Device for the prevention of melationin suppression by light at night

• US 7,520,607 B2
• Filed: 08/28/2003
• Issued: 04/21/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Circadianeye LLC
• Original Assignee: Melcort Inc.
• Inventors: Casper, Robert, Spilkin, Jonathan, Solo, Peter, Wardrop, Jennifer
• Primary Examiner(s): Sugarman; Scott J
• Assistant Examiner(s): PINKNEY, DAWAYNE
• Application Number:
  US10/525,958
• Publication Number:
  US 20060119954A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,063 Days
• Field of Search: 351/163
• US Class Current: 351/163
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2021/0044 by the sight sense
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 21/00 Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 5/001 specially adapted for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for or not fully classifiable according to technical characteristics, e.g. therapeutic glasses
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/10 Filters, e.g. for facilitating adaptation of the eyes to the dark; Sunglasses
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/104 having spectral characteristics for purposes other than sun-protection
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/12 Polarisers

Abstract

The present invention provides a device for inhibiting melatonin suppressing light from reaching the retina. The device having means for selectively blocking light having a wavelength capable of suppressing melatonin production in a human.

Claims

1. A device for inhibiting melatonin suppression by light comprising:

means for selectively blocking more than 50 percent of incident wavelengths of light having a wavelength range less than at or about 530 nm, while transmitting more than 50 percent of non-blocked wavelengths of light, wherein the device inhibits the light-induced suppression of melatonin production by light exposure when used at night.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the means for selectively blocking light is an optical filter.

3. A device according to claim 2, comprising the optical filter which includes a polarizing layer.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises an ultraviolet light absorber.

5. A device according to claim 2, comprising at least one of eyewear, a lightbulb, a light cover and a lens.

13. A method for inhibiting melatonin suppression by light in a human comprising providing the device according to claim 2 during peak melatonin production times thereby selectively blocking more than 50 percent of incident wavelengths of light having a wavelength range less than at or about 530 nm, while transmitting more than 50 percent of non-blocked wavelengths of light, the device being operable to selectively block light, having a wavelength range less than at or about 530 nm, from reaching the retina in a human for inhibiting melatonin suppression by light.

14. A method for inhibiting melatonin suppression by light in a human comprising providing the device according to claim 1, during peak melatonin production times thereby selectively blocking more than 50 percent of incident wavelengths of light having a wavelength range less than at or about 530 nm, while transmitting more than 50 percent of non-blocked wavelengths of light, the device being operable to selectively block light, having a wavelength range less than at or about 530 nm, from reaching the retina in a human for inhibiting melatonin suppression by light.

6. A lens operable by a user who is exposed to light at peak melatonin production times at night, the lens comprising an optical filter operable to selectively block more than 50 percent of incident wavelengths of light having a wavelength range less than at or about 530 nm, while transmitting more than 50 percent of non-blocked wavelengths of light, wherein the lens inhibits the suppression of melatonin production of by light when used at peak melatonin production times.

7. A lens according to claim 6, wherein the lens is incorporated in eyewear.

8. A lens according to claim 7, wherein the eyewear is selected from the group consisting of spectacles, goggles, contact lenses and safety glasses.

9. A light device comprising an optical filter operable to selectively block more than 50 percent of incident wavelengths of light from the light device having a wavelength that suppresses melatonin production in a human of less than at or about 530 nm, while transmitting more than 50 percent of non-blocked wavelengths of light.

10. A light device according to claim 9, wherein the light device is chosen from an incandescent light source, a fluorescent light source or any other artificial light source.

11. A light device according to claim 9, wherein the optical filter is a coating on at least one surface of the device.

12. A light cover for use with a light device, the cover comprising:

an optical filter operable to selectively block more than 50 percent of incident wavelengths of light from the light device having a wavelength that suppresses melatonin production in a human of less than at or about 530 nm, while transmitting more than 50 percent of non-blocked wavelengths of light, the cover being operable to releasably attach to the light source to channel the light emitted from the light source therethrough.

15. A device for inhibiting melatonin suppression by light comprising:

means for selectively blocking more than 50 percent of incident wavelengths of light having a wavelength that suppresses melatonin production in a human and is less than at or about 530 nm, while transmitting more than 50 percent of non-blocked wavelengths of light, wherein the device inhibits melatonin suppression by light exposure when worn at night.

16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the means for selectively blocking light is an optical filter.

17. A device according to claim 16, comprising at least one of eyewear and a lens.

21. A method for inhibiting melatonin suppression by light in a human comprising providing the device according to claim 15 during peak melatonin production times thereby selectively blocking more than 50 percent of incident wavelengths of light having a wavelength that suppresses melatonin production in a human and is less than at or about 530 nm, while transmitting more than 50 percent of non-blocked wavelengths of light, the device being operable to selectively block light having a wavelength that suppresses melatonin production in a human, and is less than at or about 530 nm, from reaching the retina in a human.

18. A lens operable by a user who is exposed to light at peak melatonin production times, the lens comprising an optical filter operable to selectively block more than 50 percent of incident wavelengths of light having a wavelength that suppresses melatonin production in a human and is less than at or about 530 nm, while transmitting more than 50 percent of non-blocked wavelengths of light, wherein the lens inhibits melatonin suppression by light when used at peak melatonin production times at night.

19. A lens according to claim 18, wherein the lens is incorporated into eyewear.

20. A lens according to claim 19, wherein the eyewear is selected from the group consisting of spectacles, goggles, contact lenses and safety glasses.

22. A method for inhibiting melatonin suppression by light in a human comprising providing the lens according to claim 18 during peak melatonin production times thereby selectively blocking more than 50 percent of incident wavelengths of light having a wavelength that suppresses melatonin production in a human and is less than at or about 530 nm, while transmitting more than 50 percent of non-blocked wavelengths of light, the lens being operable to selectively block light having a wavelength that suppresses melatonin production in a human, and is less than at or about 530 nm, from reaching the retina in a human.