can control, for example, operation of the light assembly 200 by allowing the selection of a therapy mode, starting or ending a therapy session, and/or selecting the duration of the therapy session, etc. In some cases, the application on the remote device can create and display a log of a user's light therapy sessions. The application can also create therapy recommendations based on a user's light therapy session history and/or preferences.

Operation of any of the light therapy assemblies described herein can be controlled through a controller (also referred to herein as a processor). The system can include a user interface for receiving an input regarding operation of the light therapy assembly. The controller and user interface can be onboard or remote from the spa. For example, user interface can include a light therapy dedicated menu for activating/deactivating the light therapy system, selecting one or more therapy modes, and/or setting up light therapy configurations, etc. Light therapy configurations can include, for example, controlling the number of red light versus IR lights activated on the light therapy assembly, the duration of a light therapy session, etc.

In some cases, the controller can include a memory that stores computer-executable instructions and a processor in communication with the memory. In some cases, when executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions can cause the processor to activate the plurality of infrared LEDs and the plurality of red LEDs and/or deactivate the plurality of infrared LEDs and the plurality of red LEDs after a pre-determined period. The pre-determined period, in some cases, can be less than or equal to about 20 minutes. The pre-determined period can, however, be less than or equal to about 10, 15, 25, 30 minutes etc.

In some cases, the user interface may provide an indication about the operational status of the light therapy system. For example, the user interface can show a message indicating that a light therapy session is about to begin, that a light therapy session is currently in progress, and/or that a light therapy session is about to end. Additionally, or alternatively, the user interface can also show a timer indicating the time before a light therapy session is set to begin and/or the time remaining before a light therapy session ends.

To prevent accidental or inadvertent activation and/or operation of the light therapy system, the controller can include safe activation procedures. For example, the controller can be programed so that the light therapy system is activated and/or a light therapy system user interface is displayed only upon the completion of an activation command. An activation command can include, for example, pressing and holding a button and/or a region of the display for a predefined period (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 seconds, etc.), pressing a sequence of buttons, and/or inputting a password into a user interface of the controller, etc. The controller can also prompt the user to confirm an on-screen message to acknowledge that the light therapy system is being activated before activation of the system.

The system may include a sensor for determining the presence of the user in a seat with the therapeutic light assemblies. The therapeutic light assembly may remain off if no user is detected in the seat. The system can also include a sensor for determining the presence of water within the spa to allow or prevent activation of the therapeutic light assemblies. For example, the controller can inhibit or prevent a therapeutic light assembly from activating if sensor determines that the spa does not have any water or the water level within the spa is below a predefined threshold (e.g., water line is below the therapeutic light assembly and/or not covering the therapeutic light assembly completely).

Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to spas, the light assembly described herein could be incorporated into a pool, bath, whirlpool or experience bath, shower, sauna or any other setting where light therapy may be beneficial, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. As shown in FIG. 7A, the therapeutic light assembly can be incorporated into a spa unit. In some cases, the therapeutic light assembly can be incorporated into a swim spa, as shown in FIG. 7B. The therapeutic light assembly can also be incorporated into a bathtub, as shown in FIG. 7C.

Depending on the application, any of the light assemblies described herein can include an individual power cord which can beneficially allow the light assembly to be connected to a standard power outlet (e.g., 120V or 240V power outlets). For example, a light assembly for a bath application can include a power cord which can be connected to a 120V power outlet. The light assemblies can also be wired into the spa unit's electronics which can be plugged in or hard wired depending on the application. In some cases, light therapy can be applied in a dry setting. For example, in a bath, shower, or sauna application, users can activate the light assembly to provide light therapy even in the absence of water.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a spa unit 330 with an inactive light therapy system and an active light therapy system respectively. When the light therapy system is inactive, as shown in FIG. 8, the LEDs of the therapeutic light assembly are off and therefore do not emit any IR and/or red light. When the light therapy system is active, as shown in FIG. 9, at least some of the LEDs of the therapeutic light assembly are on thereby emitting IR and/or red light. The therapy light system shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 includes two therapeutic light assemblies 302, 304. However, the light therapy system can include less than or more than two therapeutic light assemblies. Moreover, the therapeutic light assembly can be positioned on one or more corners of the spa unit, and/or along the interior walls of the spa where a user may rest their back. Beneficially, this can allow more than one user to receive infrared light therapy at the same time.

FIGS. 10, 11A and 11B show another therapeutic light assembly including a plurality of components, which can include any of the components or features described above. For example, and without limitation, the therapeutic light assembly 400 can include a lens 402, a reflector plate 403, a plurality of LEDs 405 mounted to a board, a bezel 406, and/or a housing 407, as shown in FIG. 10's exploded view of the therapeutic light assembly 400. The bezel 406 can be made of high-performance plastics (HPP). O-rings 408, washers 409, and/or nuts 410 can be used to install the therapeutic light assembly 400 to a spa unit.

As previously mentioned, the lens 402 can be configured to be sealed against the spa shell 412. The lens 402 can be made of a material that allows transmission of IR and red light and/or out of light diffusing material or layered by a light diffusing film. To avoid discomfort, the lens 402 can be shaped to conform to an inner surface of the spa shell 412. For example, the lens 402 can be recessed within the lens assembly so that the lens 402 is flush with the inner surface of the spa shell 412 or only slightly protrudes from the inner surface of the spa shell 412. The housing 407 of the therapeutic light assembly 400 can be recessed in the spa shell 412. The PCB 404 containing the plurality of LEDs 405 can be positioned between the lens 402 and the housing 407. The reflector plate 403 of the light assembly 400 can be positioned between the lens 202 and the PCB 404 containing the plurality of LEDs 405. The lens 402 can be secured and sealed to the housing 407 that encapsulates the LEDs 405 and other electronics. The housing 407 can include a sealed jacketed wire harness that exits through the rear (side opposite to the lens) and on outer side of the spa shell 412. The geometry of the housing 407 can limit propagation of IR waves up to the water level. For example, the LEDs 405 can be recessed in a bore in the housing. FIG. 12 shows a cross-section of the therapeutic light assembly 400 shown in FIG. 10. As illustrated, the housing 407 of the therapeutic light assembly 400 can have a threaded interface 407a for attachment to the spa shell 412.

A reflector plate 503 is shown in FIG. 13. The reflector plate 503 can be similar to reflector plate 403, which is described in relation to FIG. 10. The reflector plate 503 can include a plurality of openings 503a matching the plurality of red LEDs 505a and IR LEDs 505b. The plurality of LEDs 505 can include the same number of red LEDs 505a and IR LEDs 505b, for example twenty (20) red LEDs 505a and twenty (20) IR LEDs 505b. However, other combinations are possible, including a different number of LEDs or different number of red LEDs compared to IR LEDs. In some cases, the red LEDs 505a can have a 660 nm wavelength output, while the IR LEDs 505b can have an 850 nm wavelength output. However, the red and IR LEDs 505a, 505b can have wavelength outputs less than or greater than 660 nm and 850 nm respectively. The reflector plate 503 can also include a plurality of reflecting hubs 503b extending from each of the plurality of openings 503a. Each of the plurality of reflecting hubs 503b and the plurality of openings 503a can be at least partially depressed relative to a planar surface of the reflector plane. Beneficially, the depressed configuration of the plurality of reflecting hubs 503b can increase the reflective surface area and improve the transmission of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs 505.

As shown in FIG. 13, the LEDs 505 can be arranged in a plurality of concentric rings, but other shapes are possible like squares, triangles, or rows. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three concentric rings, but a fewer or greater number of concentric rings is possible depending on, for example, the size of the therapeutic light assembly. As illustrated, the red LEDs 505a and IR LEDs 505b are arranged in alternating order. Each red LED 505a can have an adjacent IR LED 505b in the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, and each IR LED 505b can have an adjacent red LED 505a in the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. But other alternating arrangements are possible. For example, there can alternating sets of red LEDs 505a and sets of IR LEDs 505b, with each set having two LEDs, three LEDs, or more. The red LEDs 505a and IR LEDs 505b can also be positioned in an alternating arrangement in the radial direction.

Each of the plurality of reflecting hubs 503b can be generally annular in shape. Within each ring, the reflecting hubs 503b can be distinct and spaced apart as shown in the outer ring 503c, or the reflecting hubs 503b can share adjacent edges as shown in the inner and intermediate rings 503d, 503e. The reflecting hubs 503b in the outer ring 503c can have increased surface area compared to reflecting hubs 503b in the inner or intermediate rings 503d, 503e. The reflecting hubs 503b in the intermediate ring 503d can have increased surface area compared to the reflecting hubs in the inner ring 503e.

FIG. 14 shows the therapeutic light assembly 400 shown in FIGS. 10-13 including a sealed jacketed wire harness 430 that can exit through the rear and an outer side of the spa shell. The sealed jacketed wire harness 430 can include a connector configured to distribute power to the therapeutic light assembly 400.

A shown in FIG. 15, the therapeutic light assembly 400 can have dimensions corresponding to one or more recesses of a spa unit thereby allowing users to install one or more therapeutic light assemblies 400 to an existing spa unit. In some cases, however, the therapeutic light assembly 400 can be pre-installed to a spa unit. A diameter of the lens of the therapeutic light assembly can be less than or equal to about 5 inches, or less than or equal to about 4 inches, for example about 3.25 inches.

The therapeutic light assembly 400 can be inserted into a recess in the spa shell. The dimensions of the therapeutic light assembly 400 can be similar to the dimensions of conventional spa light assemblies or spa jets. Beneficially, this can allow spa users to replace conventional light assemblies or spa jets with therapeutic light assemblies 400 with ease. For example, and as shown in FIG. 15, the therapeutic light assembly 400 can have dimensions corresponding to one or more recesses of a spa unit thereby allowing users to install one or more therapeutic light assemblies 400 to an existing spa unit. In some cases, however, the therapeutic light assembly can be pre-installed to a spa unit. In some cases, all spa jets on a spa unit can be replaced with light assemblies 400. A diameter of the lens of the therapeutic light assembly 400 can be less than or equal to about 5 inches, or less than or equal to about 4 inches, for example about 3.25 inches.

The therapeutic light assembly 400 can include features to cool the LEDs or space around the LEDs, for example one or more vent openings to ventilate the light assembly and the electronic components included therein. The therapeutic light assemblies 400 can additionally or alternatively include a heat sink and/or a cooling fan. Venting the therapeutic light assembly beneficially regulates a temperature of the light assembly thereby preventing overheating and ensuring optimal operational efficiency.

As described above, the user can select from one or more pre-programmed therapy modes or customize treatment. The therapy modes can be selected or controlled through a user interface on or near the light assembly. The therapy modes may also be controlled using a remote device, for example on an application configured to run on the remote device. The user interface or remote device can also provide usage reports to track therapy routines.

To reduce the risk of infrared light being emitted directly to a user's eyes, the spa can include an alarm system configured to produce alerts prior to and/or during a therapy session. For example, the alarm system can be configured to provide an indication that the therapy session is about to start and/or the time remaining before the therapy session starts and/or ends. The indication of the alarm system can comprise an audible alarm, a visual alarm, or a combination thereof. The activation safety features of the light therapy system (e.g., prompting users to confirm an on-screen message to acknowledge that the light therapy system is being activated) can also reduce the risk of injury to the users.

FIGS. 16A-16E show another therapeutic light assembly 600 including a plurality of components, which can include any of the components or features described above. For example, and without limitation, the therapeutic light assembly 600 can include a lens 602, a reflector plate 603, a plurality of LEDs 605 mounted to a board, a bezel 606, a housing 607, and/or a heat sink 608 as shown in FIG. 16C's exploded view of the therapeutic light assembly 600. The bezel 606 can be made of high-performance plastics (HPP).

As previously mentioned, the lens 602 can be configured to be sealed against the spa shell. The lens 602 can be made of a material that allows transmission of IR and red light and/or out of light diffusing material or layered by a light diffusing film. To avoid discomfort, the lens 602 can be shaped to conform to an inner surface of the spa shell. For example, the lens 602 can be recessed within the lens assembly so that the lens 602 is flush with the inner surface of the spa shell or only slightly protrudes from the inner surface of the spa shell. Unlike the above-described lenses, the lens 602 can include a front surface 602a including a pattern and a rearward extending flange 602b. In some cases, a front end of the lens 602 can exposed to the interior of a shell (e.g., a spa shell).

As best shown in FIG. 16C, the front surface 602a can include a diameter larger than an inner diameter of the flange 602b. In some cases, a diameter of an edge 607e on rear end 607c of the housing 607 can be greater than the inner diameter of the flange 602b. The reflector plate 603 and the PCB 604 can include diameters smaller than the inner diameter of the flange 602b. This can beneficially allow the reflector plate 603 and the PCB 604 to fit within the aperture formed by the flange 602b and be positioned beneath the lens 602. A diameter of a front end 607d of the housing 607 can also be smaller than the inner diameter of the flange 602b to allow the housing 607 to fit within the aperture formed by the flange 602b. The edge 607e can beneficially interact with the flange 602b when the housing 607 is inserted through the opening of the flange 602b. For example, the diameter of the edge 607e being larger than the diameter of the flange 602b can prevent the housing 607 from advancing further into the lens 602 when the edge 607e bumps into the flange 602b.

The housing 607 of the therapeutic light assembly 600 can be recessed in the spa shell. The PCB 604 containing the plurality of LEDs 605 can be positioned between the lens 602 and the housing 607. The reflector plate 603 of the light assembly 600 can be positioned between the lens 602 and the PCB 604 containing the plurality of LEDs 605. In some cases, the lens 602 can be secured and sealed to the housing 607 that encapsulates the LEDs 605 and other electronics. For example, the lens 602 can be removably secured to the housing 607, for example through a snap-fit, friction fit, threaded interface, or otherwise. The housing 607 can include one or more rearward extending flanges 607b for interfacing with the rearward extending flange 602b of the lens 602. The housing 607 can include a sealed jacketed wire harness that exits through the rear (side opposite to the lens) and on outer side of the spa shell. The geometry of the housing 607 can limit propagation of IR waves up to the water level. For example, the LEDs 605 can be recessed in a bore in the housing. FIG. 16E shows a cross-section of the therapeutic light assembly 600 shown in FIGS. 16A-16C.

The light assembly 600 can beneficially be sealed to an exterior portion of a spa unit. For example, the bezel 606 can be secured to a recess of a spa shell. For example, the bezel 606 can be secured with a mechanical connection, adhesive, glassed-in, or otherwise. When finally assembled, the lens 602 can be secured to the bezel 606 and sealed around an edge 606a of the bezel 606, for example using a mechanical connection or adhesive. As shown in FIG. 16E, rearward extending flange 602b of the lens 602 can be inserted through an opening of the bezel 606. The rearward extending flange 602b can extend rearward of the bezel 606 when assembled. The seal can beneficially prevent liquids, such as water, from reaching the interior components of the light assembly 600.

The remaining components of the therapeutic light assembly 600, including the reflector plate 603, the printed circuit board 604 (PCB) with red LEDs and/or IR LEDs 605, and/or the housing 607 can be mounted from an interior portion of the spa shell behind the lens 602. Each of these components may be positioned within the footprint of the lens 602, for example radially inward of the rearward extending flange 602b of the lens 602. Each of these components can be accessed from a rear side the therapeutic light assembly 600. For example, the exterior panels of the spa unit can be removed to access the interior portion of the spa shell and secure the reflector plate 603, the printed circuit board 604 (PCB) with red LEDs and/or IR LEDs 605, and/or the housing 607 to the lens 602 and the bezel 606 without removing the lens 602 and/or the bezel 606. This can beneficially allow users to replace at least some of the light assembly 600 components without the need to drain the water inside the spa unit.

The reflector plate 603 can include a plurality of openings 603a matching the plurality of red LEDs 605a and IR LEDs 605b. The plurality of LEDs 605 can include the same number of red LEDs 605a and IR LEDs 605b, for example twenty (20) red LEDs 605a and twenty (20) IR LEDs 605b. However, other combinations are possible, including a different number of LEDs or different number of red LEDs compared to IR LEDs. In some cases, the red LEDs 605a can have a 660 nm wavelength output, while the IR LEDs 605b can have an 850 nm wavelength output. However, the red and IR LEDs 605a, 605b can have wavelength outputs less than or greater than 660 nm and 850 nm respectively.

The reflector plate 603 can also include a plurality of reflecting hubs 603b extending from each of the plurality of openings 603a. Each of the plurality of reflecting hubs 603b and the plurality of openings 603a can be at least partially depressed relative to a planar surface of the reflector plate 603. Beneficially, the depressed configuration of the plurality of reflecting hubs 603b can increase the reflective surface area and improve the transmission of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs 605. In some cases, the plurality of LEDs 605 do not extend beyond a planar surface of the reflector plate 603 and are instead embedded within the plurality of reflecting hubs 603b.

The reflector plate 603 can include alignment features. For example, the reflector plate 603 can include one or more tabs 603c. The one or more tabs 603c can extend outwardly from an edge of the reflector plate 603. In some cases, the reflector plate can include one, two, three, four, five, etc., tabs 603c. The housing 607 can include a plurality of recesses 607a which can receive the one or more tabs 603c and secure the reflector plate 603 to the housing 607. The PCB 604 can include one or more notches 604a which can receive the one or more tabs 603c of the reflector plate 603. The housing 607 can include one recess 607a for each tab 603c of the reflector plate 603. The PCB 604 containing the plurality of LEDs 605 can be secured between the reflector plate 603 and the housing 607 when the reflector plate 603 is secured to the housing 607.

As shown in FIG. 16D, each of the plurality of reflecting hubs 603b can include a plurality of edges. For example, some of the reflecting hubs 603b can include three, four, five edges. Each of the reflecting hubs 603b can include less than three or more than five edges. The edges of each of the reflecting hubs 603b can include straight, curved, and/or semicircular edges. Within each ring of reflecting hubs 603b, the reflecting hubs 603b can share adjacent edges as shown in the inner, intermediate, and outer rings 603d, 603e, 603f. The reflecting hubs 603b in the inner ring 603d can have increased surface area compared to reflecting hubs 603b in the intermediate or outer rings 603e, 603f. The reflecting hubs 603b in the intermediate ring 603e can have a surface area smaller than the reflecting hubs in the inner and/or outer rings 603d, 603f. A central area 603g of the reflector plate 603 can, when positioned beneath the lens 602, contact rear facing surface of the lens 602.

The LEDs 605 can be arranged in a plurality of concentric rings, but other shapes are possible like squares, triangles, or rows. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three concentric rings, but a fewer or greater number of concentric rings is possible depending on, for example, the size of the therapeutic light assembly. As illustrated, the red LEDs 605a and IR LEDs 605b are arranged in alternating order. Each red LED 605a can have an adjacent IR LED 605b in the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, and each IR LED 605b can have an adjacent red LED 605a in the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. But other alternating arrangements are possible. For example, there can alternating sets of red LEDs 605a and sets of IR LEDs 605b, with each set having two LEDs, three LEDs, or more. The red LEDs 605a and IR LEDs 605b can also be positioned in an alternating arrangement in the radial direction.

Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed herein, inventive subject matter extends beyond the examples in the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. While we have described and illustrated in detail embodiments of a light therapy system, it should be understood that our inventions can be modified in both arrangement and detail. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described above. 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. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, 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.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

The features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “generally” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “generally” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

Although the light therapy system has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that light therapy system and subassemblies extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the light therapy system herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

	Number	Date	Country
	63268915	Mar 2022	US
	63368345	Jul 2022	US

LIGHT THERAPY FOR SPA

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