A light assembly

Abstract

A releasable connector 12 comprising a first connection assembly 120 and a second connection assembly 130 each having a connector body 142, 170. The first connection assembly comprises a plurality of

Description

The present invention relates to a light assembly. The light assembly finds use in the illumination of confined spaces or cavities. Particularly advantageous uses of the light assembly of the present invention include providing illumination during surgical or other medical procedures. The present invention also relates to a single-use, releasable electrical connector, which finds use, for example, in the light assembly of the present invention. Light assemblies for use during surgical or other medical procedures being conducted on a subject are well known in the art and are commonplace in hospitals, clinics, doctors surgeries and the like. A common arrangement of light assembly comprises a light unit comprising one or more light emitters. The light unit is typically mounted so as to be moveable and supported by an assembly such as an arm or a stand. In use, the light unit is positioned and oriented to provide light to illuminate the region of the subject undergoing treatment. However, one problem that arises is that the medical professionals conducting the procedure, such as surgeons, can move in between the light unit and the subject, casting a shadow and reducing the illumination of the treatment site. As a result, the positioning of light units so as to provide constant illumination, while also allowing the medical practitioners freedom to operate, is a problem. One particular problem with illumination is to provide sufficient light within a cavity of the subject. In many surgical procedures, the surgeon must access internal organs of the patient through an incision. Illuminating the cavity formed following an incision to allow the surgeon to conduct the procedure is problematic, in particular with stationary lighting systems discussed above. On attempt to solve this problem is to provide the surgeon with a lighting device for mounting on his or her head. However, as will be appreciated, the focus of the head-mounted light is dependent upon the position and orientation of the surgeon’s head, which in turn can restrict the movement of the surgeon. Various alternative lighting assemblies have been proposed to ease the difficulties of surgeons visualising their patient during surgical procedures. WO 02 / 07632 discloses an illuminating device for use in medical procedures. The device is self-contained and employs at least one light emitting diode (LED) to produce a cold light. Various embodiments of the device are described and shown, including devices for mounting on the head or hands of the surgeon, as well as devices for extending into a cavity of the body of the patient. The device may be sterilised to allow for repeated use. WO 2004 / 030526 discloses a self-contained, sterilisable surgical system. The system, for example an endoscope, comprises a shaft having a light source mounted on its distal end. The light source may employ one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light source may contain its own source of electrical power, for example a battery. WO 2006 / 074078 concerns a medical apparatus employing a flexible light structure. The apparatus finds use in the treatment of a subject by phototherapy. The light structure comprises an elongate flexible member and a plurality of light emitters, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), encased in a polymer. The light emitters are arranged in a back-to-back, partially overlapping arrangement. US 2007 / 049794 discloses a visualization stylet suitable for use with medical devices to illuminate and visualize the interior anatomy of a body cavity or organ. The stylet includes a miniature camera, light source and an on-board power source. US 2007 / 0185386 discloses a medical device light source. The device is particularly intended for illuminating an internal portion of a patient’s body. One embodiment of the device comprises an elongate tube having a proximal end and an open distal end. An illumination device is disposed within the tube and is operable to emit a beam of light in the distal direction. A light source is located in the distal end of the tube and is operable to emit a beam of light in the lateral direction. The light source may comprise a light emitting diode (LED). A surgical illumination device is described and shown in US 2008 / 0266840. The device comprises a flexible boom having a light source mounted at its distal end. The light source may comprise a light emitting diode (LED). A lens may be provided to focus the light emitted by the LED. The proximal end of the boom is connected to a housing containing a battery and an electrical controller. The device may be hand held or may be mounted to an instrument, for example by a strap or a cradle. WO 2009 / 088126 discloses a light brightness controllable illuminator having a disposable or reusable light probe structure. The illuminator comprises a main body having a controller circuit for controlling the generation of light and generating light or an optical signal for generation of the light; and a light probe having at least one LED. The light probe is connected to the main body and has its terminal connected to the at least one LED to send the light or optical signal from the main body to the at least one LED and to illuminate the light on a specified area. The light probe is made of a bendable or flexible material and comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion connected by a releasable electrical connector, allowing the distal end portion to be removed and replaced. More recently, WO 2016 / 186578 discloses an illumination device. The device finds use in illuminating a body cavity during a surgical procedure. The device comprises a flexible elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the flexible elongated member is provided with an illumination module comprising a plurality of lighting elements for emitting light. The proximal end of the flexible elongated member is connected to a control module. The control module allows the user to control the operation of the illumination module at the distal end of the flexible elongated member and the light emitted therefrom. WO 2016 / 186578 suggests that the illumination device may comprises connectors between the illumination module and the distal end of the flexible elongated member and / or between the proximal end of the flexible elongated member and the control module. In this way, it is suggested that the illumination device may be modular in construction. An embodiment of the illumination device of WO 2016 / 186578 has been developed and is commercially available as the KLARO in vivo surgical lighting device from Vivo Surgical, Singapore. The commercial device is constructed with all the components being irremovable, with repeated use of the device requiring sterilisation of the entire device. In practice, this renders the commercial product a single use product. Perhaps most recently, GB 2,620,030 discloses a light assembly comprising a control assembly; a storage assembly for storing electrical energy; a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the conduit is connected at its proximal end to the control assembly; and a light emitting assembly, wherein the light emitting assembly is connected to the distal end of the conduit. The conduit is connected at its proximal end to the control assembly by a releasable connection comprising a releasable mechanical connection between the conduit and the control unit and a releasable electrical connection between the conduit and the control unit. Alternatively, or in addition, the conduit is connected at its distal end to the light emitting assembly by a releasable connection comprising a releasable mechanical connection between the conduit and the light emitting assembly and a releasable electrical connection between the conduit and the light emitting assembly. The or at least one of the releasable connections is a single-use connection, whereby once the connection has been made and released, the connection cannot be remade to form both a mechanical connection and an electrical connection. Releasable, single-use connections are known in the art. For example, JP 2008288001 describes and shows a re-connection prevention mechanism in which intentional re-connection can be prevented. CN 203085800 discloses a disposable self-destruct plug for making a releasable, single use electrical connection. JP 2009099459 also discloses a single use mechanical and electrical connector. More recently, JP 2021110831 describes an optical connector that prevents reconnection once the connector has been disengaged. There is a need for an improved device for providing illumination during medical procedures, such as surgical procedures. It would be advantageous if the device would provide illumination during surgical procedures, in particular at locations internally within the body of the patient, for example in cavities opened up during surgery. It would be advantageous if the device could have one or more components that are readily sterilisable and reusable, for example a major component, such as an electrical energy storage device, while one or more other components could be removed, such as those components most likely to be contaminated during use. It would be advantageous if the components most likely to be contaminated during use could be arranged as single-use components, releasably connected to the remaining components of the device and with reconnection after use prevented. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light assembly comprising: a housing; an electrical storage assembly for storing electrical energy disposed within the housing; a wand having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the wand is connected at its proximal end to the housing, the wand having a light emitting assembly disposed in the distal end portion of the wand or at the distal end of the wand; wherein the wand is connected at its proximal end to the housing by a releasable connector, in use the releasable connector providing a releasable mechanical connection between the wand and the housing and a releasable electrical connection between the wand and the electrical storage assembly; wherein the releasable connector is a single-use connection, whereby once the mechanical connection between the wand and the housing has been made and released, the mechanical connection cannot be remade to form both a mechanical connection and an electrical connection; wherein the releasable connector comprising: a first connection assembly having a connector body comprised in the housing; and a second connection assembly having a connector body disposed on the proximal end of the wand; wherein the first connection assembly comprises a plurality of first electrical connection members and one or more receivers, the or each receiver comprising a first engagement member; wherein the second connection assembly comprises a plurality of second electrical connection members and one or more coupling members, each coupling member extending from the connection assembly and comprising a frangible portion disposed between the connector body of the second connection assembly and a distal portion of the coupling member, the or each coupling member comprising a second engagement member; in use, the or each coupling member extending into a respective receiver, whereby the first and second engagement members engage to prevent the or each coupling member from being removed from its respective receiver, wherein with the or each coupling member engaged within its respective receiver the first electrical connection members are in electrical contact with the second electrical connection members; wherein breaking the frangible portion of each coupling member allows the distal portion of the coupling member to be detached from the second connection member, thereby releasing the second connection assembly from the first connection assembly; after which the distal portion of the or each coupling member may be removed from its respective receiver. The light assembly of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages compared to light assemblies of the prior art. For example, the light assembly is modular, that is formed by combining a number of different modules, in particular a housing and a separate wand having a light emitting assembly in its distal end portion or at its distal end. This modular construction provides advantages in the manufacture of the assembly, in particular making construction of the assembly cheaper and easier to perform. In addition, the light assembly provides advantages when used in the provision of medical care, such as during surgical procedures. In particular, the modules of the assembly, that is the housing and the wand may be disconnected. The assembly provides that the wand is connected to the housing at its proximal end by a connection that allows only a single use. In this way, key components of the assembly, that is the wand and the light emitting assembly, may only be used once and then must be disposed of. The wand and the light emitting assembly may thus be constructed for a single use, rather than multiple uses. This improves the safety of the product, in particular by reducing or eliminating the need to sterilise the wand and the light emitting assembly to allow repeated uses. In one preferred embodiment, the wand is releasably connected to the housing, allowing the housing and the components held therein to be reused, while allowing the wand and the light emitting assembly to be constructed as single-use components. As used herein the term ‘single-use connection’ is a reference to a releasable connection made between two components of the light assembly configured such that, once the connection has been made a first time and released, the connection cannot be made a subsequent time and provide both a mechanical connection between the two components and an electrical connection between the two components. Subsequent attempts to reconnect the two components will result in one or both of a mechanical connection between the components not being formed and an electrical connection between the components not being formed. The light assembly comprises a housing. The housing contains various components of the light assembly, as described in more detail hereinbelow, including an electrical energy storage assembly, the first connector assembly of the connection assembly and electrical connections between the storage assembly and the first connector, such as one or more cables or leads. The housing may have any suitable form. Preferably, the housing is of a size and a shape to allow it to be readily and comfortably held in one hand of a user. The housing defines an interior within which the aforementioned components are held. The housing is preferably formed to fully enclose the interior of the housing, in particular to prevent the ingress of fluids, most preferably to prevent the ingress of liquid and steam. This allows the housing to be cleaned and sterilised using conventional sterilisation techniques for preparing devices for use in medical and surgical procedures. The housing may be formed from any suitable material, with plastic being particularly preferred. Most preferably, the housing is formed from one or more polymers that are resistant to being sterilised using current sterilisation techniques, including washing in sterilising liquids, autoclaving and exposure to UV radiation. Suitable polymers are known in the art and include medical grade polymers, such as polyolefins, for example polyethylene, polypropylene and polyolefin copolymers, methacrylates, for example polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyamides, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonates. The light assembly further comprises a storage assembly for storing electrical energy. The storage assembly is located in the housing. The storage assembly comprises a means for storing electrical energy, more especially one or more batteries. The one or more batteries may be single use, requiring replacement once their initial electrical charge has been consumed. Alternatively and more preferably, the one or more batteries are rechargeable. Suitable rechargeable batteries are known in the art. Lithium ion batteries are particularly suitable for use in the light assembly. The storage assembly may comprise a charging system for the electrical energy storage assembly. The charging system may be connectable to a source of electrical energy by a cable or a charger, in known manner. In one embodiment, the cable or charger for charging the storage assembly is releasably connectable to the first connection assembly by a connection assembly that is compatible with the first connection assembly, preferably in manner that allows the connection assembly and the cable or charger to be repeatedly disconnected and reconnected as required, that is not a single-use connector. In this embodiment, a wand may not be connected to the housing and operated while the storage assembly is being charged. Alternatively, the charging system may be wireless, for example operating by induction, again as known in the art. A charging system that operates by way of induction is advantageous, as this does not require additional openings in the housing, for example for sockets or ports for connection to a charger, in turn allowing the housing to be more readily sterilisable using known techniques. The light assembly preferably comprises a control system. The control system preferably comprises a current control assembly operable to control the current supplied from the electrical energy storage assembly. Suitable circuits for controlling the electrical current delivered to the light emitting assembly are known in the art. The current control assembly is preferably located in the housing. The control system may also comprise one or more controls to allow the user to control the light emitted by the light emitting assembly. The control system may comprise one or more control units to allow the user to control one or more operating parameters of the light emitting assembly. Operating parameters of the light emitting assembly include whether one or more light emitting devices within the light emitting assembly are on or off, the intensity of the light being emitted by the light emitting assembly, the colour of the light being emitted by the light emitting assembly and the pattern of the light being emitted by the light emitting assembly. For example, the control system may allow the user to switch the light emitting assembly on and off. Alternatively, or in addition, the control system may be operable to control the intensity of the light being emitted. For example, the intensity of the light being emitted by the light emitting assembly may be varied by varying the number of light emitting devices being operated and / or by varying the electrical energy being supplied to the light emitting device. Alternatively, or in addition, the control system may be operable to vary the pattern of light being emitted by the light emitting assembly, for example to vary the width or direction of a beam of light being emitted by the light emitting assembly. This may be achieved, for example, by selecting the appropriate light emitting device or devices within the light emitting assembly. The control system may comprise one or more control units for controlling one or more operating parameters of the light emitting assembly. Suitable control units for allowing the user to the control the parameters of the operation of the light emitting assembly are known in the art and include switches, such as mechanical switches, rotary switches, push-button switches and sliders. Alternatively or in addition, the control system may comprise a touch-screen to allow control of one or more parameters of the operation of the light emitting assembly. In one embodiment, the control system comprises a control unit for switching the light emitting assembly on and off. In its simplest embodiment, the control assembly provides this single function. In an alternative embodiment, the control system comprises a first control unit for the user to turn the light emitting assembly on and off and one or more further control units for adjusting one or more parameters of the operation of the light emitting assembly. For example, the second control unit may allow the user to adjust one or more of the intensity of the light being emitted by the light emitting assembly, the direction of the light beam emitted from the light emitting assembly, the colour of the light being emitted from the light emitting assembly, and the width of the light beam being emitted from the light emitting assembly. The first and further control functions may be provided by separate control units or by a single control unit. In one preferred embodiment, the light emitting assembly is turned on automatically when the wand is connected to the housing by means of the releasable connector. In this embodiment, the light emitting assembly is only turned off when the wand is disconnected from the housing. This arrangement encourages the wand to be a single-use item, which is disconnected from the housing and disposed of after a single use. In this embodiment, the light assembly may comprise one or more control units to control one or more operating parameters of the light emitting assembly, as described hereinbefore. In a preferred embodiment, the light assembly comprises a single control unit for controlling the brightness of the light emitted by the light emitting assembly. The or each control unit may be disposed within the housing. In this embodiment, the or each control unit is arranged in the housing to allow the user to operate the control unit, for example by means of a switch. The arrangement of the control unit in the housing is most preferably sealed to prevent the ingress of fluid into the interior of the housing and to allow the housing to be sterilised as described above. More preferably, the or each control unit is disposed in the wand. In this way, the control unit is disposed of with the wand after use. This arrangement allows the construction of the housing to be simplified and to ensure that the housing is fluid resistant. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the or each control unit is disposed in the proximal end portion of the wand, for example within or adjacent the second connection assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the one or each control unit is comprised in the second connection assembly, preferably comprising one or more switches. In this way, the user may use a single hand to hold the housing and to operate the or each control unit. The configuration of the or each control unit may be simplified, for example with little or no sealing, as the control unit will be disposed of along with the wand after use. The control system may also comprise one or more displays to provide indications regarding one or more of the operating parameters of the light emitting assembly and the status of the light assembly. For example, the display may provide an indication of such parameters as the intensity of the light being emitted by the light emitting assembly, the direction of the light beam and the width of the beam being emitted by the light emitting assembly. Alternatively or in addition the display may provide the user with information regarding other aspects of the light assembly, for example the state of the electrical storage assembly, in particular the level of charge present in the electrical storage assembly. Suitable indicators, such as lights and other displays, such as touch-screen displays, are known in the art. The one or more displays may be disposed together with or incorporated in the one or more control units. For example, the or each control unit may comprise a light emitting device to provide a display indicating one or more parameters of the light assembly. For example, one or more displays may be disposed together with or incorporated in one or more control units disposed in the wand, for example within the second connection assembly, as described above. More preferably, the one or more displays may be disposed in the housing. In this way, the components of the one or more displays are reusable. In such embodiments, the displays are preferably configured in the housing to prevent the ingress of fluid into the interior of the housing, for example with suitable seals and covers. In one preferred embodiment, the display comprises one or more light emitting devices, in particular one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed in the housing. More preferably, the one or more LEDs are disposed within the housing, still more preferably with the light emitted by the one or more LEDs visible through the housing. In this way, the need to provide the housing with one or more openings to accommodate the LEDs is avoided and the integrity of the housing to resist the ingress of fluid more easily ensured. The light assembly further comprises a wand having a proximal end and a distal end. In use, electrical energy is passed along the wand from the electrical energy storage assembly to the light emitting assembly. The wand comprises one or more conductor elements for conducting electrical energy from the storage assembly to the light emitting assembly. Any suitable conductor elements may be employed, for example one or more wires or cables extending within the wand. The proximal end of the wand comprises the second connection assembly, allowing the wand to be releasably connected at its proximal end to the housing by the single-use releasable connection, as described in more detail hereinafter. In this way, the wand is a disposable component, being used once and then disposed of and replaced with a new wand. The wand is preferably elongate, that is having a length from its proximal end to its distal end that is greater than the width of the wand. The ratio of the length of the wand to the width of the wand may be from 2, preferably from 3, more preferably from 4, still more preferably from 5, more preferably still from 6, especially from 7, more especially from 8, still more especially from 9, in particular from 10. Higher ratios of the length and the width of the wand may also be used, depending upon the required function of the light assembly. For example, ratios from 25, preferably from 50, more preferably from 75, still more preferably from 100, more preferably still from 150, especially from 200 may be employed. The wand may have any suitable length, as determined by the intended use of the light assembly. For example, the wand may have a length of from 100mm, preferably from 250mm, such as from 300mm, 350mm, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, 750mm or 1000mm. The wand may be rigid. Preferably, the wand is flexible, that is part or all of the length of the wand is formed to bend or flex. More preferably, the wand is of a structure that allows the wand to be flexed and bent along part or all of its length, with the wand remaining in the bent or flexed configuration. Such a structure is also known in the art as a ‘flexible wand’. Suitable structures for forming the flexible wand, in particular a flexible wand structure, are known in the art and will be understood by the skilled person. Such structures are employed in commercially available light assemblies of the prior art. For example, the wand may comprise a flexible polymer wall containing one or more bendable metal segments. The light assembly comprises a light emitting assembly. The light emitting assembly is disposed in the distal end portion of the wand or at the distal end of the wand, for example connected to the distal end of the wand. In one embodiment, the light emitting assembly is permanently connected to the distal end of the wand, for example by having the light emitting assembly formed integrally with the distal end portion of the wand. In this embodiment, the wand is releasably connected to the housing by a single-use connection and the wand and the light emitting assembly together form a single-use unit. Alternatively, the light emitting assembly may be releasably connected to the distal end of the wand, preferably by means of a single-use connection, for example a releasable, a connection having the same generally configuration as the single-use connection employed between the proximal end of the wand and the housing and as described in more detail hereinbelow. The light emitting assembly comprises one or more light emitting devices. Suitable devices for emitting light are well known in the art and are commercially available. A particularly preferred light emitting device is a light emitting diode (LED). The light emitting assembly may comprise a single light emitting device. More preferably, the light emitting assembly comprises a plurality of light emitting devices, for example from 2 to 40 devices. In one embodiment, the light emitting assembly comprises from 2 to 20 light emitting devices, such as from 2 to 15, 2 to 12, or 2 to 10 devices. In one embodiment, the light emitting assembly comprises from 3 to 8 light emitting devices. The light emitting devices may be arranged in any suitable pattern on the light emitting assembly. The arrangement of the light emitting devices may be selected to provide a light beam of the desired pattern when the light assembly is operating. Suitable arrangements for the light emitting devices are described and shown, for example in GB 2,620,030. The light emitting devices may be selected to provide light of a single colour rendering, for example white light. Alternatively or in addition, the light emitting devices may be selected to provide light of one or a range of colours in the visible spectrum, that is light emitting devices that are operable to emit light at a plurality of different colour renderings. In one embodiment, the light emitting assembly comprises a light emitting device that is operable to emit light at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. UV light is used in a number of medical procedures. For example, UV light may be used to activate chemical treatments for whitening teeth or to cure and harden adhesive compositions. Further, UV light is used to cure or harden certain composite materials used to fill cavities in teeth. In one embodiment, the light emitting assembly comprises a light emitting device that is operable to emit light at infrared (IR) wavelengths. IR light may be used to increase the contrast of features or objects being viewed. Such a light emitting device is advantageous in a number of surgical procedures, for example keyhole surgery, where improved contrast between the internal features of the patient assists visualisation by the surgeon during the procedure. In one preferred embodiment, the light emitting assembly comprises one or more light emitting devices that emit a light have a high colour rendering index (CRI). A CRI of 100% corresponds to a light source that renders the colours of objects appearing the same as if illuminated by natural sunlight. Preferably, the light emitting assembly comprises one or more light emitting devices that emit a light having a CRI of at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%. The CRI of light emitted by LEDs is generally above 80%. The light emitting assembly may comprise one or more light emitting devices that emit light having a colour bias, for example a bias to red coloured light or blue coloured light. Such colour biased light may be useful for improving the contrast between objects, such as parts of the anatomy of a subject undergoing surgery, for example keyhole surgery. An increase in the contrast visible by the surgeon may assist in conducting the surgical procedure more quickly and efficiently. The light emitting assembly may be rigid. In one preferred embodiment, the light emitting assembly is flexible, allowing the position of the light emitting devices and the direction of the light emitted therefrom to be varied. For example, the one or more light emitting devices may be mounted on a flexible support that may be flexed or bent and remain in the flexed or bent position. In one such embodiment, the light emitting assembly comprises a plurality of light emitting devices, for example LEDs, mounted on a first surface of a printed circuit board (PCB). The opposing second surface of the PCB is provided with a plurality of recesses, adjacent recesses being separated by a land, each LED being mounted on the first surface opposite a respective land on the second surface. In this way, the PCB may be bent in the region of the lands and recesses. A metal sheet or coating on the PCB, for example copper, acts to hold the PCB in the bent position. In one embodiment, the light emitting assembly comprises a strip of metal sheet, most preferably copper. The metal strip may have a thickness of from 0.5 to 3 mm, preferably from 0.75 to 2.5 mm, more preferably from 1 to 2.25 mm, still more preferably from 1.2 to 2 mm, more preferably still from 1.4 to 1.8 mm, especially about 1.6 mm. One surface of the metal strip is provided with a plurality of spaced apart recesses, adjacent recesses separated by a land. The recesses may be formed in the metal strip by machining or pressing, for example. The light emitting assembly further comprises a flexible PCB bonded to the surface of the metal strip that is free from recesses, with the track side of the PCB facing away from the metal strip. The light emitting devices, such as LEDs are mounted on the track side of the PCB opposite the lands of the metal strip. In this way, flexing of the light emitting assembly occurs by the metal strip and PCB bending at the recesses in the metal strip, in turn protecting the soldered joints of the light emitting devices on the track side of the PCB. As described above, the proximal end of the wand is releasably connected to the housing by a releasable, single-use connector. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a releasable, single-use connector comprising: a first connection assembly having a connector body; and a second connection assembly having a connector body; wherein the first connection assembly comprises a plurality of first electrical connection members and one or more receivers, the or each receiver comprising a first engagement member; wherein the second connection assembly comprises a plurality of second electrical connection members and one or more coupling members, each coupling member extending from the connection assembly and comprising a frangible portion disposed between the connector body of the second connection assembly and a distal portion of the coupling member, the or each coupling member comprising a second engagement member; in use, the or each coupling member extending into a respective receiver, whereby the first and second engagement members engage to prevent the or each coupling member from being removed from its respective receiver, wherein with the or each coupling member engaged within its respective receiver the first electrical connection members are in electrical contact with the second electrical connection members; wherein breaking the frangible portion of each coupling member allows the distal portion of the coupling member to be detached from the second connection assembly, thereby releasing the second connection assembly from the first connection assembly; after which the distal portion of the or each coupling member may be removed from its respective receiver. The single-use connector comprises a first connection assembly having a connector body. In the light assembly of the present invention, the first connection assembly is disposed in the housing. The connector body may be formed integrally with the housing. Alternatively, the connector body may be formed as a separate component to the housing and mounted in the housing. The first connection assembly comprises a plurality of first electrical contact members. In the light assembly of the present invention, the first electrical contact members are used to form the electrical connection between the storage assembly and the light emitting assembly, as well as other components within the housing and other components in the wand, as required. Each first electrical contact member may be biased, for example by a spring, to urge it into contact with the corresponding second electrical contact member of the second connection assembly. More preferably, the each first electrical contact member is fixed. Each first electrical contact member may be recessed into the connector body. More preferably, each first electrical contact member lies flush with a surface of the connector body. In this way, the cleaning and sterilisation of the first connection assembly is made easier. The first connection assembly may comprise any suitable number of first electrical contact members, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more, depending upon the number of separate electrical connections required between the wand and the components within the housing. In one embodiment, the first connection assembly comprises from 2 to 5 first electrical contact members, more preferably from 2 to 4. 4 first electrical contact members have been found to particularly suitable for many embodiments. The first electrical contact members may be arranged in any suitable pattern or configuration on the first connection assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the first electrical contact members are disposed on one surface of the connector body. The first electrical contact members may be arranged in an array. In one embodiment comprising 4 first electrical contact members, the contact members are arranged in a line extending across the surface of the connector body. More preferably, the array comprises 4 first electrical contact members arranged in a 2 x 2 square pattern on the surface of the connector body. The first connection assembly comprises one or more receivers. The or each receiver may be an open cavity extending into the connector body or a recess formed in a surface of the connector body. In one embodiment, the first connection assembly comprises a pair of receivers, with a first receiver disposed on one surface of the connector body and a second receiver disposed on an opposite surface of the connector body, preferably with the first and second receivers disposed on respective opposing sides of the array of electrical contact members. The first connection assembly may comprise a single pair of receivers or a plurality of pairs of receivers, for example two pairs of receivers, the receivers in each pair preferably arranged on opposite sides of the array of electrical contact members. The or each receiver comprises a first engagement member for engaging with a respective coupling member of the second connection assembly. The first engagement member engages with the respective coupling member in a non-releasable manner. The first engagement member may be formed by a protrusion extending into the receiver. In one preferred embodiment the first engagement member is generally barb-like, having a ramped surface to facilitate engagement with the respective coupling member and an engagement surface for non-releasable engagement with the coupling member. Alternatively, the first engagement member may be formed by a recess extending from the receiver into the connector body. Each receiver may comprise a single first engagement member or a plurality of first engagement members to engage the respective coupling member. Each receiver has an opening for receiving a coupling member of the second connection assembly, described in more detail below. In such an arrangement, the coupling member is inserted into the receiver through the opening and the portion of the coupling member remaining in the receiver after the first and second connection assemblies have been disconnected is removed through the same opening. In one preferred embodiment, each receiver comprises a first opening and a second opening. In operation, the coupling member of the second connection assembly is inserted into the receiver through the first opening. When the first and second connection assemblies are disconnected, the portion of the coupling member remaining in the receiver may be removed through the second opening. In one preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the receiver is formed such that, when a coupling member is inserted into the receiver through the first opening, it urges any portion of a coupling member within the receiver out through the second opening. In one preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the receiver is formed such that, when the first and second connection assemblies are disconnected, the portion of the coupling member remaining in the receiver may fall out of the receiver through the second opening. The single-use connector further comprises a second connection assembly comprising a connector body. In the light assembly of the present invention, the second connection assembly is at the proximal end of the wand. The connector body may be formed integrally with the wand. Alternatively, the connector body may be formed as a separate component and mounted to the proximal end of the wand. The second connection assembly comprises a plurality of second electrical connection members. In the light assembly of the present invention, the second electrical contact members are used to form the electrical connection between the storage assembly and the light emitting assembly, as well as other components within the housing and other components in the wand, as required. Each second electrical contact member may be recessed into the connector body or may be flush with a surface of the connector body. More preferably, each second electrical contact member extends from a surface of the connector body. Each second electrical contact member may be fixed. More preferably, each second electrical contact member is biased, for example by a spring, to urge it outwards from the connector body and into contact with the corresponding first electrical contact member of the first connection assembly. The second electrical contact members may be arranged in any suitable pattern or configuration on the second connection assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the second electrical contact members are disposed on one surface of the connector body. The second electrical contact members may be arranged in an array. The second electrical contact members are arranged in the connector body such that each second electrical contact member contacts with a corresponding first electrical contact member, when the first and second connection assemblies are connected. The second electrical contact members are preferably arranged in an array having the same pattern of contact members as the array of first electrical contact members, as described above. The second connection assembly further comprises one or more coupling members. Each coupling member extends from the second connection assembly, preferably from the connector body. In use, each coupling member extends into a respective receiver of the first connection assembly when the first and second connection assemblies are connected. Each coupling member extends from the second connection assembly, preferably from the connector body. The arrangement of the one or more coupling members on the second connection assembly is such that each coupling member engages with a respective receiver in the first connection assembly. Therefore, suitable arrangements of the one or more coupling members on the second connection assembly are as for the receivers of the first connection assembly, described hereinbefore. Each coupling member is preferably an elongate member, that is has a length that is 2 or more times the width of the coupling member. In embodiments in which the second connection assembly comprises a plurality of coupling members, the coupling members preferably extend substantially parallel to each other, that is the longitudinal axes of the coupling members are substantially parallel to each other. Each coupling member is preferably flexible, more preferably resilient. Each coupling member may be formed integrally with the connector body. Alternatively, each coupling member may be a separated component that is mounted to the connector body. The or each coupling member is able to be broken, whereby at least a portion of the coupling member separates from the second connection assembly. Breaking the coupling member may be facilitated by providing the coupling member with a frangible portion. In use, when it is desired to disconnect the first and second connection assemblies, the connector bodies are manipulated to break each coupling member. At least a portion of each coupling member remains in its respective receiver in the first connection assembly. As a result, the second connection assembly cannot be reused to connect to a first connection assembly. References herein to the coupling member comprising a ‘frangible portion’ are to the coupling member being able to be broken at one or more places, thereby to release the connection between the first and second connection assemblies. The frangible portion may be provided by the coupling member being formed to be sufficiently weak along its length to allow it to be broken by the user. More preferably, the frangible portion comprises a weakened portion of the coupling member, that is a portion of the coupling member that is weaker than an adjacent portion. For example, the frangible portion may comprise a portion of the coupling member with a reduced thickness or diameter. Alternatively, the frangible portion may comprise a portion of the coupling member provided with one or more recesses, holes or slots therein. The frangible portion of the coupling member may be located at any suitable position along the length of the coupling member. The portion of the coupling member that remains in the receiver after the first and second connection assemblies have been disconnected is the portion distal of the frangible portion. For example, the frangible portion may be provided at or adjacent the connector body. In this embodiment, substantially all of the coupling member will remain in the receiver of the first connection assembly after disconnection. Alternatively, the frangible portion may be disposed in the distal end portion of the coupling member. In this embodiment, the endmost portion at the distal end of the coupling member remains in the receiver after disconnection. Having a smaller portion of the coupling member remain in the receiver may facilitate removal of the said portion from the receiver after disconnection. The or each coupling member comprises a second engagement member. In use, the second engagement member of each coupling member engages with the first engagement member of the receiver into which the coupling member is inserted. The engagement between the second engagement member and the first engagement member is non-releasable. The second engagement member is complementary with the first engagement member, that is once engaged the two engagement members cooperate to prevent the coupling member being removed from the receiver without the coupling member being broken, as discussed above. The second engagement member may have any suitable form to engage with the first engagement member. For example, the second engagement member may comprise a protrusion extending from the coupling member to engage with a corresponding recess or other portion of the receiver. Alternatively, the second engagement member may comprise a recess or opening in the coupling member, which is engaged by a protrusion within the receiver. Each coupling member may comprise a single second engagement member or a plurality of second engagement members to retain the coupling member in its respective receiver in the connector body of the first connection assembly. As noted above, the first and second connection assemblies both comprise a plurality of electrical contact members, which form a plurality of electrical connections when the first and second connection assemblies are connected. In order to ensure that the electrical contact members form the correct electrical connections, it is preferable that the first and / or second connection assemblies are configured to allow the two connection assemblies to be connected in a single orientation. For example, one or both of the connector bodies of the first and second connection assemblies may comprise a form that allows the connection to be formed when the connector bodies are in the single orientation. In embodiments in which the first connection assembly comprises a single receiver and the second connection assembly comprises a single coupling member, the receiver and the coupling member may each have a least one degree of asymmetry in its configuration, which requires the coupling member to be correctly oriented before it can be inserted into and engaged with the receiver. In embodiments where the first connection assembly comprises a plurality of receivers, the receivers may be the same configuration. Similarly, in embodiments where the second connection assembly comprises a plurality of coupling members, the coupling members may be the same configuration. More preferably, at least two of the receivers are of different configurations and at least a corresponding two of the coupling members are of different configurations, thereby providing a single orientation in which the first and second connection assemblies may be connected. In this respect, the different configurations of the receivers may be as a result of a difference in their cross-sectional shape or area, for example the cross-sectional shape or area of the opening into which the coupling member is inserted in use, the depth of the receiver and the like. The different configurations of the coupling members may be as a result of a difference in their cross-sectional shape or area, or the length of the coupling member and the like. The first and second connection assemblies may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Suitable materials include medical grade polymers and are known in the art. As described above, during use, a portion of the or each coupling member of the second connection assembly is left in the respective receiver in the first connection assembly with the connection assemblies are disconnected. This portion of the coupling member must be removed from the receiver before the first connection assembly can be connected to a different second connection assembly. The said portion of the coupling member may be removed from the receiver through an opening in the receiver, as also described above. In one embodiment, the or each coupling member of the second connection assembly is formed from a material, such as a polymer, that is degraded during a medical sterilisation procedure. For example, the material may be degraded during sterilisation in an autoclave, that is under the action of heat and steam. An alternative example is a material that is degraded under the action of ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation. That is the material is degraded under the action of UV light at a wavelength of from about 200 to 300 nm, as used in conventional UV sterilisation techniques. ‘Degradation’ of the material of the coupling member in this respect is a reference to the material being partially or wholly removed from the receiver during the sterilisation procedure. As described above, in use of the light assembly, the wand is releasably connected at its proximal end to the housing by means of the releasable connector, with the first connection assembly at the proximal end of the wand releasably engaging with the second connection assembly in the housing. In particular, the or each coupling member of the second connection assembly are engaged within their respective receiver in the first connection assembly. The light emitted by the light emitting assembly may be controlled by the user using the control assembly. For example, the light assembly may be used to provide illumination during medical procedures, including surgical procedures. Once the procedure has been completed, the wand is removed from the housing by disconnecting the first and second connection assemblies. The effect of this is to break the or each coupling member, leaving a distal portion of the coupling member in the receiver. With the coupling members broken, the wand may not be reconnected to the same or a different housing and reused and may be disposed of, for example by treatment as contaminated waste. The housing may be reused, in particular sterilised using conventional sterilisation procedures and connected to a new wand for a further procedure. The light assembly of the present invention may be provided as a kit comprising a housing as hereinbefore described, together with two or more wands for use with the housing. The wands may have the same configuration or may differ, for example in the configuration of the light emitting assembly or by another feature, such as the length of the wand. If the light emitting assembly is releasably connected to the distal end of the wand, the kit may comprise a plurality of light emitting assemblies, which may the same or have different light configurations. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a light assembly kit comprising a housing as hereinbefore described and a plurality of wands as hereinbefore described. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a housing as hereinbefore described for connection to a wand as hereinbefore described. In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a wand as hereinbefore described for releasably connecting to a housing as hereinbefore described. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a light assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the housing of the light assembly of Figure 1 and its interior; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a releasable connector according to one aspect of the present invention with the first and second connection assemblies before being connected; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the releasable connector of Figure 4 along the line V -V; Figure 4a is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal body portion of the second connection assembly of the releasable connector of Figure 3; Figure 4b is an enlarged view of a coupling member of the second connection assembly of the releasable connector of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a diagrammatical circuit diagram of one embodiment of the light assembly of the present invention; Figure 6 is a side view of a printed circuit board (PCB) for use in the light emitting assembly of one embodiment of the light assembly of the present invention; Figure 6a is a side view of a printed circuit board (PCB) for use in the light emitting assembly of an alternative embodiment of the light assembly of the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the first connection assembly of the releasable connector of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the housing of the light assembly of the present invention being charged using a first embodiment; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the housing of the light assembly of the present invention being charged using a second embodiment. Turning to Figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of a light assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. The light assembly, generally indicated as 2 comprises a housing 4 and a wand 6. The wand 6 has a proximal end 8 and a distal end 10. The wand 6 is releasably connected at its proximal end to the housing 4 by a releasable connector 12, having a first connection assembly 120 comprised in the housing 4 and a second connection assembly 130 at the proximal end of the wand 6. The wand 6 and the releasable connector 12 are shown in Figure 1 in position immediately before the connection between the first connection assembly 120 and the second connection assembly 130 is made. The portion of the wand 6 at the distal end comprises a light emitting assembly 14. The housing 4 is formed in two parts, with a cover 4a and a body 4b, assembled as shown in Figure 1. A perspective view of the housing 4 with the cover 4a and the wand 6 removed is shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 4 is generally rectangular in form and is of a size and shape that allows it to be held in one hand of the user. A first connection assembly 120, forming part of the releasable connector 12, is shown disposed in the housing at one end thereof. In the embodiment, shown in Figure 2, the first connection assembly 120 is formed as a separate component mounted in an opening in the body 4b of the housing 4. In an alternative embodiment, the first connection assembly 120 may be formed integrally with the body 4b of the housing 4, for example by moulding. Details of the releasable connector 12 and the first connection assembly 120 are described in more detail below. The housing 4 is moulded from medical grade polymer and is constructed to be fluid tight, in particular to resist sterilisation using current sterilisation techniques, such as ultra violet (UV) sterilisation, washing in a sterilant and autoclaving. As can be seen in Figure 2, the housing 4 contains an electrical energy storage assembly comprising a battery 22. The battery 22 is of the lithium ion (Li-ion) type which may be recharged for repeated uses. Alternative battery types may also be employed, as required to provide the required electrical output and the desired operating time between recharges. A light emitting diode (LED) may be disposed within the housing 4 adjacent the inner surface of the housing 4. In use, when the LED illuminates, the light is visible by the user through the housing, avoiding the need to provide the housing 4 with an opening. The wall of the housing 4 may be of a reduced thickness in the region of the LED, in order to enhance the visibility of the light emitted by the LED through the housing 4. The housing 4 further contains a printed circuit board (PCB) 24 containing components for operation of the light emitting assembly 14. In particular, the PCB 24 comprises components for controlling the electrical current delivered from the battery 22 to the light emitting assembly 14. The PCB 24 further comprises components for charging the battery 22. In the embodiment shown, the PCB 24 comprises components allowing the battery 22 to be recharged from an external electrical power source connected to the first connection assembly 120. Suitable components for recharging the Li-ion battery 22 are known in the art. Alternatively, or in addition, the PCB 24 comprises components by which the Li-ion battery 22 may be charged by induction. Again, suitable induction charging assemblies for Li-ion batteries are known in the art. Cables 28 extend within the housing 4 from the PCB 24 to the electrical contact members of the first connection assembly 120 to connect the components. In the embodiment of the light assembly 2 shown in the figures, the controls for operating the light assembly 2 are disposed in the wand 6. In particular, the wand comprises a control unit having a button for controlling the brightness of the light emitted by the light emitting assembly 14, as described in more detail below. In the embodiment of the light assembly shown in the figures, the light emitting assembly 14 is electrically connected to and receives current from the Li-ion battery 22 as soon as the wand 6 is connected to the body 4 by connecting the first and second connection assemblies 120, 130. The light emitting assembly 14 is switched off by disconnecting the first and second connection assemblies 120,130. In this embodiment, the single control unit disposed in the wand 6 is used to control the brightness of the light emitted by the light emitting assembly 14. Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a perspective view of a releasable connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. The connector, generally indicated as 12, comprises a first connection assembly 120 and a second connection assembly 130. When used in the light assembly 2 of the present invention, the connector 12 is configured to have the first connection assembly 120 comprised in the housing 4 and the second connection assembly 130 at the proximal end of the wand 6, as shown in Figure 1. The connector 12 is shown in cross-section in Figure 4. An enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal body portion of the second connection assembly 130 of the connector 12 is shown in Figure 4a. The first connection assembly 120 comprises a connector body 142. The connector body 142 is formed from a medical grade polymer by moulding. The connector body 142 has generally rectangular sides, having a proximal face 144 and a distal face 146. In use in the light assembly 2, the proximal face 144 opens into the interior of the housing 4 of the light assembly. The proximal face 144 is provided with an elongate recess 148. The connector body 142 further comprises end faces 150 and 152. A rectangular flange 154 extends around the connector body 142 parallel to and spaced from the proximal face 146. In the light assembly 2 of the present invention, the rectangular flange 154 is used to mount the first connection assembly 120 in the housing 4, for example by a suitable adhesive. In an alternative embodiment, the rectangular flange 154 is incorporated into the housing 4, for example in the body 4b of the housing by moulding. A plurality of electrical contact members 156 extend through the connector body 142 from the distal face 144 to the recess 148 in the proximal face 146. Each electrical contact member 156 is generally cylindrical, having a recess 156a for connection to a respective wire at its proximal end within the recess 148 and a circular contact pad 156b extending flush with the distal surface at its distal end. As shown in the figures, the electrical contact members 156 are arranged in an array, in which the contact members extend in a line across the connector body 142. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4 and 4a, four electrical contact members 156 are employed in a single line. The first connection assembly 120 further comprises a pair of opposing receivers 160, with each receiver being formed in an end portion adjacent the respective end face 150, 152 of the connector body 142. Each receiver comprises a first opening 162 in the distal face 146 of the connector body 142 and a second opening 164 in the respective end face 150,152. A first engagement member 166 extends from the connector body 142 into each receiver 160. The first engagement member 166 protrudes into the respective receiver 160 and is provided with a ramped face facing the first opening 162 of the receiver and an engaging face extending perpendicular to the connector body 142, to form a generally barb-like shape. As can be seen in Figure 4, the inner face 160a of each receiver 160 opposite the first opening 162 extends at an obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the receiver 160 extending inwards from the first opening 162. The second connection assembly 130 comprises a connector body 170 having a distal body portion 170a and a proximal body portion 170b. The connector body 170 is formed from a medical grade polymer by moulding. The connector body portions 170a, 170b have generally rectangular faces. The distal body portion 170a has a distal face 172 and a proximal face 174. The proximal face 174 is provided with an elongate recess 176, providing a rectangular cavity within the proximal body portion 170a. A plurality of electrical contact members 178 extend through the proximal body portion 170a from the distal face 172 to the recess 176 in the proximal face 174. Each electrical contact member 178 is generally cylindrical, having a tubular fixed contact member 178a and a solid moveable contact member 178b extending coaxially within the respective fixed contact member 178a. Each moveable contact member 178b is biased outwards, away from the proximal face 172 by a spring 180 disposed within the respective fixed contact member 178a, as shown in Figure 4a. In use, when the connector 12 is assembled, the spring 180 urges the moveable contact member 178b into contact with the contact pad 156b of the respective electrical contact member 156 of the first connection assembly 120. As shown in the figures, the electrical contact members 178 are arranged in an array, in which the contact members extend in a line across the distal body portion 170a, consistent with the arrangement of the electrical contact members 156 of the first connection assembly 120. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4, and 4a, four electrical contact members 178 are employed arranged in a single line extending along the second connection assembly 130. The distal body portion 170a is provided with a pair of coupling members 184 extending from respective end portions of the distal surface 172 of the distal body portion 170a. Each coupling member 184 is generally rectangular and is provided with a bevel 186 on the inner edge of its distal end. The bevel 186 is positioned to contact the ramped surface of the respective first engagement member 166 and facilitates engagement of the coupling member 184 with the first engagement member within the receiver 160. Each coupling member 184 comprises a second engagement member 188 in the form of a rectangular opening. Each coupling member 184 is further provided with a frangible portion 190, comprising a region of the coupling member that has reduced dimensions. This feature is shown in more detail in Figure 4b, which shows the frangible portion 190 is a portion of the coupling member 184 having a reduced thickness and located adjacent the distal body portion 170a. In use, when the first and second connection assemblies 120, 130 are disconnected, the portion of the coupling member 184 distal of the distal body portion 170a is separated from the distal body portion. The proximal body portion 170b of the connector body 170 is generally hollow, with its proximal face 192 having an opening connecting with the recess in the distal face 174 of the distal body portion 170a. The proximal body portion 170b may be formed integrally with the distal body portion 170a or as a separate component that is connected to the distal body portion, for example by adhesive. The distal end of the proximal body portion 170b is provided with a frusto-conical collar 194 having a bore therethrough opening into the interior of the proximal body portion 170b, providing a conduit for wires to extend from the electrical contact members 178 out of the second connection assembly 130. In use, to connect the first and second connection assemblies 120,130, the connector bodies 142 and 170 are aligned, such that each coupling member 184 is inserted into a respective receiver 160 through the first opening 162, causing the first engagement member 166 in each receiver to engage with the opening 188 in the respective coupling member 184. In this condition, the respective electrical contact members 156 and 178 of the first and second connection assemblies 120, 130 are in contact. When it is required to release the connector 12, the second connection assembly 130 is pulled away from the first connection assembly 120, causing each coupling member 184 to break at the frangible portion 190. The first and second connection assemblies 120, 130 are then separated, leaving the portion of each coupling member 184 distal of the frangible portion 190 in the respective receiver 164. This portion is then removed from the receiver 160 through the second opening 164. The angled face 160a of each receiver 160 assists to guide the portion of the coupling member 184 remaining in the receiver 160 after disconnection out of the second opening 164, which may occur under the action of gravity. Once disconnected in this way, the second connection assembly 130 may not be reused. The first connection assembly 120 may be reused to connect with a new second connection assembly 130. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the proximal body portion 170b of the second connection assembly 130 is provided with a control button 196 for controlling the operation of an electrical component connected to the second connection assembly 130. In the light assembly 2 of the present invention, the control button 196 may be used to control one or more functions of the light emitting assembly, for example the brightness of the light emitted by the light emitting assembly 14. Turning to Figure 5, there is shown a diagram of the electrical circuit of one embodiment of the light assembly of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the PCB 24 is mounted within the housing 4 of the light assembly, together with a Li-ion battery 22. The battery may have any suitable voltage, with a voltage of 3.2 V being suitable for many embodiments. As shown in Figure 5, four leads or wires 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d extend from the battery 22 and the PCB 24 to the electrical contact members of the first connection assembly 120 of the releasable connector 12. When the first and second connection assemblies 120 and 130 are connected, each of the leads 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d are connected to respective leads or wires 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d in the wand 6 by means of the electrical contact members 156 in the first connection assembly 120 and the electrical contact members 178 in the second connection assembly 130 being electrically connected. The wires 28a and 29a provide a supply of electrical current directly from the battery 22 to the light emitting assembly 14 in the wand 6. The wires 28d and 29d provides a return from the light emitting assembly 14 to the PCB 24. The electrical current supplied to the light emitting assembly 14 is controlled by the PCB 24 in response to signals input by the user using the control button 196. The wires 28b, 29b and 28c, 29c connect the control button 196 with the PCB 24. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the light emitting assembly 14 comprises six LEDs 214 arranged in parallel between the wires 29a and 29d. Alternative numbers and arrangements of LEDs may also be employed. Referring to Figure 6, there is shown an embodiment of a printed circuit board (PCB) for use in the light emitting assembly 14 of the light assembly 2 of the present invention. The PCB, generally indicated as 202, comprises a strip of circuit board 204 having a first end 206 and a second end 208, together with a first major surface 210 and a second major surface 212. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 214 are mounted in conventional manner on the first major surface 210 of the circuit board 204, that is the surface with the tracks or traces of metal, in particular copper. The second major surface 212 of the circuit board 204 is provided with a plurality of recesses 220 and lands 222, with adjacent recesses 220 being separated by a land 222. The arrangement of recesses 220 and lands 222 provid the PCB 202 with flexibility, allowing the PCB to be bent during use. As shown in Figure 6, each LED 214 is mounted on the surface of the PCB opposite a land 222. In this way, flexing of the PCB is confined to the recesses 220 between the lands 222 and the soldered joints of the LEDs 214 are protected from damage. In the light assembly 2 of the present invention, the PCB 202 is mounted in a distal portion of the wand 6 and allows the distal end portion of the wand to be flexible and bent to direct the light emitted by the LEDs 214 according to the needs of the user. An alternative embodiment of the PCB assembly for use in the light emitting assembly 14 of the light assembly 2 is shown in Figure 6a. The PCB assembly, generally indicated as 250 comprises a copper strip 252. One major surface of the copper strip 252 is provided with a plurality of recesses 254. Adjacent recesses 254 are separated by lands 256. A thin, flexible PCB 260 is adhered to the second major surface of the copper strip 252. A plurality of LEDs 262 is mounted on the tracked surface of the PCB 260 by soldering in the conventional manner. As can be seen in Figure 6a, each LED 262 is disposed on the tracked surface of the PCB 260 opposite a respective land 256 on the copper strip 252. In use, the copper strip 252 and the PCB 260 may be bent in the regions of the recesses 254 on the copper strip. The LEDs 262 are disposed on a relatively inflexible portion of the assembly, which protects the soldered joints from being damaged. As described above and shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 4a, one arrangement for the electrical contact members 156 and 178 of the releasable connector 12 is in a straight line extending across the bodies of the connector. Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the first connection assembly of the releasable connector 12. Differences between the embodiment shown in Figure 7 and the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 4a and described hereinbefore are as follows: Referring to Figure 7, the first connection assembly 320 comprises a connector body 322. The connector body 322 is formed from a medical grade polymer by moulding. The connector body 322 has generally rectangular sides, having a proximal face 324 and a distal face 326. The proximal face 324 is provided with an elongate recess. In use in the light assembly 2, the proximal face 324 opens into the interior of the housing 4 of the light assembly. The connector body 322 further comprises end faces 330 and 332. A plurality of electrical contact members extend through the connector body 322 from the distal face 326 to the recess in the proximal face 324. Each electrical contact member is generally cylindrical, having a recess for connection to a respective wire at its proximal end within the recess and a circular contact pad 336 extending flush with the distal surface at its distal end. As shown in Figure 7, the electrical contact members 336 are arranged in an array in a 2 x 2 pattern. The first connection assembly 320 further comprises a pair of opposing receivers 360, with each receiver being formed in an end portion adjacent the respective end face 330, 332 of the connector body 322. Each receiver comprises a first opening 362 in the distal face 326 of the connector body 322 and a second opening 364 in the respective end face 330, 332. A first engagement member 366 extends from the connector body 322 into each receiver 360. The first engagement member 366 protrudes into the respective receiver 360 and is provided with a ramped face facing the first opening 362 of the receiver and an engaging face extending perpendicular to the connector body 342, to form a generally barb-like shape. As can be seen in Figure 7, the first openings 362 of the receivers 360 are different sizes. In this way, each first opening 362 will only accept a coupling member of the appropriate size. This allows the coupling members on the second connection assembly to be of different sizes, corresponding to the size of the respective first opening 362. This arrangement ensures that the first connection assembly 320 must be oriented correctly relative to the second connection assembly, before connection of the two assemblies is possible. This in turn ensures that the electrical contact members in the two assemblies are connected correctly. Other means may be used to ensure correct orientation of the first and second connection assemblies before connection. Turning to Figure 8, there is shown one embodiment of charging the battery 22 within the housing 4 of the light assembly 2. In the embodiment shown, a charger 400 is provided. The components and function of the charger 400 and the components within the housing are those known in the art for charging the battery 22, for example will be specific to charging a 3.2 V Li-ion battery. The charger 400 is provided with a recess 402 of a shape and size to accommodate the first connection assembly 120 of the adjacent end portion of the housing 4. The recess contains a connector into which the first connection assembly 120 of the housing 4 is inserted. The connector ensures that an appropriate connection is made with the electrical contact members 156 of the first connection assembly 120, to provide electrical energy to recharge the battery 22. The connection between the connector and the first connection assembly 120 is releasable and reusable. Finally, turning to Figure 9, there is shown an alternative embodiment of charging the battery 22 within the housing 4 of the light assembly 2. In the embodiment shown, an induction charger 500 is provided. The components and function of the charger 500 and the components within the housing 4 are those known in the art for charging the battery 22 by induction, for example specific to charging a 3.2 V Li-ion battery. In the embodiment shown, when recharging the battery 22, the housing 4 is simply placed on the top of the charger 500, in known manner.

Claims

1. A releasable, single-use connector comprising:a first connection assembly having a connector body; anda second connection assembly having a connector body;wherein the first connection assembly comprises a plurality of first electrical connection members and one or more receivers, the or each receiver comprising a first engagement member;wherein the second connection assembly comprises a plurality of second electrical connection members and one or more coupling members, each coupling member extending from the connection assembly and comprising a frangible portion disposed between the connector body of the second connection assembly and a distal portion of the coupling member, the or each coupling member comprising a second engagement member;in use, the or each coupling member extending into a respective receiver, whereby the first and second engagement members engage to prevent the or each coupling member from being removed from its respective receiver, wherein with the or each coupling member engaged within its respective receiver the first electrical connection members are in electrical contact with the second electrical connection members;wherein breaking the frangible portion of each coupling member allows the distal portion of the coupling member to be detached from the second connection assembly, thereby releasing the second connection assembly from the first connection assembly;after which the distal portion of the or each coupling member may be removed from its respective receiver.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein each first electrical connection member is fixed.

3. The connector according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the or each first engagement member is generally barb-like, having a ramped surface to facilitate engagement with the respective coupling member and an engagement surface for non-releasable engagement with the coupling member.

4. The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein each receiver comprises a first opening and a second opening, in use the coupling member of the second connection assembly is inserted into the receiver through the first opening, and wherein when the first and second connection assemblies are disconnected, the portion of the coupling member remaining in the receiver may be removed through the second opening.

5. The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein each second electrical contact member is biased to urge it outwards from the connector body and into contact with the corresponding first electrical contact member of the first connection assembly when the first and second connection assemblies are connected.

6. The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the frangible portion comprises a weakened portion of the coupling member that is weaker than an adjacent portion.

7. The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the frangible portion is provided at or adjacent the connector body or wherein the frangible portion is disposed in the distal end portion of the coupling member.

8. The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the second engagement member comprises a recess or opening in the coupling member, which is engaged by a protrusion within the receiver.

9. The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each coupling member of the second connection assembly is formed from a material that is degraded during a medical sterilisation procedure.

10. A light assembly comprising:a housing;an electrical storage assembly for storing electrical energy disposed within the housing;a wand having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the wand is connected at its proximal end to the housing, the wand having a light emitting assembly disposed in the distal end portion of the wand or at the distal end of the wand;wherein the wand is connected at its proximal end to the housing by a releasable connector, in use the releasable connector providing a releasable mechanical connection between the wand and the housing and a releasable electrical connection between the wand and the electrical storage assembly;wherein the releasable connector is a single-use connection, whereby once the mechanical connection between the wand and the housing has been made and released, the mechanical connection cannot be remade to form both a mechanical connection and an electrical connection;wherein the releasable connector is according to any preceding claim.

11. The light assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a cable or charger for charging the storage assembly, the cable or charger being releasably connectable to the first connection assembly by a connection assembly that is compatible with the first connection assembly in manner that allows the connection assembly and the cable or charger to be repeatedly disconnected and reconnected.

12. The light assembly according to either of claims 10 or 11, further comprising a control system comprising one or more control units for controlling one or more operating parameters of the light emitting assembly.

13. The light assembly according to claim 12, wherein the or each control unit is disposed in the wand.

14. The light assembly according to claim 13, wherein the or each control unit is disposed in the second connection assembly.

15. The light assembly according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the light emitting assembly is turned on automatically when the wand is connected to the housing by means of the releasable connector.

16. The light assembly according to any of claims 10 to 15, further comprising a display, the display comprising one or more light emitting devices disposed in the housing, wherein the light emitted by the one or more light emitting devices is visible through the housing.

17. The light assembly according to any of claims 10 to 16, wherein the light emitting assembly comprises one or more light emitting devices that emit a light having a colour rendering index (CRI) of at least 70%.

18. The light assembly according to any of claims 10 to 17, wherein the light emitting assembly is flexible, allowing the position of the light emitting devices and the direction of the light emitted therefrom to be varied.

19. The light assembly according to any of claims 10 to 18, wherein the light emitting assembly comprises:a metal strip, the metal strip provided with a plurality of spaced apart recesses, adjacent recesses separated by a land;a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) bonded to the surface of the metal strip that is free from recesses, with the track side of the PCB facing away from the metal strip; andone or more light emitting devices mounted on the track side of the PCB.5 20. The light assembly according to claim 19, wherein the or each light emittingdevice is mounted on the track side of the PCB opposite a respective land of the metal strip.

21. A kit comprising a housing as recited in any of claims 10 to 20 and a plurality of wands as recited in any of claims 10 to 20.10 22. A housing as recited in any of claims 10 to 20.

23. A wand as recited in any of claims 10 to 20.15

Images