Therapy mat and coil unit for use in a therapy mat

Abstract

The invention relates to a therapy mat (1) which combines light therapy, magnetic field therapy and heat therapy. For this purpose, it comprises a heating element, a plurality of PEMF coils (11) for pulsating magnetic field therapy, and a plurality of first light sources (2) which are arranged on a top layer (4) of the therapy mat (1). In order to provide a therapy mat (1) that can operate with lower currents in order to both reduce the energy consumption of the therapy mat (1) and increase the safety of the user, the PEMF coils (11) are arranged on the top layer (4). The invention further relates to a coil unit (3) for use in the therapy mat (1).

Description

Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO Therapy mat and coil unit for use in a therapy mat

[0001] The invention relates to a therapy mat that combines light therapy, magnetic field therapy, and heat therapy. It comprises a heating element, several PEMF coils for pulsed magnetic field therapy, and several first light sources arranged on a top layer of the therapy mat.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a coil unit for use in a therapy mat.

[0003] Magnetic field therapy has its origins in antiquity, where lodestones were used to treat physical ailments. In the 20th century, the technology was further developed as the effects of electromagnetic fields on biological processes were scientifically investigated. Since then, magnetic field therapy, primarily in the form of pulsed magnetic fields, has been used in various fields both within and outside of medicine.

[0004] Heat therapy can be traced back to early civilizations such as the Egyptians and Romans, who used heat from hot stones or baths for relaxation and treatment of physical ailments.

[0005] Light therapy became popular in the 20th century through scientific research that focused on the effects of light, particularly in the red and infrared spectrum, on the human body.

[0006] In recent years, therapy mats combining the aforementioned therapies have come onto the market. US patent 10,369,043 B2 discloses such a mat, which is constructed of several layers. It consists of a waterproof base layer, a heating element, PEMF coils, an insulating layer, and a primary therapeutic layer containing crystals. The PEMF coils are positioned close to the base layer. Since the magnetic fields generated by the coils decrease in strength with increasing distance, they must be supplied with higher currents to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a therapy mat which can operate with lower currents in order to both reduce the energy consumption of the therapy mat and increase the safety of the user.

[0008] This problem is solved for the therapy mat described above by arranging the PEMF coils on the top layer. In this way, the PEMF coils are placed closer to the user, allowing the currents in the PEMF coils to be reduced compared to known magnetic field therapy mats, without significantly reducing the field strength for the user. At the same time, the therapy mat according to the invention has lower energy consumption and, because it can operate with lower currents and voltages, offers increased safety for the user. The PEMF coils are placed either on, in, or directly beneath the top layer.

[0009] The top layer is made of any material, preferably synthetic leather or similar materials that are durable, easy to clean, and biocompatible. Alternatively or additionally, the top layer may consist of incorporated crystal granules.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, each of the PEMF coils forms an integrated coil unit with at least one of the first light sources. It is particularly advantageous for each first light source to be part of an integrated coil unit. This simplifies the design and increases the reliability of the therapy mat. The PEMF coil can be electrically connected to the associated first light sources or controlled by a separate circuit. In the former case, the first light sources are operated with direct current, which is applied as an offset to the magnetic field signal. Alternatively, alternating current and direct current components can be separated by a suitable filter circuit and assigned accordingly to the components. The simplest way to implement independent operation of the first light sources and the PEMF coils is to electronically isolate them and control them separately.It is advantageous if the first light sources are powered by a common driver circuit. Alternatively, each first light source can have its own driver circuit.

[0011] To make the coil unit more compact, in a particularly advantageous embodiment the PEMF coils are designed as flat-wound air coils, in the center of which the respective first light source is located. The PEMF- Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO In this design, coils essentially have the form of a ring-shaped disc. They can, for example, be formed from a spirally wound flat wire or wound orthocyclically or helically.

[0012] One advantage of this solution is that the PEMF coils can be significantly smaller. Current designs use very large, heavy coils with iron cores to generate the necessary field strengths. These can be particularly uncomfortable for the user when lying on a therapy mat, which is why such coils are placed in deeper layers of the mat. By designing the PEMF coils as flat-wound air coils, they are less bulky, thus improving user comfort. Any inhomogeneity in the magnetic field caused by the smaller distance between the user and the PEMF coils, which generate weaker fields, can be compensated for by using a correspondingly larger number of PEMF coils, which, if necessary, are advantageously distributed evenly across the top layer, possibly in conjunction with the primary light sources.

[0013] In general, any type of light source, including different ones, can be used. However, to offer more options for light therapy, it is advantageous for the therapy mat to include several secondary light sources arranged on the top layer of the mat, emitting near-infrared light, while the primary light sources emit ultraviolet light. It is particularly beneficial if the primary and secondary light sources are evenly distributed across the therapy mat. The light sources can be distributed individually or in groups. The primary and secondary light sources can be powered either by a common driver circuit, separately, or individually.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment, the coil unit described above is embedded in the top layer. This allows the top layer to be made as smooth as possible, so that the therapy mat remains comfortable for the user despite the additional components.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, in order to provide an even more compact and efficient therapy mat, the first light sources are LEDs. Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO

[0016] The problem is further solved for the coil unit described above by the coil unit comprising a cover plate with a window, a circuit board located beneath the cover plate which includes an LED, and a PEMF coil which is attached to or next to the circuit board, with the LED positioned below the window. If such a coil unit is used in a therapy mat, the PEMF coil can also be brought close to the user. The circuit board can include a driver circuit for the LED. Alternatively, an external driver circuit can be provided that supplies power to all the LEDs of the therapy mat simultaneously.

[0017] By mounting the LED and the PEMF coil separately beneath the cover plate, the components are protected. This also prevents the user from coming into contact with the live components. The window is typically a hole in the cover plate, usually sealed with clear plastic or glass. Alternatively, the window can be achieved by making the cover plate itself from a transparent material.

[0018] An advantageous embodiment provides that the PEMF coil is positioned directly between the cover plate and the circuit board, as this brings it closest to the user. Furthermore, if the circuit board is sufficiently large, the coil can be protected from deformation if the PEMF coil is confined on both sides by the circuit board and the cover plate.

[0019] To make the coil unit as compact as possible, it is also advantageous if the PEMF coil is designed as a flat-wound air coil with the LED located in its center. In a further advantageous embodiment, an additional light source, in particular another LED, is provided, which is mounted next to the LED.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, a base plate is also provided, which delimits the coil unit from the top plate. This protects the coil and the circuit board from impacts from above and below. The coil unit can also be largely enclosed laterally, but in this case, it is already enclosed and protected by the therapy mat. Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO

[0021] It is particularly advantageous if the base plate and the top plate are connected by at least one web element. This directs impacts from above to the base plate, preventing them from affecting the electrical components within the coil unit and thus providing even better protection. Three webs evenly distributed around the circumference of the top plate, each connected to or attached to the base plate, are particularly advantageous in this regard. Alternatively, the web element can consist of a cylindrical tube to which both the top and bottom plates are glued or otherwise attached. A one-piece design is also conceivable.

[0022] Another advantageous feature is that the window is made of glass and the LED emits light in the UV range. This allows the therapy mat to be expanded to include an additional form of light therapy.

[0023] In a further advantageous design, the shape of the PEMF coils can be optimized so that the magnetic field generated by all PEMF coils is distributed as evenly as possible across the therapy mat, or at least spread over the largest possible area. To achieve this, in addition to adjusting the number of coils and their spacing, the type of coil used in the coil unit can also be varied. Normally, flat circular windings are used, which generate a uniform field in every direction. However, it can also be beneficial to deviate from this shape. For example, it is advantageous if the PEMF coils are wound elliptically, as this creates a broad magnetic field that essentially follows the elliptical shape.Typically, PEMF coils are arranged in multiple rows, with a greater spacing in a first spatial direction than in a perpendicular second spatial direction. An elliptical winding can broaden the stray field of the coils and thus the effective area covered by the row. Elliptical PEMF coils with their long main axis aligned parallel to the first spatial direction are particularly advantageous in this regard. This effect can be further enhanced, especially for an air-core coil, by decreasing the winding spacing towards the outer edges. Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO

[0024] Depending on the arrangement of the PEMF coils on the therapy mat, other advantageous designs provide for the PEMF coils to be shaped, particularly within the coil units, in square, rectangular, star-shaped, or otherwise deviating from a circular form. It is also particularly advantageous to arrange different coil shapes distributed across the therapy mat so that the resulting magnetic field can irradiate as much of the body area as possible that is located on the therapy unit.

[0025] Another advantageous way to influence the overall magnetic field generated by the therapy mat is to polarize at least two adjacent coils in opposite directions. This is achieved either by winding the coils in opposite directions or by using reverse winding. A further advantageous embodiment involves one or more of the air coils being configured as butterfly coils. Such coils typically generate a magnetic field with several high-intensity zones, allowing the generated magnetic field to be further customized depending on the application. In general, it is possible for the therapy mat to have a multitude of different coil types that can be activated simultaneously or segmentally to generate specific therapy patterns.

[0026] Another particularly advantageous design of the therapy mat, especially with a cover plate, is achieved when the coil units are embedded in the mat. This allows the user to lie on the mat without the cover plates being a hindrance, as they are located beneath a comfortable lying surface. Furthermore, the coil units are better protected from direct mechanical impact. In a highly advantageous embodiment, the therapy mat features a layer of viscoelastic foam in which the coil unit is embedded. This further enhances user comfort.

[0027] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations given, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0028] The invention is described below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, which are also essential to the invention. Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO Features are revealed and explained in more detail below. These exemplary embodiments serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted as restrictive. For example, a description of an exemplary embodiment with a large number of elements or components should not be interpreted as meaning that all of these elements or components are necessary for implementation. Rather, other exemplary embodiments may also contain alternative elements and components, fewer elements or components, or additional elements or components. Elements or components from different exemplary embodiments may be combined with one another unless otherwise specified. Modifications and variations described for one of the exemplary embodiments may also be applicable to other exemplary embodiments.To avoid repetition, identical or corresponding elements in different figures are designated with the same reference symbols and are not explained multiple times. They show:

[0029] Fig. 1 a therapy mat,

[0030] Fig. 2 a coil unit,

[0031] Figs. 3a-3f show different forms of air coils and

[0032] Fig. 4 shows a section of the therapy mat.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a therapy mat 1 that can be used for light therapy, magnetic field therapy, and heat therapy. This mat comprises a series of first light sources 2, each of which, together with a PEMF coil, is formed as part of integrated coil units 3. The coil units 3 are embedded in a top layer 4 of the therapy mat 1. Second light sources 5 are also located on the top layer 4, outside of the coil units 3. This embodiment also includes a headrest 6 and edge regions 7 that define the therapy mat 1. These edge regions are not equipped with light sources 2, 5 or coil units 3. However, this configuration can be modified depending on the specific design.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first light sources 2 are designed as LEDs that emit light in the UV spectrum, while the second light sources 5 are infrared LEDs. The coil units 3 with the first light sources 2 and the second light sources 5 are arranged evenly distributed across the therapy mat 1 to ensure all Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO to effectively treat specific areas of a user's body. A heating element, designed here as a heating wire 8, is provided inside the therapy mat 1 for heat therapy. In contrast to the LEDs of the first and second light sources 2, 5 and the PEMF coils within the coil units 3, the heating wire 8 is not located on the top layer 4, but runs within an insulating layer of the therapy mat 1.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of one of the coil units 3 inserted into the therapy mat 1. The coil unit 3 has a cover plate 9 that includes a glass window 10. Directly below the cover plate 9 is a flat-wound PEMF coil 11 for magnetic field therapy, which in this case consists of a spirally wound flat wire. The PEMF coil 11 is designed as an air coil, in the center of which, directly below the window 10, one of the first light sources 2, in the form of an LED 12, is mounted on a circuit board 13. The LED 12 emits light in the UV range. In general, the material of the window 10 can be adapted to the selected light source 2.

[0036] The coil unit 3 is bounded by a base plate 14 opposite the top plate 9. The base plate 14 is connected to the top plate 9 on both sides by means of two web elements 15. In this embodiment, the top plate 9, web elements 15, and base plate 14 are manufactured as a single piece. Injection molding of plastic is advantageous; however, the choice of material for the top plate 9, base plate 14, and web elements 15 is generally arbitrary. These components can also be separate and expertly joined together according to the chosen material. The web elements 15 ensure that forces acting on the top plate 9, for example, when the user lies on the mat, are diverted away from the electrical components within the coil unit 3 and primarily act on the base plate 14.

[0037] The circuit board 13 is held in place here from both sides by means of the connecting elements 15. Generally, it can also be screwed, glued, attached via snap-fit ​​tabs, or otherwise fastened to the top plate 9 or the bottom plate 14. The PEMF coil 11 is sufficiently secured to the circuit board 13 by two solder points, as it is protected from mechanical damage by being located between the circuit board 13 and the top plate 9. Depending on the shape of the coil unit 3, however, it may be advantageous to additionally glue or otherwise secure the PEMF coil 11. Fix Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO. The circuit board 13 contains, not shown here, a driver circuit for the LED 12. This is located on the side facing the base plate 14 in order to optimize the available installation space and not to mechanically stress the electrical components of the driver circuit.

[0038] Figures 3a-f schematically show various flat-wound air coils, such as those that can be used in the therapy mat 1 to influence the overall generated magnetic field or to tailor it to specific forms of therapy. For example, the coil types suggested below can be inserted into the therapy mat according to Figure 1.

[0039] Fig. 3a shows a regular circular winding 16. Fig. 3b shows a coil with an elliptical winding 17, for which the stray field of the generated magnetic field is broadened laterally in the direction of the long main axis. The stray field is further broadened by the fact that the pitch of the elliptically wound coil decreases towards the outside. Fig. 3c shows a square winding 18 and Fig. 3d a star-shaped winding 19. Such air coils generate complex stray fields. Fig. 3e shows a butterfly coil 20 which can also be used in the therapy mat 1. It consists of two coils wound in the same direction and connected to each other. Fig. 3f shows two circular windings 16, 16', which are wound in opposite directions to each other. The coils shown in Fig.The coil shapes shown in 3a-f can be used to influence the magnetic field generated by the therapy mat 1 by adjusting the arrangement of the coils across the mat, the coil type, the winding direction, or the polarity. It should be noted that the effect of a changed coil geometry decreases as the distance between the coils increases.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a section of a therapy mat 1 with a coil unit 3 in a sectional view, the coil unit 3 being embedded in the therapy mat 1. This is achieved by a viscoelastic foam 21 arranged beneath the top layer 4, which conforms to the shape of the coil unit 3. The layer of viscoelastic foam 21 is bounded on one underside of the therapy mat 1 by a support layer 23, which, for example, consists of a robust, waterproof material. Typically, the therapy mat 1 contains further layers, not shown here, with different functions, such as the Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO Infrared deep heat enhancement, a layer that emits increased amounts of negative ions, or something similar. Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO Reference sign 1 therapy mat 2 first light source 3 coil units 4 upper class 5 second light source 6 Headrest 7 Edge area 8 heating wire 9 Cover plate 10 windows 11 PEMF coil 12 LED 13 Circuit board 14 Base plate 15 Bridge element 16, 16' round winding 17 elliptical winding 18 square windings 19 star-shaped windings 20 butterfly coils 21 viscoelastic foam 23 layer

Claims

Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO Patent claims 1. Therapy mat combining light therapy, magnetic field therapy and heat therapy, comprising a heating element, several PEMF coils (11) for pulsed magnetic field therapy and several primary light sources (2) attached to a top layer (4) of the therapy mat (1) are arranged, characterized in that the PEMF coils (11) are arranged on the upper layer (4).

2. Therapy mat according to claim 1, wherein each of the PEMF coils (11) forms an integrated coil unit (3) with at least one of the first light sources (2).

3. Therapy mat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the PEMF coils (11) are designed as flat wound air coils, in the center of which the respective first light source (2) is located.

4. Therapy mat according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the therapy mat (1) comprises several second light sources (5) arranged on a top layer (4) of the therapy mat (1) and emitting light in the near-infrared range, while the first light sources (2) emit light in the UV range.

5. Therapy mat according to claim 4, characterized in that the first and the second light sources (2, 5) are arranged evenly distributed over the therapy mat (1).

6. Therapy mat according to claim 2, wherein the coil units (3) are embedded in the top layer (4).

7. Therapy mat according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first light sources (2) LED (12) are. Nebel Krenz Holding GmbH NP-1511 -24248-WO 8. Coil unit for use in a therapy mat (1), comprising a cover plate (9) with a window (10), a circuit board (13) arranged under the cover plate (9) which has an LED (12) and a PEMF coil (11) which is attached to or next to the circuit board (13), wherein the LED (12) is arranged under the window (10).

9. Coil unit according to claim 8, wherein the PEMF coil (11) is arranged directly between the cover plate (9) and the circuit board (13).

10. Coil unit according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the PEMF coil (11) is designed as a flat wound air coil, in the center of which the LED (12) is located.

11. Coil unit according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a base plate (14) is provided which limits the coil unit (3) in relation to the top plate (9).

12. Coil unit according to claim 11, wherein the base plate (14) and the top plate (9) are connected via at least one web element (15).

13. Coil unit according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the window (10) consists of a glass and the LED (12) emits light in the UV range.

14. Coil unit according to one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the PEMF coil is wound in an elliptical, square, rectangular, star-shaped or otherwise deviating shape from a circular form.

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