GB2612294A

GB2612294A - Mirror unit

Info

Publication number: GB2612294A
Application number: GB2113431.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Khellaf Fariz
Original assignee: L&Co Trading Ltd
Current assignee: L&Co Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-09-21
Filing date: 2021-09-21
Publication date: 2023-05-03

Abstract

A mirror unit 10 for red-light therapy for skincare comprises a frame 12, a two-way mirror 14, and a red-light therapy ‘RLT’ unit 24. The RLT unit comprises a light source 20 to output at least one of red-light and near-infrared light by a first light source through the two-way mirror. The first light source may output an irradiance of between 200 and 340 milliwatts per centimetre at a surface of the light source. Preferably the light source comprises a light emitting diodes ‘LEDs’ 28. Second 21 and third 22 light sources may output light through the two-way mirror, different irradiance to the first light source and each other. The third light source may output a same irradiance as the first or second light sources. An insulating back panel 32 and vent 38 may be included. A switch 26 may activate and deactivate the RLT unit, preferably based on proximity and / or gesture control and / or control the light sources independently. Power control may vary the light output. Preferably the two-way mirror comprises aluminium coated glass or acrylic. The two-way mirror may comprise an electrooptically switchable layer, comprising polymer dispersed liquid crystals, preferably controlled by the switch.

Description

MIRROR UNIT

Field of the Invention

[1] The present disclosure relates to a mirror unit. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a mirror unit which provides red light therapy 'RLT' for skin care.

Background

[2] Red light therapy 'RLT' is a therapeutic technique that uses low energy red wavelength light to treat skin issues, such as wrinkles, scars, wounds, and even muscle atrophy.

[3] RLT produces a biochemical effect in cells that strengthens the mitochondria, where the cell's energy is created. The energy-carrying molecule found in cells is called adenosine triphosphate 'ATP', and so by increasing the function of the mitochondria using RLT, a cell can make more ATP. With more energy, cells can function more efficiently, rejuvenate themselves, and repair damage.

[4] Treatment by RLT simply requires that one expose themselves to a red-light source of suitable energy output for a certain length of time. RLT may therefore be performed in the home using a home light box, however such boxes are typically large and bulky, requiring dedicated space within a user's dwelling. The user is also typically required to dedicate around 2 to 15 minutes of their time to standing in front of the light box. This combined time and space requirement can dissuade many from choosing red light therapy as an option, or render it too inconvenient to use properly and effectively.

[5] Hence it is highly desirable to provide an instrument for RLT which is more convenient for installation and use.

Summary

[6] The example embodiments have been provided with a view to provide a convenient alternative to current RLT boxes, whether those difficulties have been specifically mentioned above or will otherwise be appreciated from the discussion herein.

[7] The present invention is defined according to the independent claims. Additional features will be appreciated from the dependent claims and the description herein. Any embodiments which are described but which do not fall within the scope of the claims are to be interpreted merely as examples useful for a better understanding of the invention.

[8] In one aspect of the invention there is described a mirror unit comprising a frame, a two-way mirror attached thereto, and a red light therapy 'RLT' lighting unit housed within the frame. The RLT lighting unit comprises a light source configured to output at least one of red light and near infrared light and the light source is arranged so that the red light and/or near infrared light is emitted through the two-way mirror. Conveniently, red light therapy may be provided using an apparatus which is present in essentially all homes, and therefore does not inconvenience the user by requiring dedicated use of a dedicated RLT light box. Instead the user may continue with everyday tasks using the mirror whilst still enjoying the benefits of RLT.

[9] The aforementioned light source may be just one of many light sources arranged as part of the RLT lighting unit and which are configured to output at least one of red light and near infrared light through the two-way mirror. In one example the RLT lighting unit comprises a first and second light source; the first and second light sources may be configured to output different irradiances so that the mirror unit may be used for at least two different therapy regimes. In another example the RLT lighting unit comprises first second and third light sources; the first, second and third light sources may each output different irradiances, or the first and second light sources may output different irradiance while the third outputs a same irradiance as the first or second light source, thereby increasing a therapy area for the first/third irradiance and providing lighting redundancy. Similarly in another example the RLT lighting unit may comprises a fourth light source configured to either output a different irradiance to the first to third light sources or the same as e.g. the second light source, so that the first and third light sources provide an increased area of first irradiance while the second and fourth light sources provide an increases area of second irradiance.

[10] In one example the light source(s) output an irradiance of between 200 and 340 milliwatts per square centimetre (as measured at a surface of the light source) which is in excess of typically recommended irradiances for RLT but which beneficially counters a reduction in irradiance caused by the two-way mirror. The light source(s) preferably comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes.

[11] In one example the frame comprises a back panel of enclosing the RLT lighting unit, and the back panel comprises at least one vent and/or is formed from a thermally insulating material in order to reduce danger from heat emanating from the RLT lighting unit.

[12] In one example the two-way mirror section comprises glass or acrylic coated in aluminium. In another example, the two-way mirror section comprises an electro-optically switchable layer, which may be formed from polymer dispersed liquid crystals.

[13] In one example the RLT lighting unit is controlled (activated/deactivated) by a switch, which may be manually operated, proximity based, or gesture controlled. The switch may similarly control the electro-optically switchable layer (i.e. switch the two-way section on and off as well as the SAD lighting on and off). The switch may activate and deactivate the multiple light sources jointly or independently. In one example a power of the light source(s) is controllable, by suitable means, to vary the output irradiance of the light source(s).

[14] In one example, the RLT lighting unit is attached to at least one of the rear side of the mirror, the frame, and the back panel; e.g. using appropriate adhesive. In one example the frame comprises mounting means for mounting the mirror unit to a surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[15] For a better understanding of the present disclosure reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: [16] Fig. 1 shows a front view of an example mirror unit with a cut away section; and [17] Fig. 2 shows a rear view of an example mirror unit.

Detailed Description

[18] At least some of the following example embodiments provide an improved article for providing red light therapy -i.e. a mirror unit configured to provide red light therapy.

[19] The example mirror unit is more convenient for the user than existing techniques for providing red light therapy. The example mirror unit has been designed with convenient home use in mind. By implementing RLT lighting as part of a mirror, a user may conveniently be provided with light therapy whilst performing other tasks: e.g. brushing teeth, combing hair, applying make up, etc. Thus the mirror unit of the present disclosure turns an RLT session from an inconvenient chore into a convenient aspect of their everyday living; i.e. by merging the light therapy with other tasks.

[20] Many other advantages and improvements will be discussed in more detail herein.

[21] Figure 1 shows a front view of an example mirror unit 10 with a cut away section. Figure 2 shows a rear view of the same example mirror unit 10.

[22] The mirror unit 10 comprises a frame 12 to which is attached a two-way mirror 14. Here the two-way mirror 14 is substantially two dimensional -i.e. has widthX and height Y considerably longer than depth Z -having a rear side and a front side 18 on opposite sides of the plane AT defined by the width and height of the mirror. The front side 18 may be considered to be the side of the two-way mirror 14 presented to the user when the mirror unit 10 is in use. Suitably the front side 18 of the two-way mirror 14 is at least partially reflective and partially transmissive. The rear side may be considered to be the side of the mirror 14 which is not visible when the mirror 14 is in use.

[23] Here the frame 12 is attached to the rear of the two-way mirror 14, and does not extend beyond any edge of the mirror 14. That is, the frame 12 is covered by the mirror 14 (when viewed from the direction normal to the centre of the plane XY). In this way, the mirror 14 may be preferably given a floating/free standing effect when mounted to a surface by suitable mounting means 30.

[24] It will be appreciated that frame 12 does not necessarily have to be hidden from view by the mirror 14 and other arrangements which attach the mirror 14 to the frame may be utilised. For example, it may be desired to have the frame 12 be visible by having the frame 12 extend beyond the extremities of the mirror 14 -i.e. to give a picture frame effect.

[25] The two-way mirror is configured to reflect light which is incident on the front side 18 of the mirror 14-i.e. from the user side -and transmit light which is incident on the rear side of the mirror 14 (i.e. light emanating from within the frame 12). That is, the two-way mirror 14 is partially reflective and partially transmissive.

[26] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the mirror attached to the frame 12 may be divided into a two-way section and a remaining, fully reflective, section. In such an arrangement the two-way section may have the same general shape as the mirror with smaller width and height and is centred with respect to the front of the mirror, leaving a band of fully reflective section between the two-way section and outer edge of the mirror. Other arrangements are of course possible: for example, half two-way half fully reflective (either left-right or top-bottom).

[27] In one example embodiment, the two-way mirror 14 comprises coated glass or acrylic. The coating may be any reflective material, but is preferably aluminium. In another example embodiment, the two-way mirror 14 comprises an electro-optically switchable layer. Preferably, the electro-optically switchable layer comprises polymer dispersed liquid crystals. Techniques for the production of two-way mirrors are known in the art and are therefore not explored in further detail here. In either case, the reflection/transmission effect of the two-way mirror 14 is enhanced when the mirror unit 10 is mounted as doing so greatly diminishes the ability of a user to see through the two-way section when the RLT lighting is not active, as will be understood by those familiar with two-way mirrors.

[28] A red light therapy 'RLT' lighting unit 24 is arranged within the frame 12 at the rear side of the mirror 14. More specifically, the RLT lighting unit 24 is arranged so that light emitted therefrom is emitted through the two-way mirror 14. Suitably the RLT lighting unit 24 is configured with a light source 20 configured to output at least one of red light and near infrared light through the two-way mirror 14. Suitably the light source 20 is configured with light emitters 25 which output the red and/or near infrared light. Thus, when the RLT lighting unit is active, a user of the mirror unit 10 may advantageously benefit from light therapy via the red light emitted from the RLT lighting unit 24 while doing other tasks using the mirror 14.

[29] Here red light may be taken to be light in the range of 650 nanometres (nm) to 700 nm, while infrared light may be taken to be light in the range of 701 nm to 1000 nm. It will be appreciated that the output from the light source 20 may be restricted to one of these ranges (i.e. either red or infrared emission) or may output a combination. In a preferred example, the light source 20 (or more specifically the light emitters thereof) outputs red light at 660 nm and near infrared light at 850 nm.

[30] For the red light to have suitable therapeutic effects, it is recommended that the light source outputs the red light and/or the near infrared light at an irradiance of between 100 and 170 milliwatts (mVV) as measured at the surface of the light source 20 (i.e. essentially at the rear surface of the two-way mirror 14). The person receiving RLT is recommended to stand about 15 to 30 centimetres (cm) from the light source. Usually, a time over which a user is intended to expose themselves to the red/infrared light depends on the irradiance. Higher irradiance lighting requires less time exposure to realise the benefits. Typically, around 2 to 15 minutes is recommended (depending on irradiance), which is conveniently a similar length of time that many people use a bathroom mirror in the morning and evening, thus allowing a user to realise the benefits of RLT while performing their usual routine.

[31] Preferably the RLT lighting unit is configured to account for a reduction in irradiance that may be caused by positioning the light source 20 behind the two-way mirror 14. For example, for a two-way section which is 50% transmissive and 50% reflective, it may be desirable to double the output intensity of the RLT lighting unit 24 to accounts for around half the irradiance being lost. Accordingly, the lighting source 20 may be configured to provide an irradiance of between 200 and 340 mW, as measured at the surface of the light source 20. Other values for the illuminance on the rear side 16 of the mirror may also be appropriate, depending on the two-section transmittance.

[32] In the example shown, the RLT lighting unit 24 is formed from four light sources (three visible from the cut away area as references 20, 21, & 22, one hidden behind the non-cut away area), each light source being configured to output at least one of red light and near infrared light; that is, the RLT lighting unit of the present example comprises a first light source 20, a second light source 21, a third light source 22, and a fourth light source (not shown). Thus each of the light sources are arranged to output at least one of red light and near infrared light through the two-way mirror 14. Suitably each of the light sources may comprise one or more light emitters, preferably a plurality of light emitting diodes 'LEDs' 25.

[33] Each light source of the RLT lighting unit 24 may be configured to output a different irradiance. In this way the RLT lighting unit may be more readily controlled to provide an RLT session (i.e. power and time) according to user preference (which might be based at least partially on power consumption concerns). For example, the first light source 20 may correspond to a low irradiance, e.g. around 100 mW irradiance (not accounting for any loss due to the mirror 14), and have correspondingly low LED power draw of e.g. around 60 Watts (W), and may therefore be suitable for when the user is expecting to use the mirror for an extended length of time (and may therefore wish to save on power costs); e.g. 15 minutes. The second light source 21 may correspond to a middling irradiance, e.g. around 130 mW irradiance (again not accounting for mirror losses), which might require an LED power of around 500 W and be suitable for use when the user is expecting to use the mirror for around 5 to 10 minutes. The third light source 22 may correspond to a high irradiance of 160 mW (again not accounting for mirror losses), which might require an LED power draw of around 1500W, which might be suitable when the user is expecting to use the mirror for around 2 minutes. The fourth light source may be set to a yet further different irradiance, and may also be left as a variable light source changeable to a user preference.

[34] It will also be appreciated that each of the light sources may be set to the same irradiance (and connected in parallel), or at least to the same irradiance as one other light source; for example, the first and third light sources 20,22 may have the same irradiance, while the second light source 21 is set to provide a different irradiance. In this way redundancy may be provided in case one of the light sources should fail. In one example, an activation of the light sources 20-22 may be rotated -i.e. the first light source 20 activates the first time the mirror unit 10 is used, the second light source 21 activates the second time the mirror unit 10 is used -so as to limit the possibility for a burnout of the LEDs and prolong the life of the RLT lighting unit 24.

[35] In another example arrangement each of the plurality of light sources are variable according to a user preference either jointly or independently.

[36] Suitably, the frame 12 comprises a back panel 32 to cover the back of the RLT lighting unit 24. In this way a user is protected from inadvertently tampering with the RLT lighting unit 24 when handling for e.g. installation. The back panel 32 may be formed from a thermally insulating material in order to protect a surface upon which the mirror unit is mounted from heat generated by the RLT lighting unit 24. The back panel 36 may also comprise at least one vent 38 to allow for air flow from within the frame, thereby reducing the possibility of overheating by the RLT lighting unit 24; in this example there are two such vents oriented top and bottom of the back panel 36.

[37] In the example shown, the RLT lighting unit 24 is attached directly to the rear side of the two-way mirror 14 such that the light emitting frontage of the RLT lighting unit 24 faces towards the two-way mirror 14. In another example, the RLT lighting unit 24 may be attached (i.e. held in position) by the frame 12. In another example the RLT lighting unit 24 may be attached (i.e. held in position) by the back panel 36. Thus, in general, the RLT lighting unit 24 is attached to at least one of the rear side of the two-way mirror, the frame, and the back panel, and a combination thereof Advantageously, the RLT lighting unit 24 is contained within a cavity defined by dimensions of the frame 12; i.e. contained between the mirror 14, frame 12, and back panel 34. Thus the mirror unit 10 may be easily handled and installed as a single unit. Moreover, when the mirror unit 10 is mounted on a surface, the mirror unit 10 is flush with that surface, allowing the mirror unit to blend with the environment in which it is located. Thus, when the RLT lighting is not in operation, it would not be apparent that a RLT lighting therapy unit was even present in the dwelling.

[38] Suitably, the mirror unit 10 comprises a switch 26 to activate and deactivate the RLT lighting unit 24. In one example the switch 26 is manually -i.e. user -operated. In another example the switch 26 comprises a proximity sensor and activates when an object -i.e. user -is detected in range of the mirror unit 10. In another example the switch 26 comprises a camera or movement sensor through which gesture controls may be input. In the example whereby the two-way mirror 14 comprises an electro-optically switchable layer, the switch 26 may activate both the electro-optically switchable layer (i.e. to provide the two-way effect) and activate the RLT lighting unit 24. The switch 26 may be configured to activate each of the light sources 20-22 jointly (i.e. all at the same time) or independently (i.e. separately to the other light sources, so that e.g. the first light source 20 may be activated independent of the second and third light sources 21, 22); for example, a selector switch. Such functionality may also be provided by a separate (i.e. second) switch to the (first) switch 26. The (first) switch 26, second switch, or another (third) switch may be provided to control the output irradiance of the light source(s); again either together or independently; for example a dimmer dial may be provided as a second/third switch.

[39] The mirror unit 10 may further comprise a non-RLT light source which is controlled separately to the RLT lighting unit 24; for example a plurality of white light, or other, colour LEDs 28. Such LEDs may be useful to provide lighting to the environment surrounding the mirror unit 10 when the RLT lighting is not in use. In the example shown, the additional LEDs 28 are attached to an outer edge of the frame 12, behind an outer edge of the mirror 14, so that the mirror 14 acts as a baffle to limit direct viewing of the LEDs 28 by a user.

[40] Accordingly the mirror unit 10 may comprise a controller to control functions of the various electrical components of the mirror unit 10 -i.e. the RLT lighting unit 24, switch 26, LEDs 28, and any other electrical components added to the mirror unit 10. Similarly such a controller may be housed within the frame 12 such that it fits inside a frame fitted with back panel 32 to allow for a flush fit when the mirror unit 10 is mounted on a surface.

[41] In summary, exemplary embodiments of a mirror unit to provide red light therapy have been described. The mirror unit comprises a frame, a two-way mirror attached thereto, and a 'RLT' lighting unit arranged within the frame and comprising a light source configured to output at least one of red light and near infrared light through the two-way mirror. The described exemplary embodiments provide for an improved apparatus for RLT light therapy compared to existing RLT light boxes. Additionally, the described exemplary embodiments convenient to and straightforward to use for RLT light therapy.

[42] The described mirror unit may be readily manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[43] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mirror unit comprising: a frame, a two-way mirror attached to the frame, and a red light therapy RLT' lighting unit housed within the frame, wherein the RLT lighting unit comprises a light source configured to output at least one of red light and near infrared light, and wherein the first light source are arranged to output the at least one of red light and near infrared light through the two-way mirror.
2. The mirror unit of claim 1, wherein the light source outputs an irradiance of between 200 and 340 milliwatts per square centimetre, as measured at a surface of the light source.
3. The mirror unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes 'LEDs'.
4. The mirror unit of any preceding claim, wherein the light source configured to output at least one of red light and near infrared light is a first light source, and the RLT lighting unit comprises a second light source also configured to output at least one of red light and near infrared light through the two-way mirror.
5. The mirror unit of claim 4, wherein the second light source is configured to output a different irradiance to the first light source.
6. The mirror unit of claim 4 or 5, wherein the second light source comprises a plurality of LEDs.
7. The mirror unit of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the RLT lighting unit comprises a third light source also configured to output at least one of red light and near infrared light through the two-way mirror.
8. The mirror unit of claim 7, wherein the third light source is configured to output a different irradiance to the first light source and second light source.
9. The mirror unit of claims 7 or 8, wherein the third light source is configured to output a same irradiance as at least one of the first light source and second light source.
10. The mirror unit of any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a back panel of enclosing the RLT lighting unit.
11. The mirror unit of claim 10, wherein the back panel comprises at least one vent.
12. The mirror unit of claims 10 or 11, wherein the back panel is formed from a thermally insulating material.
13. The mirror unit of any preceding claim, further comprising a switch to activate and deactivate the RLT lighting unit.
14. The mirror unit of claim 13, wherein the first switch is based on a proximity of a user to the mirror.
15. The mirror unit of claim 13, wherein the first switch is gesture controlled.
16. The mirror unit of any of claims 4 to 15, further comprising a switch to activate and deactivate the first and second and, if present, third light sources jointly or independently.
17. The mirror unit of any preceding claim, further comprising means to control a power the light source(s) to vary an output irradiance of the light source(s).
18. The mirror unit of any preceding claim, wherein the two-way mirror comprises coated glass or acrylic
19. The mirror unit of claim 18, wherein the coating is aluminium.
20. The mirror unit of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the two-way mirror comprises an electrooptically switchable layer.
21. The mirror unit of claim 20, wherein the electro-optically switchable layer comprises polymer dispersed liquid crystals.
22. The mirror unit of claim 20 or 21 when dependent on at least claim 12, wherein the switch to activate and deactivate the RLT lighting unit also activates and deactivates the electro-optically switchable layer.
23. The mirror unit of any preceding claim, wherein the RLT lighting unit is attached to at least one of the rear side of the two-way mirror, the frame, and the back panel if present.
24. The mirror unit of any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises mounting means for mounting the mirror unit to a surface.
25. The mirror unit of any preceding claim, wherein the mirror unit comprises a plurality of LEDs controlled separately to the RLT lighting unit.