Phototherapy treatment device.

Abstract

The helmet (10) for treating a user's scalp by phototherapy, the helmet (10) comprising outer and inner shell walls, each extending from a proximal apex portion to a distal edge and, when assembled, defining a peripheral rim of the helmet that delimits an opening for the user's head, and a light source (30) disposed between the two walls emitting inward into the helmet (10), the light source (30) comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (34) and a support (32) for electrically interconnecting the diodes. The support (32) is star-shaped and comprises a plurality of main branches extending radially from a central region of convergence of the main branches to a free end of the branches (320). Figure 4_

Description

Title of the invention: Phototherapy treatment device.

[0001] The present invention relates to a phototherapy treatment device for an external region of the body of a living being. More particularly but not exclusively, it applies to the phototherapy treatment of the head surface of a user, for example to the treatment of the scalp as a treatment for baldness.

[0002] In a manner known per se, the treatment consists of the application of light radiation having a predefined emission spectrum directly onto the scalp. This phototherapy treatment can also be applied in combination with a photosensitizing product applied to the area to be treated a few hours before its exposure to the light radiation to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. In this case, we speak of dynamic phototherapy (also known by the English acronym PDT “Photo Dynamic Therapy”).

[0003] The radiation is preferably substantially monochromatic or has an emission spectrum within a relatively narrow band of wavelengths. Generally, the emission spectrum includes a maximum wavelength located in red visible light or in blue visible light, these wavelengths having demonstrated particular effectiveness for the treatment of certain skin conditions and for the treatment of the scalp.

[0004] It has thus been observed during numerous scientific studies that phototherapy treatment in a predefined wavelength range, in particular in red or blue light, can have a beneficial effect on numerous skin problems, such as scars, stretch marks, acne, wrinkles and fine lines and hair problems such as alopecia.

[0005] More particularly, when radiation is applied to the skin, particularly in red light and more particularly around the wavelength of 630 nm, the cells in the irradiated region will react according to a principle similar to that of photosynthesis in plants. The light will stimulate the cells, and more specifically certain cellular structures of the cell, such as the mitochondria.

[0006] As is known per se, mitochondria play a particularly important role in the process of cellular respiration as well as in the process of transforming nutrients into an energy vector commonly referred to as ATP (acronym for Adenosine Tri Phosphate). Therefore, the stimulation of mitochondria by red light contributes to cell regeneration thanks to the improvement of cellular metabolism. Such cellular regeneration will manifest itself, for example, in facial skin cells by an increase in the production of collagen and elastin and consequently an observable reduction in wrinkles and fine lines.

[0007] More particularly, it has been observed that exposure of the scalp to red light, for example at the wavelength of 630 nm, allows stimulation of hair regrowth, improvement of the quality and density of the hair as well as stabilization of hair loss.

[0008] Already known in the state of the art, in particular from patent application EP2477697, is equipment for phototherapy treatment of the scalp of a user, comprising a helmet delimiting an open end through which, in the position of use, the user's head is at least partially engaged.

[0009] Alopecia generally results in hair loss that is localized in a top part of the skull called tonsure or that is localized in the temporal and frontal gulfs. In male pattern baldness, the progressive thinning of the hair in these two areas can then merge to form a low crown of hair on the temples and the nape of the neck.

[0010] Although male pattern alopecia is the most widespread, the female population is also affected by hair loss, which is generally characterized in this case by a thinning of the hair along a crown line.

[0011] It is thus well known that alopecia is a cause of significant concern for the general population, both for aesthetic and psychological reasons. Description of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims in particular to propose a phototherapy treatment device which improves the treatment of male and female alopecia.

[0013] For this purpose, the invention relates to a helmet for treating the scalp of a user by phototherapy, the helmet comprising outer and inner shell walls each extending from a proximal apex portion to a distal edge and defining, once assembled, a peripheral edge of the helmet which delimits an opening for passage of the user's head, and a light source arranged between the two walls emitting towards the interior of the helmet, the light source comprising a plurality of light emitters and a support for electrically interconnecting the emitters together, characterized in that the support is configured in a star shape and comprises a plurality of main branches which extend radially from a central region of convergence of the main branches towards a free end of the branches.

[0014] A helmet according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the power density is maximum in the central region, for example 20% higher than the density of power in the peripheral region extending around the central region.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one main branch comprises a branching into a plurality of secondary branches starting from at least one of the longitudinal edges of the main branches.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the branching of the branches differs from one main branch to another.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support is symmetrical about an axis extending from a frontal region to an occipital region of the helmet.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light emitters are more concentrated in the central region and more dispersed in the peripheral region.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a metallic heat dissipation interface interposed between the outer and inner walls and supporting the light source on the side of its inner face facing the inner shell.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat dissipation interface is formed by a metal plate shaped to match the hemispherical shape of the cavity of the helmet body.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plate is obtained by folding a pre-cut or notched metal blank along folding lines.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the central region of the support extends in line with a summit region of the helmet.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the central region of the support extends in line with a rear portion or a front portion of the top region of the helmet.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a circumferential headband for adjusting the helmet to a head circumference of the user, attached to the peripheral edge, said headband comprising a body provided with a deformation portion extending radially towards the inside of the helmet and being configured to deform between a rest position deployed radially towards the inside of the helmet and a compressed position between the helmet and the head of the user in the use configuration.

[0026] The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear better, on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments shown as non-limiting examples. The description refers to the appended drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a helmet according to the invention;

[0028] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a bottom view of the helmet of [Fig.l];

[0029] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a sectional view of the helmet of [Fig.l]:

[0030] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective and top view of a dissipation layer thermal supporting the light source of the helmet of [Fig.l];

[0031] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the light source including a support and light emitting diodes of [Fig.4], in a shaped configuration;

[0032] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a front view of the light source in a flat configuration. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] Figures 1 to 6 show a scalp treatment helmet according to the invention. The treatment helmet is designated by the general reference 10.

[0034] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the treatment helmet 10 comprises a body 20 which delimits a cavity 14 inside which a user can insert his head.

[0035] The body 20 further incorporates a light source 30 which emits towards the interior of the cavity 14 in the direction of the surface to be treated. The light source 30 is visible in [Fig. 4] and comprises in this example a plurality of light-emitting diodes 34 forming a plurality of light emitters. In the example described, the light-emitting diodes 34 emit red light preferably with a wavelength around 630 nanometers, in a range of 620 to 640 nanometers. Alternatively, other wavelengths of light may be selected depending on the nature of the desired phototherapy treatment.

[0036] As illustrated in the figures, the body 20 of the helmet 10 comprises outer 22 and inner 24 shell walls each extending from a proximal apex portion to a distal edge of the shell wall 22, 24. The two shell walls 22, 24, once assembled, define a peripheral edge of the helmet 10 which delimits the opening for passage of the head.

[0037] The inner shell wall 24 is made of a material that allows the light flux emitted by the light source 30 to pass through. Preferably, the material is translucent to allow homogeneous diffusion of the light as well as natural protection of the user against glare.

[0038] By translucent is meant a material that lets light through but is not necessarily transparent. Choosing a translucent material rather than a transparent material also makes it aesthetically possible to make the light sources less visible. Of course, as a variant, the material can be chosen to be transparent to the light rays emitted by the light sources.

[0039] For example, preferably, the inner wall 24 is made of a thermoformable plastic material, for example a mixture of polystyrene and polyethylene (acronym PS-PE).

[0040] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source 30 is arranged between the two shell walls 22, 24 and emits towards the inside of the helmet 10.

[0041] Furthermore, preferably, the two walls 22, 24 are coupled together by fasteners 250, for example made of plastic material in the form of clips having orifices 252 coinciding with the two walls 22, 24 in order to receive a fixing element by screwing for example.

[0042] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the helmet 10 also comprises a circumferential band 40 for adjusting the helmet 10 to a head circumference of the user, attached to the peripheral edge. This band 40 makes it possible to adjust the cavity of the helmet 10 to the head circumference of the user, this head circumference having a large variability within the general population.

[0043] In particular, the light source 30 comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes 34 and a support 32 for electrically interconnecting the diodes 34 with each other.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment of the invention and as illustrated in [Fig. 5], the electrical interconnection support 32 is formed from an openwork plate which is configured in a star shape and which comprises a plurality of main branches 320 which extend radially from a central region RI of convergence of the main branches 320 towards a free end of the branches, inside a peripheral region R2. This support 26 is also pierced by orifices 260 coinciding with the orifices 252 of the walls 22, 24,

[0045] Preferably, the main branches 320 are generally rectilinear in the radial direction with a broken or bifurcated line at the end.

[0046] Furthermore, as illustrated in a non-limiting manner in the figures, at least one of the main branches 320 comprises at its free end a terminal block 36 for electrically connecting the support 32 to an electrical power source external to the helmet 10 in order to electrically power the light source 30.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one main branch 320 comprises a branching into a plurality of secondary branches 330 starting from at least one of the longitudinal edges of the main branches 320.

[0048] Preferably, the branching of the secondary branches 330 and / or bifurcation of a main branch 320 differs from one main branch to the other 320. This makes it possible to optimize the distribution of the power density of the light source 30 as a function of the region of the helmet 10 and consequently of the areas of the scalp.

[0049] Preferably, the support 32 is symmetrical with respect to an axis X extending from a frontal region RF towards an occipital region RO of the helmet 10.

[0050] As illustrated in [Fig.5] and preferably, in the configuration shaped in the cavity of the helmet 10 ([Fig.6]), the support 32 comprises two main anterior lateral branches 324 which extend according to the regions of the gulfs temporal. The support 32 further preferably comprises two posterior lateral main branches 322 which are intended to extend in the upper region of the occipital crown of the user's head. Furthermore, preferably, the support 32 further comprises a central posterior main branch 326 intended to extend in the region of the occipital crown centrally and a central anterior main branch 328 intended to extend on the front of the helmet 10. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 5], each of the main branches 322, 324, 326 and 328 have corresponding secondary ramifications 330 referenced respectively 332, 334, 336 and 338.

[0051] Preferably, the power density in the central region RI is greater than the power density in the peripheral region R2 extending around the central region RI, for example 20% greater. Preferably, the concentration of the light-emitting diodes 34 is greater in the central region RI than in the peripheral region R2. For example, the light-emitting diodes 34 have a greater concentration in the central region RI than in the peripheral region R2.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the helmet 10 further comprises a heat dissipation interface or layer 26, for example metallic, interposed between the outer 22 and inner 24 shell walls and supporting the light source 30 on the side of its inner face facing the inner shell 24.

[0053] For example, the heat dissipation interface 26 is formed by a metal plate, preferably made of aluminum, shaped to match the hemispherical shape of the cavity of the body 20 of the helmet 10. Preferably, the plate 26 is obtained by folding a pre-cut or notched metal blank along preferential folding lines.

[0054] Preferably, the central region RI of high power density of the support extends in line with a summit region RS of the helmet 10. For example, the central region RI of the support 32 extends in line with a front or rear portion of a front portion of the summit region RS of the helmet 10.

[0055] The main operating aspects of a phototherapy helmet according to the invention will now be described.

[0056] A user positions the headset 10 on his scalp. In the position of use, the top region of the user's skull is located under the central region RI of the light source 30. In this central region RI, the power density is maximum. This allows for targeted treatment of the scalp which is reinforced in areas of weakening of the scalp. The star-shaped configuration of the support 32 allows both optimized positioning of the light-emitting diodes 34 and allows for flexibility of the support 32 facilitating deformation curvilinear to conform to the curvature of the helmet 10.

[0057] Of course, other embodiments are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art to the invention which has just been described by way of example.

Claims

Claims

1. Helmet (10) for treating the scalp of a user by phototherapy, the helmet (10) comprising outer (22) and inner (24) shell walls each extending from a proximal apex portion to a distal edge and defining, once assembled, a peripheral edge (200) of the helmet (10) which delimits an opening for passage of the user's head, and a light source (30) disposed between the two walls (22, 24) emitting towards the interior of the helmet (10), the light source (30) comprising a plurality of light emitters (34) and a support (32) for electrically interconnecting light emitters together, characterized in that the support (32) is configured in a star shape and comprises a plurality of main branches (320) which extend radially from a central region (RI) of convergence of the main branches (320) towards a free end of the branches (320).

2. Helmet (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the power density in the central region (RI) is maximum, preferably 20% higher than the power density in a peripheral region (R2) extending around the central region (RI).

3. Helmet (10) according to the preceding claim, in which at least one main branch (320) comprises a branching into a plurality of secondary branches (330) starting from at least one of the longitudinal edges of the main branches (320).

4. Helmet (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the branching of the main branches (320) differs from one main branch (320) to another.

5. A helmet (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the support (32) is symmetrical about an axis (X) extending from a frontal region (RF) to an occipital region (RO) of the helmet (10).

6. Helmet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the light emitters (34) are more concentrated in the central region (RI) and more dispersed outside.

7. Helmet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a metallic heat dissipation interface (26) interposed between the outer (22) and inner (24) shell walls and supporting the light source (30) on its inner face side facing the inner hull wall (24).

8. Helmet (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the heat dissipation interface (26) is formed by a metal plate shaped to match the hemispherical shape of the cavity of the helmet body (10).

9. Helmet (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the plate (26) is obtained by folding a pre-cut or notched metal blank along folding lines.

10. Helmet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the central region (RI) of the support (32) extends in line with a summit region (RS) of the helmet (10).

11. Helmet (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the central region (RI) of the support (32) extends in line with a rear part or a front part of the top region (RS) of the helmet (10).

12. Helmet (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a circumferential band (40) for adjusting the helmet (10) to a head circumference of the user, attached to the peripheral edge, said band (40) comprising a body provided with a deformation portion extending radially towards the inside of the helmet (10) and being configured to deform between a rest position deployed radially towards the inside of the helmet (10) and a compressed position between the helmet (10) and the head of the user in the use configuration.

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