A light assembly

Abstract

A light assembly for use in medical procedures, such as during surgery, is provided, the 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; wherein 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; and / or wherein 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; wherein the or at least one releasable connection 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.

Description

[0001] A LIGHT ASSEMBLY

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] US 2007 / 049794 discloses a visualisation stylet for medical device applications. The stylet has a self-contained power source.

[0009] 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).

[0010] 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.

[0011] WO 2009 / 088126 discloses a light assembly having a body and a lightemitting probe connected to the body by a cable. The cable is provided with a releasable connector, to allow the probe to be removed and reconnected to the body.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] WO 2020 / 080431 discloses an endoscope system comprising a controller and an endoscope. The endoscope is releasably connected to the controller. 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.

[0015] According to the present invention there is provided 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; wherein 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; and / or wherein 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; wherein the or at least one releasable connection 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. The light assembly of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages compared to the 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 control assembly, a separate conduit and / or a separate light emitting assembly. 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 control assembly, the conduit and / or the light emitting assembly, may be disconnected. The assembly provides that the conduit is connected to the control assembly and / or the light emitting assembly by a connection that allows only a single use. In this way, key components of the assembly, that is the conduit and / or the light emitting assembly, may only be used once and then must be disposed of. The conduit and / or 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 components to allow repeated uses. In one preferred embodiment, the conduit is releasably connected to the control assembly, allowing the control assembly to be reused, while allowing the conduit and, optionally the light emitting assembly to be constructed as single-use components.

[0016] 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.

[0017] Single-use connections are known in the art. For example, JP 2008288001 discloses a mechanism for preventing reconnection of components. In the mechanism, contacts move into a space and are blocked by a protrusion, when the components are disconnected.

[0018] CN 203085800U discloses an electrical plug having an elongate conductor extending from a plug body. When the plug is removed from a socket, the conductor is separated from the body. An insulator moves to block the reconnection of the conductor with the plug body.

[0019] JP 6868760B discloses a releasable connector for connecting optical fibres. The connector is a single-use device, that prevents reconnection once the optical fibres have been disconnected.

[0020] JP 4431166B also discloses a single-use connector.

[0021] The light assembly of the present invention comprises a control assembly. The control assembly allows the user to control the light emitted by the light emitting assembly. The control assembly comprises 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.

[0022] For example, the control assembly may allow the user to switch the light emitting assembly on and off. Alternatively, or in addition, the control assembly 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 assembly 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.

[0023] The control assembly comprises 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 and push-button switches. Alternatively or in addition, the control assembly may comprise a touch-screen to allow control of one or more parameters of the operation of the light emitting assembly.

[0024] In one embodiment, the control assembly provides a control unit for switching the light emitting assembly on and off. In its simplest embodiment, the control assembly provides this single function.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the control assembly provides a first control for the user to turn the light emitting assembly on and off and one or more further control for adjusting one or more parameters of the operation of the light emitting assembly. For example, the second control 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.

[0026] The first and further control functions may be provided by separate control units or by a single control unit.

[0027] The control assembly 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, including touch-screen displays, are known in the art.

[0028] The control assembly preferably comprises a housing containing the one or more control units and any display. The housing may be formed from any suitable material. In one preferred embodiment, the housing is formed from plastic, for example by moulding. Suitable plastics include medical grade plastics and are known in the art.

[0029] The light assembly further comprises a storage assembly for storing electrical energy. The storage assembly may be any suitable device for storing electrical energy, that is storing energy in any form that may be released and provided as electrical energy as required. In one embodiment, the storage assembly is located together with the control assembly, for example in a single housing. Alternatively, the storage assembly may be separate from the control assembly, for example retained within a separate housing.

[0030] 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 may be rechargeable. Suitable rechargeable batteries are known in the art. The storage assembly may comprise a charging system for the batteries. The charging system may be connectable to a source of electrical energy by a cable, in known manner. Alternatively and more preferably, the charging system may be wireless, for example operating by induction, again as known in the art.

[0031] The light assembly further comprises a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end. In use, electrical energy is passed along the conduit from the control assembly to the light emitting assembly. The conduit comprises one or more conductor elements for conducting electrical energy from the control assembly to the light emitting assembly. Any suitable conductor elements may be employed, for example one or more wires or cables extending within the conduit.

[0032] The conduit is connected at its proximal end to the control assembly. In one embodiment, the conduit is permanently connected at its proximal end to the control assembly. In this embodiment, the conduit is releasably connected at its distal end to the light emitting assembly by a single-use connection.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment the conduit is releasably connected at its proximal end to the control assembly, more preferably by a single-use releasable connection, as described in more detail hereinafter.

[0034] The conduit is connected at its distal end to the light emitting assembly. In one embodiment, the conduit is releasably connected at its distal end to the light emitting assembly, more preferably by a single-use releasable connection, as described in more detail hereinafter.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the conduit is releasably connected at its proximal end to the control assembly and is releasably connected at its distal end to the light emitting assembly, with one, preferably both, of the releasable connections being single-use connections. In one preferred embodiment, the conduit is connected at its proximal end to the control assembly by a single-use, releasable connection and at its distal end to the light emitting assembly by a single-use, releasable connection.

[0036] The conduit is preferably elongate, that is having a length from its proximal end to its distal end that is greater than the width of the conduit. References herein to the ‘width’ of the conduit are to the maximum width of the conduit. The width of the conduit may vary along the length of the conduit from its proximal end to its distal end. More preferably, the width of the conduit is substantially uniform along the length of the conduit. The ratio of the length of the conduit to the width of the conduit 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. The ratio of the length of the conduit to the width of the conduit may be up to 30, preferably up to 29, more preferably up to 28, still more preferably up to 27, more preferably still up to 26, especially up to 25, more especially up to 24, still more especially up to 22, in particular up to 20. The ratio of the length of the conduit to the width of the conduit may be from 2 to 30, preferably from 3 to 28, more preferably from 4 to 26, still more preferably from 5 to 25, more preferably still from 6 to 24, especially from 7 to 23, more especially from 8 to 22, still more especially from 9 to 21 , in particular from 10 to 20.

[0037] The conduit may be rigid. Preferably, the conduit is flexible. More preferably, the conduit is of a structure that allows the conduit be flexed and bent along its length, with the conduit 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 conduit, 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 conduit may comprise a flexible polymer wall containing one or more bendable metal segments.

[0038] The light assembly comprises a light emitting assembly. The light emitting assembly is connected to the distal end of the conduit. In one embodiment, the light emitting assembly is permanently connected to the distal end of the conduit, for example by having the light emitting assembly formed integrally with the distal end portion of the conduit. In this embodiment, the conduit is releasably connected to the control assembly by a single-use connection and the conduit and the light emitting assembly together form a single-use unit.

[0039] Alternatively, the light emitting assembly may be releasably connected to the distal end of the conduit, preferably by means of a single-use connection. Details of the single-use connection are provided 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. 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. The light emitting devices may be selected to provide light of a single colour, 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. In one embodiment, the light emitting assembly comprises a light emitting device that is operable to emit light at ultraviolet wavelengths.

[0040] As discussed hereinbefore, the light assembly comprises a single-use connection between at least one of the conduit and the control assembly and the conduit and the light emitting assembly.

[0041] In one embodiment, the light assembly comprises a single-use connection between the proximal end of the conduit and the control assembly. The light emitting assembly is connected to the distal end of the conduit and may be releasably connected to the conduit or permanently connected to the conduit, for example being formed integrally with the conduit.

[0042] In one embodiment, the light assembly comprises a single-use connection between the distal end of the conduit and the light emitting assembly. The control assembly is connected to the proximal end of the conduit and may be releasably connected to the conduit or permanently connected to the conduit, for example by having the conduit formed integrally with and extending from the control assembly. In one embodiment, the light assembly comprises a single-use connection between the proximal end of the conduit and the control assembly and a single-use connection between the distal end of the conduit and the light emitting assembly.

[0043] By having the conduit and the light emitting assembly connected together, in particular permanently, such as by forming the light emitting assembly and the conduit integrally, the conduit and the light emitting assembly may be provided as a single, disposable unit that is used once and then replaced by another, preferably sterile unit.

[0044] By having the light emitting assembly releasably connected to the distal end of the conduit, for example by a single-use connection, the light emitting assembly may be removed, for example for disposal after use or to be replaced by a light emitting assembly having a different configuration. The different configurations of the light emitting assembly may be operable, for example to provide light in a range of different patterns, such as a range of different beams, or to provide light of a different colour. By having the light emitting assemblies interchangeable, the light assembly is provided with a greater flexibility of use in a range of different situations.

[0045] As described hereinbefore, the light assembly employs one or more singleuse connections between the conduit and one or more other components of the light assembly. Any suitable configuration of the single-use connection can be employed that prevents both a mechanical and an electrical connection being made between the components after the first use and disconnection of the components. For example, the single-use connection may employ any configuration of components that prevents a mechanical connection between two components of the light assembly being reformed after the initial connection has been disconnected. Alternatively, the single-use connection may employ any configuration of components that prevents a mechanical connection between two components of the light assembly being reformed after the initial connection has been disconnected.

[0046] In one embodiment, the or each single-use connection is configured to prevent a mechanical connection being formed between the respective components after the first use and disconnection of the components.

[0047] In one embodiment, the or each single-use connection is configured to prevents an electrical connection being formed between the respective components after the first use and disconnection of the components, even though a mechanical connection between the two components may be formed. That is, the single-use connection may permit mechanical reconnection of the components, but does not permit electrical reconnection.

[0048] In one embodiment, the or each single-use connection is configured to prevent both a mechanical connection and an electrical connection being formed between the respective components after the first use and disconnection of the components.

[0049] In embodiments employing a single-use mechanical connection assembly between two components that prevents a mechanical connection being formed after the two components have been disconnected, any suitable form of single-use mechanical connection may be employed. In particular, the single-use mechanical connection assembly comprises a first connection assembly provided on one component and a second connection assembly provided on a second component, the first connection assembly being connected to the second connection assembly to form the single-use connection. The first connection assembly comprises means limiting the connection to a single use and preventing the first connection assembly mechanically connecting with the second connection assembly a second or subsequent time. In a preferred embodiment, in which the single-use mechanical connection is provided between the conduit and the control assembly, a first connection assembly comprising the means preventing mechanical reconnection is provided on the proximal end of the conduit, with the second connection assembly being provided on the control assembly. In a preferred embodiment, in which the light emitting assembly is releasably connected to the distal end of the conduit, a first connection assembly comprising the means preventing mechanical reconnection is provided on one of the distal end of the conduit or the light emitting assembly, with the second connection assembly being provided on the other of the distal end of the conduit and the light emitting assembly.

[0050] The first connection assembly may engage with the second connection assembly by any suitable means. Suitable engagement means include bayonettype fittings and threaded fittings.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first connection assembly comprises a frangible member. In use, when the second connection assembly is disconnected from the first connection assembly, the frangible member is broken, thereby preventing the single-use mechanical connection assembly from being used a second time to form a mechanical connection. In a preferred embodiment, in which the single-use mechanical connection is provided between the conduit and the control assembly, a first connection assembly comprising the frangible member is provided on the proximal end of the conduit, with the second connection assembly being provided on the control assembly. In a preferred embodiment, in which the light emitting assembly is releasably connected to the distal end of the conduit, a first connection assembly comprising the frangible member is provided on one of the distal end of the conduit or the light emitting assembly, with the second connection assembly being provided on the other of the distal end of the conduit and the light emitting assembly.

[0052] The frangible member of the first connection assembly may be any suitable form that breaks when the single-use connection is made and then disconnected and prevents the single-use mechanical connection between the two components from being remade. For example, the first connection assembly may comprise a body, mounted on the component, and an engagement member connected to the body by the frangible member. In use, the engagement member engages with the second connection member to form the connection between the two components. Disconnecting the two components results in the frangible member breaking, releasing the engagement member from the body.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first connection assembly comprises a blocking member. The blocking member is moveable from a first position, in which engagement of the first connection assembly with the second connection assembly is possible, to a second position, in which engagement of the first connection assembly with the second connection assembly is prevented. In use, when the second connection assembly is disconnected from the first connection assembly, the blocking member is deployed from the first position to the second position, thereby preventing the single-use mechanical connection assembly from being used a second time to form a mechanical connection. In a preferred embodiment, in which the single-use mechanical connection is provided between the conduit and the control assembly, a first connection assembly comprising the blocking component is provided on the proximal end of the conduit, with the second connection assembly being provided on the control assembly. In a preferred embodiment, in which the light emitting assembly is releasably connected to the distal end of the conduit, a first connection assembly comprising the blocking member is provided on one of the distal end of the conduit or the light emitting assembly, with the second connection assembly being provided on the other of the distal end of the conduit and the light emitting assembly.

[0054] The blocking member is preferably biased into the second position. The blocking member may be resilient, with the resilience providing the biassing of the locking member into the second position. Alternatively or in addition, the first connection assembly may comprise a biassing means for urging the blocking member into the second position, for example a spring.

[0055] The blocking member may move in any suitable pattern from the first position to the second position. In one preferred embodiment, the blocking member moves radially from the first position to the second position, more preferably radially inwards from the first position to the second position. Alternatively, the blocking member may move linearly from the first position to the second position.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first connection assembly comprises a holding member. In use, the holding member holds the blocking member in the first position. The holding member is displaced when connecting and / or disconnecting the first connection assembly from the second assembly to release the blocking member, allowing the blocking member to move to the second position and prevent reconnection. The holding member may have any suitable configuration. For example, the holding member may be moveable between a holding position, in which it holds the blocking member in its first position, and a release position, in which the blocking member is no longer held and free to move to its second position. Movement of the holding member may in any suitable pattern, for example linearly.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first connection assembly comprises a cavity, into which a portion of the second connection assembly is inserted to form the singleuse mechanical connection. The blocking member is disposed and moveable within the cavity of the first connection assembly. For example, the blocking member may be disposed adjacent a wall of the cavity when in the first position, allowing the second connection assembly to be inserted into the cavity. When the second connection assembly is removed from the cavity, the blocking member moves to the second position, in which it extends at least partially across the cavity, preventing the second connection assembly from being reinserted into the cavity. A holding member as hereinbefore described may be disposed within the cavity. Preferably, the holding member is moveable within the cavity from a holding position, in which it holds the blocking member in its first position, to a release position, in which the blocking member is free to move within the cavity.

[0058] Alternatively, the blocking member may be in the form of a guard. In this respect, the term ‘guard’ is a reference to one or more members that can take up a position on the outside of at least a portion of the first connection member between at least a portion of the first connection member and the second connection member, so as to prevent a connection being formed. The guard is moveable from a first, stowed position to a second, deployed position. In use, when the second connection assembly is disconnected from the first connection assembly, the guard is deployed from the first position to the second position, thereby preventing the single-use connection assembly from being used a second time to form a mechanical connection. The guard may have any suitable configuration that prevents the first and second connection assemblies from engaging with one another.

[0059] In one embodiment, the guard is disposed on the outside of the first connection assembly in the first position and moves generally inwards from the stowed position to the deployed position to cover at least a portion of the first connection assembly, sufficient to prevent the first and second connection assemblies being connected together. For example, the guard may move radially inwards from the first position to the second position.

[0060] Alternatively, the guard may be disposed within the first connection assembly in the stowed position and be moved out of the first connection assembly to the deployed position to cover at least a portion of the first connection assembly, sufficient to prevent the first and second connection assemblies being connected together. For example, the guard may move out from the stowed position in a cavity within the first connection member to the second position.

[0061] In one embodiment, the guard is biased to the deployed position and is held against the bias when the stowed position.

[0062] A holding member as hereinbefore described may be provided. The holding member may be moveable from a holding position, in which it holds the guard in its stowed position, to a release position, in which the guard is free to move to the deployed position. The first connection assembly may comprise a single blocking member or a plurality of blocking members.

[0063] In embodiments employing a single-use electrical connection assembly between two components that prevents an electrical connection being formed after the two components have been disconnected, any suitable form of single-use electrical connection may be employed. In particular, the single-use electrical connection assembly comprises a first electrical connection assembly provided on one component and a second connection electrical assembly provided on a second component, the first connection electrical assembly being connected to the second electrical connection assembly to form the single-use electrical connection. The first connection assembly comprises means limiting the electrical connection to a single use and preventing the first connection assembly electrically connecting with the second connection assembly a second or subsequent time. In a preferred embodiment, in which the single-use connection is provided between the conduit and the control assembly, a first connection assembly comprising the means preventing electrical reconnection is provided on the proximal end of the conduit, with the second connection assembly being provided on the control assembly. In a preferred embodiment, in which the light emitting assembly is releasably connected to the distal end of the conduit, a first connection assembly comprising the means preventing electrical reconnection is provided on one of the distal end of the conduit or the light emitting assembly, with the second connection assembly being provided on the other of the distal end of the conduit and the light emitting assembly.

[0064] As noted above, the first connection assembly comprises means limiting the electrical connection to a single use and preventing the first connection assembly electrically connecting with the second connection assembly a second or subsequent time. Any suitable arrangement for preventing an electrical connection being re-established after the first connection assembly has been disconnected from the second connection assembly may be used. In one embodiment, the first connection assembly comprises one or more moveable electrical connection members. In particular, the or each electrical connection member is moveable from a first position, in which an electrical connection between the first and second connection assembly can be made, and a second position, in which the electrical connection cannot be made.

[0065] The or each electrical connection member is preferably biased into the second position. The or each electrical connection member may be resilient, with the resilience providing the biassing of the member into the second position. Alternatively, the first connection assembly may comprise a biassing means for urging the electrical connection member into the second position, for example a spring.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first connection assembly comprises a holding member. In use, the holding member holds the electrical connection member in the first position. The holding member is displaced when connecting and / or disconnecting the first connection assembly from the second assembly to release the electrical connection member, allowing the electrical connection member to move to the second position and prevent electrical reconnection. The holding member may have any suitable configuration. For example, the holding member may be moveable between a holding position, in which it holds the blocking member in its first position, and a release position, in which the blocking member is no longer held and free to move to its second position. Movement of the holding member may in any suitable pattern, for example linearly.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first connection assembly comprises a cavity, into which a portion of the second connection assembly is inserted to form the singleuse mechanical connection. The electrical connection member is disposed and moveable within the cavity of the first connection assembly. For example, the electrical connection member may be disposed adjacent a wall of the cavity when in the first position, allowing the second connection assembly to be inserted into the cavity. When the second connection assembly is removed from the cavity, the electrical connection member moves to the second position, in which it is no longer able to form an electrical connection with the second connection assembly. Preferably, the holding member is moveable within the cavity from a holding position, in which it holds the electrical connection member in its first position, to a release position, in which the electrical connection member is free to move within the cavity.

[0068] In one preferred embodiment, the or each single-use connection employed in the light assembly comprises means preventing mechanical reconnection of the two components of the light assembly, which also prevents an electrical connection being formed between the two components. For example, in the embodiment in which the first connection assembly comprises a blocking member disposed and moveable within a cavity in the first connection assembly, as hereinbefore described, the blocking member may also function as an electrical connection member.

[0069] As described hereinbefore, the light assembly comprises a control assembly, a conduit and a light emitting assembly. The connection between at least one of the proximal end of the conduit and the control assembly and the distal end of the conduit and the light emitting assembly is provided with a single-use connection, as hereinbefore described. In this way, the conduit and / or the light emitting assembly may be removed after each use and disposed of. As a result, the light assembly may be provided in the form of a kit comprising a light assembly comprising the control assembly, a plurality of conduits and / or light emitting assemblies.

[0070] Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a light assembly kit comprising a control assembly as hereinbefore described, one or a plurality of conduits as hereinbefore described and one or a plurality of light emitting assemblies as hereinbefore described. In the embodiments of the kit comprising a plurality of conduits, the conduits may have the same configuration or may have different configurations. For example, the conduits may have different lengths. Alternatively or in addition, one or more conduits may be flexible and one or more conduits may be substantially inflexible. In this way, the user may select the configuration of the conduit that is most suitable for the intended use of the light assembly.

[0071] In the embodiments of the kit comprising a plurality of light emitting assemblies, the light emitting assemblies may have the same configuration or may have different configurations. For example, the light emitting assemblies may have different numbers and / or types of light emitting devices. Alternatively or in addition, the light emitting assemblies may have different configurations of light emitting devices providing a range of different light patterns. In this way, the user may select the configuration of the light emitting assembly that is most suitable for the intended use of the light assembly.

[0072] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0073] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the light assembly of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 2 is a view of the light assembly of Figure 1 in a disassembled condition;

[0075] Figure 3 is a view of a light assembly kit according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 4 is view of a control assembly of the light assembly of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 5 is a view of a conduit of one embodiment of the light assembly of the present invention; Figure 6 is a view of a light emitting assembly of one embodiment of the light assembly of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 7a is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a single-use connection employed in the light assembly of the present invention before being connected;

[0079] Figure 7b is a cross-sectional view of the single-use connection of Figure 7a in a connected condition;

[0080] Figure 7c is a cross-sectional view of the single-use connection of Figure 7a after disconnection;

[0081] Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a single-use connection employed in the light assembly of the present invention before being connected;

[0082] Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view of the single-use connection of Figure 8a in a connected condition;

[0083] Figure 8c is a cross-sectional view of the single-use connection of Figure 8a after disconnection;

[0084] Turning first to Figure 1 , there is shown a light assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. The light assembly, generally indicated as 2, comprises a control assembly 4. A flexible conduit 6 has a proximal end 6a and a distal end 6b. The conduit 6 is attached at its proximal end 6a to the control assembly 4 by a single-use connection, generally indicated as 8. A light emitting assembly 10 is a mounted to the distal end 6b of the conduit 6 by a single-use connection, generally indicated as 12.

[0085] The light assembly 2 is shown in a disassembled state in Figure 2, with the control assembly 4, the conduit 6 and the light emitting assembly 10 separated. This may be either before assembly and packaging of the light assembly or after use of the light assembly.

[0086] As indicated in Figure 2, the single-use connection 8 comprises a first connection assembly 8a provided on the proximal end 6a and of the conduit 6 and a second connection assembly 8b provided on the control assembly 4. Similarly, the single-use connection 12 comprises a first connection assembly 12a provided on the distal end 6b of the conduit 6 and a second connection assembly 12b provided on the light emitting assembly 10. In an alternative arrangement, the first connection assembly 12a is provided on the light emitting assembly 10 and the second connection assembly 12b is provided on the distal end 6b of the conduit 6.

[0087] Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a view of a light assembly kit according to one embodiment of the present invention. The light assembly kit, generally indicated as 102 comprises a control assembly 4 having the same configuration as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The kit 102 further comprises a plurality of conduits 104 to 108, each having a proximal end 104a to 108a and a distal end 104b to 108b. The distal end of each of the conduits 104 to 108 may be connected to the control assembly 4 by a single-use connection, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and described above. The conduits 104 to 108 are of different lengths, as shown in Figure 3. The kit 102 further comprises a plurality of light emitting assemblies 110 to 114. Each light emitting assembly 110 to 114 may be connected to the distal end of any of the conduits 104 to 108 by a single-use connection, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and described above. The light emitting assemblies 110 to 114 have different configurations of light emitting devices, in use providing different patterns of light. A further conduit 116 is shown, having a light emitting assembly 118 formed integrally with the conduit as a single unit. The conduit 116 has a distal end 116a that may be connected to the control assembly 4 by a single-use connection. Turning to Figure 4, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of the control assembly 4 of the light assembly 2 of Figure 1 . The control assembly 4 comprises a housing 202 formed from a medical grade plastic. A control panel 204 is provided comprising a switch 206 for switching the assembly on and off, together with switches 208a and 208b for controlling the brightness of the light being emitted by the light emitting assembly. The control assembly 4 further comprises a battery 210 located within the housing 202. The battery 210 is rechargeable. An induction charging assembly 212 is provided within the housing 202 to allow the battery 210 to be charged inductively. A socket 214 is provided in the housing 202 to allow charging of the battery 210 by a cable connection from a suitable electrical power source in known manner. A display 216 indicates the state of charge of the battery 210.

[0088] Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a view of a conduit of one embodiment of the light assembly of the present invention. The conduit, generally indicated as 302, comprises and elongate, flexible housing 304 having a proximal end 304a and a distal end 304b. Electrical conductors 306a and 306b extend the length of the conduit from the proximal end 304a to the distal end 304b. The distal end 304a of the housing is provided with a first connection assembly 310 comprising a cavity 312. In use, the cavity 312 receives a second connection assembly 8b on the control assembly 4 to form a single-use connection between the conduit and the control assembly. Similarly, the proximal end 304b of the housing is provided with a first connection assembly 314 comprising a cavity 316. In use, the cavity 316 receives a second connection assembly 12b on a light emitting assembly 10 to form a single-use connection between the conduit and the light emitting assembly.

[0089] Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a view of a light emitting assembly of one embodiment of the light assembly of the present invention. The light emitting assembly, generally indicated as 352, comprises a housing 354 formed from a medical grade plastic. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 356 are mounted in an array in the housing to provide a beam of light when the light assembly is in use. The housing is provided with a second connection assembly 12b for engaging with the first connection assembly of a conduit to form a singleuse connection.

[0090] As described above and shown in Figure 1 to 6, the light assembly employs a single-use connection between the control assembly 4 and the conduit and, optionally, a single-use connection between the conduit and the light emitting assembly. Embodiments of single-use connections will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0091] Turning to Figures 7a to 7c, there is shown one embodiment of a singleuse connection for use in the light assembly of the present invention. The singleuse connection, generally indicated as 402, comprises a first connection assembly, generally indicated as 404, and a second connection assembly, generally indicated as 406. To form a single-use connection between the control assembly 4 and the conduit 6, the first connection assembly 404 is provided on the distal end 6a of the conduit. To form a single-use connection between the conduit 4 and the light emitting assembly 10, the first connection assembly 404 may be provided on either the distal end 6b of the conduit 6 or the light emitting assembly 10.

[0092] The first connection assembly 404 comprises a generally cylindrical connection member 410 having an inner wall 412 defining a generally cylindrical cavity 414 having an open end 416. Elongate blocking members 420 extend from the inner wall 412 within the cavity 414 and each have a free end 420a. The blocking members 420 are resilient and biased such that they curve inwards into the cavity from the inner wall 412, as shown in Figure 7c, with their free end 420a disposed radially inwards of the inner wall 412.

[0093] A holding member in the form of a tubular sleeve 422 is disposed within the cavity and is moveable longitudinally between a holding position, in which the blocking members 420 are held outwards against the inner wall 412 of the cavity 414, as shown in Figure 7a, and a release position, in which the blocking members 420 are free to move inwards to the second or blocking position shown in Figure 7 c.

[0094] The second connection assembly 406 comprises an elongate spigot 430 provided with tabs 432 on its end portion, to form a bayonet-type fitting.

[0095] In use, the spigot 430 of the second connection assembly 406 is inserted into the open end 416 of the cavity 414 in the first connection assembly 404, urging the sleeve 422 longitudinally within the cavity away from the open end 416. The tabs 432 on the spigot 430 are aligned with an annular groove 440 in the inner wall 412 and the spigot rotated to lock the first and second connection assemblies together. In this position, the spigot 430 holds the blocking members 420 radially outwards against the inner wall 412 of the cavity 414, as shown in Figure 7b. The connection assemblies 404, 406 are disconnected by rotating the spigot 430 of the second connection assembly 406 and disengaging the tabs 432 from the annular groove 440, allowing the spigot to be withdrawn from the cavity 414. Once the spigot 430 leaves the cavity 414, the blocking members 420 move inwards to the position shown in Figure 7c, preventing the second connection assembly 406 from being re-connected with the first connection assembly 404.

[0096] The bayonet-type fitting may be replaced by any other fitting suitable for releasably connecting the first and second connection assemblies 404, 406, for example by a threaded fitting.

[0097] Electrical conductors 450a, 450b and 452a, 452b provided in the first and second connection assemblies 404, 406 provide an electrical connection between the first and second connection assemblies once connected in the position shown in Figure 7b. Alternatively, the blocking members 420 may also provide the electrical connection between the first and second connection assemblies when in the position shown in Figure 7c. Turning to Figures 8a to 8c, there is shown a further embodiment of a single-use connection for use in the light assembly of the present invention. The single-use connection, generally indicated as 502, comprises a first connection assembly, generally indicated as 504, and a second connection assembly, generally indicated as 506. To form a single-use connection between the control assembly 4 and the conduit 6, the first connection assembly 504 is provided on the distal end 6a of the conduit. To form a single-use connection between the conduit 4 and the light emitting assembly 10, the first connection assembly 504 may be provided on either the distal end 6b of the conduit 6 or the light emitting assembly 10.

[0098] The first connection assembly 504 comprises a generally cylindrical connection member 510 having an inner wall 512 defining a generally cylindrical cavity 514 having an open end 516. A guard 520 comprises opposing guard members 522a and 522b. Each guard member 522a, 522b comprises a first guard member 524a, 524b mounted at one end to the outside of the connection member 510 and extending generally longitudinally towards and beyond the open end 516. A generally L-shaped second guard member 526a, 526b extends generally radially inwards from the free end of the respective first guard member 524a, 524b. The first guard members 524a, 524b are resilient and biased to a radially inward position, as shown in Figure 8c.

[0099] A holding member in the form of a tubular sleeve 530 is disposed within the cavity and is moveable longitudinally between a holding position, in which the guard members 522a, 522b are held outwards, as shown in Figure 8a, and a release position, in which the guard members are free to move inwards to the second or blocking position shown in Figure 8c.

[0100] The second connection assembly 506 comprises an elongate spigot 540 provided with a threaded portion 542 adjacent its end portion having an external thread, to form a thread-type fitting. In use, the spigot 540 of the second connection assembly 506 is inserted into the open end 516 of the cavity 514 in the first connection assembly 504, urging the sleeve 530 longitudinally within the cavity away from the open end 516. The threaded portion 542 on the spigot 540 engages with a threaded portion 546 on the inner wall 512 of the connection member 510 and the spigot rotated to lock the first and second connection assemblies together. In this position, the spigot 540 holds the guard members 522a, 522b radially outwards, as shown in Figure 8b. The connection assemblies 504, 506 are disconnected by rotating the spigot 540 of the second connection assembly 506 and disengaging the threaded connection, allowing the spigot to be withdrawn from the cavity 514. Once the spigot 540 leaves the cavity 514, the guard members 522a, 522b move radially inwards to the position shown in Figure 8c, covering the open end 516 of the cavity 514 and preventing the second connection assembly 506 from being re-connected with the first connection assembly 504.

[0101] The threaded fitting may be replaced by any other fitting suitable for releasably connecting the first and second connection assemblies 504, 506, for example by a bayonet-type fitting.

[0102] Electrical conductors 550a, 550b and 552a, 552b provided in the first and second connection assemblies 504, 506 provide an electrical connection between the first and second connection assemblies once connected in the position shown in Figure 8b.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . 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; wherein 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; and / or wherein 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; wherein the or at least one releasable connection 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.

2. The light assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the control assembly is operable to vary one or more of the intensity of the light being emitted by the light emitting assembly and the pattern of the beam of light being emitted by the light emitting assembly.

3. The light assembly according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the storage assembly comprises a battery for storing electrical energy and a battery charging system for charging the battery by induction.

4. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conduit is flexible.

5. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conduit is releasably connected at its proximal end to the control assembly by a single-use connection.

6. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conduit is releasably connected at its distal end to the light emitting assembly by a single-use connection.

7. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the light emitting assembly comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs).

8. The light assembly according to claim 7, wherein the light emitting assembly comprises from 2 to 40 light emitting diodes.

9. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each single-use connection prevents a mechanical connection being remade after being disconnected.

10. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each single-use connection prevents an electrical connection being remade after being disconnected.11 . The light assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each single-use connection comprises a first connection assembly on a first component and a second connection assembly on a second component, the first connection assembly comprising means to prevent reconnection.

12. The light assembly according to claim 11 , wherein a single-use mechanical connection is provided between the conduit and the control assembly, the first connection assembly comprising the means preventing mechanical reconnection being provided on the proximal end of the conduit and the second connection assembly is provided on the control assembly.

13. The light assembly according to either of claims 11 or 12, wherein the first connection assembly comprises a frangible member, whereby in use, when the second connection assembly is disconnected from the first connection assembly, the frangible member is broken, thereby preventing the first connection assembly from being used a second time to form a mechanical connection.

14. The light assembly according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the first connection assembly comprises a blocking member, the blocking member being moveable from a first position, in which engagement of the first connection assembly with the second connection assembly is possible, to a second position, in which engagement of the first connection assembly with the second connection assembly is prevented.

15. The light assembly according to claim 14, wherein the blocking member is preferably biased into the second position.

16. The light assembly according to either of claims 14 or 15, wherein the blocking member is resilient.

17. The light assembly according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first connection assembly comprises a holding member, the holding member holds the blocking member in the first position.

18. The light assembly according to claim 17, wherein the holding member is moveable, whereby the holding member is displaced when connecting and / or disconnecting the first connection assembly from the second assembly to release the blocking member, allowing the blocking member to move to the second position and prevent reconnection.

19. The light assembly according to claim 11 , wherein a single-use electrical connection is provided between the conduit and the control assembly, the first connection assembly comprising the means preventing electrical reconnection being provided on the proximal end of the conduit and the second connection assembly is provided on the control assembly.

20. The light assembly according to claim 19, wherein the first connection assembly comprises an electrical connection member, the electrical connection member being moveable from a first position, in which an electrical connection between the first connection assembly and the second connection assembly is possible, to a second position, in which an electrical connection between the first connection assembly with the second connection assembly is prevented.21 . The light assembly according to claim 20, wherein the electrical connection member is preferably biased into the second position.

22. The light assembly according to either of claims 20 or 21 , wherein the electrical connection member is resilient.

23. The light assembly according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the first connection assembly comprises a holding member, the holding member holds the electrical connection member in the first position.

24. The light assembly according to claim 23, wherein the holding member is moveable, whereby the holding member is displaced when connecting and / or disconnecting the first connection assembly from the second assembly to release the electrical connection member, allowing the electrical connection member to move to the second position and prevent reconnection.

25. A light assembly kit comprising a control assembly as recited in any preceding claim, one or a plurality of conduits as recited in any preceding claim, and one or a plurality of light emitting assemblies as recited in any preceding claim.

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