EP0302767A1 - Apparatus for massaging the body by cyclic application of pressure - Google Patents

Apparatus for massaging the body by cyclic application of pressure Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0302767A1
EP0302767A1 EP88401700A EP88401700A EP0302767A1 EP 0302767 A1 EP0302767 A1 EP 0302767A1 EP 88401700 A EP88401700 A EP 88401700A EP 88401700 A EP88401700 A EP 88401700A EP 0302767 A1 EP0302767 A1 EP 0302767A1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
inflation
control
pressure
compartment
orifice
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EP88401700A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0302767B1 (en
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Jean Frajdenrajch
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Individual
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H9/00Pneumatic or hydraulic massage
    • A61H9/005Pneumatic massage
    • A61H9/0078Pneumatic massage with intermittent or alternately inflated bladders or cuffs

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus for massaging parts of the body, by sequential cyclic pressures making it possible to provide drainage along the part or parts treated. It extends to a distributor intended to equip said device.
  • massage devices which include a treatment accessory (waders, abdominal belt, etc.) which is called upon to be placed in contact with a part of a patient's body in order to produce a succession of local compressions thereon. progressing in the direction of the lymphatic drainage to be performed.
  • This accessory is generally composed of a plurality of juxtaposed inflatable cells which are successively inflated, then deflated according to a defined cycle.
  • the massage accessory surrounds the member to be treated and its inflatable cells are connected by a bundle of ducts to an air distribution installation comprising in particular a rotary distributor or with drawers or a plurality of solenoid valves, this installation being able to successively deliver the pneumatic pressure to each cell through the duct which is associated with it.
  • an air distribution installation comprising in particular a rotary distributor or with drawers or a plurality of solenoid valves, this installation being able to successively deliver the pneumatic pressure to each cell through the duct which is associated with it.
  • the present invention proposes to considerably simplify massage devices of the type mentioned above and to provide a massage device having a reduced number of conduits and much simpler distribution means, while being able to work cyclically at low pressures. required by the massage action (of the order of 50 to 100 millibars).
  • Another objective of the invention is to provide a device which allows, very flexibly, an adjustment of the characteristics of the massage (value of pressures, speed of drainage, amplitude of the pressure wave, etc.).
  • the apparatus according to the invention for performing a massage of part of the body by cyclic pressures comprises in combination: . at least one treatment accessory composed of juxtaposed inflatable cells adapted to be placed in contact with the part of the body to be massaged, . a source of compressed air connected to two so-called pneumatic inflation and control lines, the inflation line being provided with a pressure reducer for obtaining an inflation pressure Pg, while the control line is provided with a pressure reducer for obtaining a control pressure Pc such that Pc ⁇ Pg, . a control unit adapted to control the solenoid valves arranged on the inflation line and control line so as to cyclically control the opening and closing of said solenoid valves, .
  • each distributor associated with a cell comprising: - an upstream orifice connected to the inflation duct on the upstream side, - a downstream orifice connected to the inflation duct on the downstream side, - an inflation orifice connected to the inflatable cell and communicating with the upstream orifice, - And a sealing membrane subjected, on the one hand, to the local pressure of the inflation fluid, on the other hand, to the opposite pressure of the control fluid, said membrane being arranged to open the communication between the downstream orifice and the upstream orifice and inflation orifice, when the local pressure of the inflation fluid becomes greater than K times the pressure (Pc) of the control fluid (
  • the device only comprises an inflation duct and a control duct.
  • the control duct receives the control pressure Pc before the inflation fluid is distributed: the downstream orifices of all of the distributors are then closed since the control pressure Pc prevailing at these distributors is greater than the local pressure inflation (relative inflation pressure zero before distribution of the inflation fluid).
  • the inflation fluid is distributed at the pressure Pg, the first cell swells at excluding others who are isolated by distributors; when, at this first cell, the local inflation pressure reaches a pressure equal to K.Pc, the distributor associated with said first cell opens and the inflation fluid is distributed to the second cell.
  • the cells are thus swollen, ensuring a drainage of the body from the areas in contact with the first cell to the areas in contact with the last.
  • the control unit then ensures the closing of the solenoid valves and the deflation of the cells, the operation continuing cyclically.
  • the structure of such an apparatus (and in particular that of its distributors) is adapted to operate at low pressures suitable for performing massage operations.
  • the coefficient K which depends on the geometry of the distributor will generally be chosen greater than 1 but may also be equal to or less than 1. It may be different from one distributor to another.
  • treatment accessories can, if necessary, be arranged in series in order to be inflated successively, for example a thigh-high and an abdominal belt.
  • accessories can be arranged in parallel so that their cells are inflated synchronously, for example two waders intended to be applied around the two lower membranes.
  • the invention can be applied regardless of the type of accessory: accessory with cells located end to end, accessory with cells arranged in scales ...
  • each of the distributors associated with each of the inflatable cells comprises: - a first chamber with which the upstream, downstream and inflation orifices communicate, - a second chamber with a channel communicating with the control duct, - a membrane separating said chambers, - And a bearing arranged to serve as a support for said membrane, so that, in this position, the membrane isolates the downstream port from the upstream and inflation ports.
  • Such distributors of very simple structure are inexpensive and space-saving and can be secured without difficulty on the inflatable cells.
  • Such a dispenser is essentially characterized in that it comprises a hollow body which is provided with three tubular branches and which delimits a compartment, these branches and compartment being arranged so that: - one of the branches, called upstream, communicates with a secant branch, called inflation, located opposite the compartment, said upstream branch and inflation branch open into said compartment by a light surrounded by the scope already mentioned, the third branch, called downstream, is isolated from the first two and communicates with the compartment by a light located at the periphery of said span, the compartment contains the aforementioned membrane, which divides it into a first chamber situated on the side of the span and a second chamber opposite to it, said membrane being adapted so as to be able to come into sealing contact against said span, - The compartment is closed by a sealed cover provided with means for connecting a control fluid, making it possible to deliver the latter to the second chamber.
  • the massage device shown by way of example in the figures essentially comprises a massage accessory 1 adapted to be applied around a leg, an inflation duct 2 and a control duct 3 extending along and close to the massage accessory 1, a plurality of distributors such as 4 interposed on these conduits and secured to the massage accessory, and a sequential compressed air distribution unit 5.
  • the massage accessory 1 is in particular of the type described in FR patent No. 85.09764, comprising two flexible walls 6 and 7 which are joined together to form several juxtaposed housings in which are sealed inflatable pockets 8 in one elastic material.
  • the shape of the set of cells thus formed is adapted to be able to close around the member to be treated and to conform to the contours of the latter, straps 9, strips or equivalent means (partially shown) being provided for maintaining the accessory around the member.
  • any other type of accessory can be provided in the device of the invention (in particular accessory with cells arranged in scales).
  • the accessory can simply consist of two locally welded walls to form the cells.
  • the distributors 4 are, in the example, arranged in alignment with one another in the vicinity of a longitudinal edge of the massage accessory 1.
  • a distributor 4 is attached to each cell 8 so as to allow inflation thereof. As illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, these distributors can in particular be sealed on one face of the inflatable cell; in the example, this attachment is achieved by means of a reinforcement piece 34, called a nipple, which is glued to the flexible wall of the cell.
  • This pacifier has a housing with an enlarged head 34a into which an inflation nozzle 13 of the distributor is snapped into place.
  • Each distributor 4 in the general shape of a T is in the example composed of a hollow body 33 which delimits a compartment 10 and comprises three tubular branches: an upstream branch 11, a downstream branch 12 situated in alignment with the upstream branch, and an inflation branch 13 orthogonal to the other two, located opposite the compartment 10. These branches are molded in one piece with the body 33 (if necessary they can be attached and glued therein).
  • the compartment 10 is surmounted by a sealed cover 14 which in the example is screwed into the body 33 so as to close the compartment 10.
  • This cover 14 is provided with means for connecting the control conduit 3, constituted by two male junction tips 15 and 16 situated substantially in alignment with one another. These end pieces are molded with the cover 14 (or, if appropriate, attached and glued therein). The cover 14 is pierced with a channel 14a so that the pressure Pc of the control fluid is established in the compartment 10.
  • the latter contains a flexible membrane 17 made of elastomer or other material of the same type, the edges of which are tightly pinched in the compartment 10 when the cover is screwed on.
  • This membrane 17 separates the compartment 10 into two chambers 10a and 10b: it is subjected on its upper face to the pressure Pc of the control fluid which prevails in the chamber 10b and on its lower face to the local pressure of the inflation fluid which prevails in room 10a. If necessary, this membrane can be subjected to external forces exerted either by a damping system, or by a spring system, in particular to avoid vibrations.
  • the upstream tubular branch 11 forms a male junction end (delimiting the upstream orifice 11a) and communicates with the secant inflation branch 13 which itself forms a male junction end (delimiting the inflation orifice 13a).
  • These two branches 11 and 13 open into the chamber 10a of compartment 10 by a lumen 18a surrounded by a bearing surface 18 for supporting the membrane.
  • the downstream branch 12 forms a male junction end (delimiting the downstream orifice 12a) and is isolated from the first two: it communicates with the chamber 10a by a light 18b located at the periphery of the bearing surface 18.
  • the inflation duct 2 is connected to the branches 11 and 12 (the inlet located on the side of the distribution unit being connected to the upstream branch 11 and the outlet located on the opposite side being connected to the downstream branch 12).
  • the control duct 3 is itself connected to the connection ends 15 and 16.
  • the membrane 17 When the membrane 17 is applied against the bearing surface 18, it is subjected, on the one hand, to the local inflation pressure on a section s (defined by the section S (corresponding to the diameter of the membrane).
  • the ratio S / s is designated by multiplier coefficient K.
  • the distributor When the control pressure Pc is established in the chamber 10b, the distributor remains in the closed state as long as the local inflation pressure prevailing in the branches 11 and 13 remains below K.Pc (FIG. 3a). In this position, the membrane 17 is supported on the bearing surface 18 and the downstream branch 12 is isolated from the upstream branch 11 and inflation branch 13: the inflation fluid is not transmitted to the cells located downstream.
  • the membrane 17 deviates from its range and opens the communication to the downstream branch 12 (FIG. 3b).
  • the inflation fluid is delivered to the next cell. The inflation is thus carried out step by step from the first cell of the massage accessory to the last.
  • the inflation pipes 2 and control pipe 3 are connected to the unit 5 comprising means for distributing the inflation fluid and means for distributing the control fluid.
  • a compressor 19 supplies high compressed air presses a reservoir 20 fitted with a safety valve 21 and a control pressure gauge 22.
  • the reservoir 20 is connected to a pneumatic inflation line 23 and to a pneumatic control line 24.
  • the inflation line 23 to which the inflation duct 2 is connected essentially comprises an adjustable pressure reducer 25 reducing the pressure to an inflation pressure Pg, a solenoid valve 26 in the example of the three-way type to allow venting free from the inflation duct 2, a flow limiter 27 and a control pressure gauge 28.
  • a buffer tank 35 can be provided on this inflation line in order to dampen the inflation of the first cells, in particular when these these have a lower volume, as is the case for a thigh piece extending at the level of the foot; this reservoir 35 can if necessary introduce the inflation delay time mentioned below.
  • the inflation duct 2 is open at its end 2a located downstream of the last inflatable cell so that the deflation takes place at the end of the sequence by this end and by the solenoid valve 26.
  • the deflation can if necessary be obtained differently, in particular by a special solenoid valve.
  • the control line 24 to which the control conduit 3 is connected essentially comprises an adjustable regulator 29 reducing the pressure to a control pressure Pc ⁇ Pg, a solenoid valve 30 of the three-way type to allow the venting of the air control line 3, and a control manometer 31.
  • the control conduit 3 is closed at its end 3a located downstream of the last inflatable cell so that its pressurization ensures a stable establishment of the control pressure Pc.
  • the solenoid valves 26 and 30 are electrically slaved to an electronic control unit 32 adapted to cyclically control the opening and closing of these (that is to say the pressurization of the conduits 2 and 3, and their setting outdoors) ; the unit 32 is adapted to impose a delay time on opening at the solenoid valve 26 so that the control pressure Pc is established beforehand in the control conduit 3 and the chambers 10b of the distributors.
  • the duration of the closing / opening cycles and the duty cycle are adjusted according to the nature of the massage to be performed.
  • the adjustment of the outlet pressure of the regulator 25 (inflation pressure Pg) and outlet pressure of the regulator 29 (control pressure Pc) makes it possible to adjust the characteristics of the compression wave which ensures lymphatic drainage (the drainage speed , that is to say the speed of displacement of the pressure front from one cell to another, as well as the amplitude of this pressure front are functions of the difference Pg - K.Pc).
  • control duct 3 is depressurized and the cells deflate through the open end of the duct 2a and by the solenoid valve 26.
  • the duration of the inflation sequence exceeds the time necessary to inflate all the cells, the air will escape through the last distributor which then behaves like an exhaust valve, the pressure can never exceed the control pressure. If the duration of the inflation sequence is less than the time necessary for the inflation to reach the last cells, these will not be inflated: it is thus possible to inflate only a fraction of the massage accessory, the number of uninflated cells can be adjusted by adjusting the duration of the inflation sequence.
  • the range 18 of the various distributors 4 may have a different diameter: by adjusting the section -s- of the various distributors, the multiplier coefficient K can be varied from one distributor to another; the cells can thus be brought to undergo different inflation pressures (K.Pc), all the higher the coefficient K of the cell considered will be higher.
  • the invention makes it possible to perform massages at differential pressures adapted to the areas of the body to which the cells apply.
  • the inflation order of the cells depends on the order in which they are connected to the inflation duct 2. This order may be the order of geometric succession of these, but it may also be different.

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for massaging parts of the body by cyclic and sequential application of pressure, allowing a drainage to be carried out, in particular lymphatic drainage. This apparatus comprises means for cyclic distribution of an inflating fluid through a conduit (2) and means for cyclic distribution of a control fluid through a conduit (3) towards a treatment accessory consisting of juxtaposed inflatable cells, for example a massage legging (1). The inflation conduit (2) is connected to each cell of the treatment accessory by way of distributors (4), which also receive the control fluid. Each distributor comprises a movable closure member, in particular a membrane, in such a way as to permit the downstream passage of the inflating fluid when the local inflation pressure reaches a value which is a function of the pressure of the control fluid. The cells of the massage accessory are thus inflated one after the other in a cascade, and are then deflated, the operation continuing in a cyclic fashion. <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention concerne un appareil de massage de parties du corps, par pressions cycliques séquentielles permettant d'assurer un drainage le long de la ou des parties traitées. Elle s'étend à un distributeur destiné à équiper ledit appareil.The invention relates to an apparatus for massaging parts of the body, by sequential cyclic pressures making it possible to provide drainage along the part or parts treated. It extends to a distributor intended to equip said device.

On connaît de nombreux appareils de massage, qui comprennent un accessoire de traitement (cuissarde, ceinture abdominale...) appelé à être disposé au contact d'une partie du corps d'un patient pour réaliser sur celle-ci une succession de compressions locales progressant dans le sens du drainage lymphatique à effectuer. Cet accessoire est généralement composé d'une pluralité de cellules gonflables juxtaposées qui sont successivement gonflées, puis dégonflées selon un cycle défini. On se reportera par exemple aux brevets suivants qui présentent de tels appareils : brevets FR n° 2.511.241, 2.405.708, brevets US n° 4.311.135, 3.167.067, brevets GB n° 2.062.235, 483.111, 2.077.108, brevet DE 2.753.523. Dans ces dispositifs, l'accessoire de massage entoure le membre à traiter et ses cellules gonflables sont reliées par un faisceau de conduits à une installation de distribution d'air comprenant notamment un distributeur rotatif ou à tiroirs ou une pluralité d'électrovannes, cette installation étant apte à délivrer successivement la pression pneumatique vers chaque cellule à travers le conduit qui lui est associé. Toutefois, ces systèmes sont complexes, encombrants et d'utilisation peu pratique, essentiellement en raison de la présence des nombreux conduits pneumatiques nécessaires (un par cellule gonflable) et de la complexité de l'installation de distribution destiné à assurer les séquences de gonflage désirées.Many massage devices are known, which include a treatment accessory (waders, abdominal belt, etc.) which is called upon to be placed in contact with a part of a patient's body in order to produce a succession of local compressions thereon. progressing in the direction of the lymphatic drainage to be performed. This accessory is generally composed of a plurality of juxtaposed inflatable cells which are successively inflated, then deflated according to a defined cycle. Reference will be made, for example, to the following patents which present such devices: FR patents No. 2,511,241, 2,405,708, US patents No. 4,311,135, 3,167,067, GB patents No. 2,062,235, 483,111, 2,077. 108, patent DE 2,753,523. In these devices, the massage accessory surrounds the member to be treated and its inflatable cells are connected by a bundle of ducts to an air distribution installation comprising in particular a rotary distributor or with drawers or a plurality of solenoid valves, this installation being able to successively deliver the pneumatic pressure to each cell through the duct which is associated with it. However, these systems are complex, bulky and impractical to use, essentially due to the presence of the numerous pneumatic conduits required (one per inflatable cell) and the complexity of the distribution installation intended to ensure the desired inflation sequences. .

Par ailleurs, il existe des systèmes de bandage adaptés pour appliquer des pressions stables élevées sur un membre afin d'en chasser définitivement le sang avant une intervention chirurgicale (brevet US n° 4.066.684, demande WO 85/01868...). Toutefois, ces appareils ne peuvent en général fonctionner qu'à des pressions relativement élevées et sont inaptes à fonctionner aux pressions de massage habituellement admises. De plus, ils ne travaillent pas de façon cyclique et sont eux-mêmes de structures relativement complexes (en particulier en ce qui concerne leurs distributeurs composés de diverses pièces rapportées : ressorts, pistons, tiges de pistons, billes...). En conséquence ces systèmes n'apportent aucune solution au problème du massage cyclique et de la simplification des appareils de massage existants.In addition, there are bandage systems suitable for applying high stable pressures to a member in order to definitively expel the blood there before surgery (US Patent No. 4,066,684, application WO 85/01868 ...). However, these devices can generally only operate at relatively high pressures and are unable to operate at commonly accepted massage pressures. In addition, they do not work cyclically and are themselves relatively complex structures (in particular as regards their distributors composed of various added parts: springs, pistons, piston rods, balls ...). Consequently, these systems do not provide any solution to the problem of cyclic massage and the simplification of existing massage devices.

La présente invention se propose de simplifier considérablement les appareils de massage du type précédemment évoqué et de fournir un appareil de massage possédant un nombre de conduits réduits et des moyens de distribution beaucoup plus simples, tout en étant apte à travailler de façon cyclique aux basses pressions requises par l'action de massage (de l'ordre de 50 à 100 millibars).The present invention proposes to considerably simplify massage devices of the type mentioned above and to provide a massage device having a reduced number of conduits and much simpler distribution means, while being able to work cyclically at low pressures. required by the massage action (of the order of 50 to 100 millibars).

Un autre objectif de l'invention est de fournir un appareil autorisant, de façon très souple, un réglage des caractéristiques du massage (valeur des pressions, vitesse du drainage, amplitude de l'onde de pression...).Another objective of the invention is to provide a device which allows, very flexibly, an adjustment of the characteristics of the massage (value of pressures, speed of drainage, amplitude of the pressure wave, etc.).

L'appareil conforme à l'invention pour exécuter un massage de partie du corps par pressions cycliques comprend en combinaison :
    . au moins un accessoire de traitement composé de cellules gonflables juxtaposées adaptées pour être disposées au contact de la partie du corps à masser,
    . une source d'air comprimé reliée à deux lignes pneumatiques dites de gonflage et de commande, la ligne de gonflage étant dotée d'un détendeur pour l'obtention d'une pression de gonflage Pg, cependant que la ligne de commande est dotée d'un détendeur pour l'obtention d'une pression de commande Pc telle que Pc < Pg,
    . une unité de pilotage adaptée pour asservir des électrovannes disposées sur les ligne de gonflage et ligne de commande de façon à commander cycliquement l'ouverture et la fermeture desdites électrovannes,
    . un conduit de gonflage raccordé à la ligne pneumatique de gonflage et associé à l'accessoire de traitement pour s'étendre le long et à proximité des cellules gonflables,
    . un conduit de commande raccordé à la ligne pneumatique de commande et associé à l'accessoire de traitement pour s'étendre comme le conduit de gonflage le long et à proximité de celui-ci,
    . des distributeurs interposés sur le conduit de gonflage au niveau des cellules gonflables et relié au conduit de commande pour recevoir la pression de fluide de commande (Pc), chaque distributeur associé à une cellule comprenant :
    - un orifice amont connecté au conduit de gonflage côté amont,
    - un orifice aval connecté au conduit de gonflage côté aval,
    - un orifice de gonflage connecté à la cellule gonflable et communiquant avec l'orifice amont,
    - et une membrane d'obturation soumise, d'une part, à la pression locale du fluide de gonflage, d'autre part, à la pression opposée du fluide de commande, ladite membrane étant agencée pour ouvrir la communication entre l'orifice aval et les orifice amont et orifice de gonflage, lorsque la pression locale du fluide de gonflage devient supérieure à K fois la pression (Pc) du fluide de commande (où K est un coefficient multiplicateur fonction de la géométrie du distributeur) en vue de permettre un passage du fluide de gonflage vers l'aval et, dans le cas contraire, pour isoler l'orifice aval par rapport aux orifice amont et orifice de gonflage.
The apparatus according to the invention for performing a massage of part of the body by cyclic pressures comprises in combination:
. at least one treatment accessory composed of juxtaposed inflatable cells adapted to be placed in contact with the part of the body to be massaged,
. a source of compressed air connected to two so-called pneumatic inflation and control lines, the inflation line being provided with a pressure reducer for obtaining an inflation pressure Pg, while the control line is provided with a pressure reducer for obtaining a control pressure Pc such that Pc <Pg,
. a control unit adapted to control the solenoid valves arranged on the inflation line and control line so as to cyclically control the opening and closing of said solenoid valves,
. an inflation duct connected to the pneumatic inflation line and associated with the treatment accessory to extend along and near the cells inflatable,
. a control duct connected to the pneumatic control line and associated with the treatment accessory to extend like the inflation duct along and close to it,
. distributors interposed on the inflation conduit at the level of the inflatable cells and connected to the control conduit to receive the pressure of control fluid (Pc), each distributor associated with a cell comprising:
- an upstream orifice connected to the inflation duct on the upstream side,
- a downstream orifice connected to the inflation duct on the downstream side,
- an inflation orifice connected to the inflatable cell and communicating with the upstream orifice,
- And a sealing membrane subjected, on the one hand, to the local pressure of the inflation fluid, on the other hand, to the opposite pressure of the control fluid, said membrane being arranged to open the communication between the downstream orifice and the upstream orifice and inflation orifice, when the local pressure of the inflation fluid becomes greater than K times the pressure (Pc) of the control fluid (where K is a multiplying coefficient depending on the geometry of the distributor) in order to allow a passage of the inflation fluid downstream and, if not, to isolate the downstream orifice relative to the upstream orifice and inflation orifice.

Ainsi, quel que soit le nombre de cellules que l'on désire gonfler successivement, l'appareil comporte uniquement un conduit de gonflage et un conduit de commande. Le conduit de commande reçoit la pression de commande Pc avant que le fluide de gonflage soit distribué : les orifices aval de l'ensemble des distributeurs sont alors obturés puisque la pression de commande Pc qui règne au niveau de ces distributeurs est supérieure à la pression locale de gonflage (pression relative de gonflage nulle avant distribution du fluide de gonflage). Lorsque le fluide de gonflage est distribué à la pression Pg, la première cellule se gonfle à l'exclusion des autres qui sont isolées par les distributeurs ; lorsque, au niveau de cette première cellule, la pression locale de gonflage atteint une pression égale à K.Pc, le distributeur associé à ladite première cellule s'ouvre et le fluide de gonflage est distribué vers la seconde cellule. De proche en proche, les cellules sont ainsi gonflées, assurant un drainage du corps depuis les zones en contact avec la première cellule jusqu'aux zones en contact avec la dernière. L'unité de pilotage assure ensuite la fermeture des électrovannes et le dégonflage des cellules, le fonctionnement se poursuivant de façon cyclique. Comme on le comprendra mieux plus loin, la structure d'un tel appareil (et en particulier celle de ses distributeurs) est adaptée pour fonctionner aux basses pressions appropriées pour réaliser les opérations de massage. Il est à noter que le coefficient K qui dépend de la géométrie du distributeur sera généralement choisi supérieur à 1 mais peut aussi être égal ou inférieur à 1. Il peut être différent d'un distributeur à un autre.Thus, whatever the number of cells that it is desired to inflate successively, the device only comprises an inflation duct and a control duct. The control duct receives the control pressure Pc before the inflation fluid is distributed: the downstream orifices of all of the distributors are then closed since the control pressure Pc prevailing at these distributors is greater than the local pressure inflation (relative inflation pressure zero before distribution of the inflation fluid). When the inflation fluid is distributed at the pressure Pg, the first cell swells at excluding others who are isolated by distributors; when, at this first cell, the local inflation pressure reaches a pressure equal to K.Pc, the distributor associated with said first cell opens and the inflation fluid is distributed to the second cell. Gradually, the cells are thus swollen, ensuring a drainage of the body from the areas in contact with the first cell to the areas in contact with the last. The control unit then ensures the closing of the solenoid valves and the deflation of the cells, the operation continuing cyclically. As will be better understood below, the structure of such an apparatus (and in particular that of its distributors) is adapted to operate at low pressures suitable for performing massage operations. It should be noted that the coefficient K which depends on the geometry of the distributor will generally be chosen greater than 1 but may also be equal to or less than 1. It may be different from one distributor to another.

Plusieurs accessoires de traitement peuvent, le cas échéant, être disposés en série en vue d'être gonflés successivement, par exemple une cuissarde et une ceinture abdominale. De même, plusieurs accessoires peuvent être disposés en parallèle de façon que leurs cellules soient gonflées de façon synchrone, par exemple deux cuissardes destinées à s'appliquer autour des deux membranes inférieurs. L'invention peut être appliquée quel que soit le type de l'accessoire : accessoire à cellules situées bout à bout, accessoire à cellules agencées en écailles...Several treatment accessories can, if necessary, be arranged in series in order to be inflated successively, for example a thigh-high and an abdominal belt. Similarly, several accessories can be arranged in parallel so that their cells are inflated synchronously, for example two waders intended to be applied around the two lower membranes. The invention can be applied regardless of the type of accessory: accessory with cells located end to end, accessory with cells arranged in scales ...

Par ailleurs, selon un mode de réalisation préféré, chacun des distributeurs associés à chacune des cellules gonflables comprend :
    - une première chambre avec laquelle communiquent les orifices amont, aval et de gonflage,
    - une seconde chambre dotée d'un canal communiquant avec le conduit de commande,
    - une membrane séparant lesdites chambres,
    - et une portée agencée pour servir d'appui à ladite membrane, de façon que, dans cette position, la membrane isole l'orifice aval des orifices amont et de gonflage.
Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, each of the distributors associated with each of the inflatable cells comprises:
- a first chamber with which the upstream, downstream and inflation orifices communicate,
- a second chamber with a channel communicating with the control duct,
- a membrane separating said chambers,
- And a bearing arranged to serve as a support for said membrane, so that, in this position, the membrane isolates the downstream port from the upstream and inflation ports.

De tels distributeurs de structure très simple sont peu onéreux et peu encombrants et peuvent être assujettis sans difficulté sur les cellules gonflables.Such distributors of very simple structure are inexpensive and space-saving and can be secured without difficulty on the inflatable cells.

L'invention s'étend, en tant que tel, à de tels distributeurs susceptibles d'être utilisés dans tous les cas où l'on désire obtenir un gonflage en cascade d'une série d'éléments. Un tel distributeur se caractérisé essentiellement en ce qu'il comprend un corps creux qui est pourvu de trois branches tubulaires et qui délimite un compartiment, ces branches et compartiment étant agencés de sorte que :
    - l'une des branches, dite amont, communique avec une branche sécante, dite de gonflage, située à l'opposé du compartiment,
    - lesdites branche amont et branche de gonflage débouchent dans ledit compartiment par une lumière entourée de la portée déjà évoquée,
    - la troisième branche, dite aval, est isolée des deux premières et communique avec le compartiment par une lumière située à la périphérie de ladite portée,
    - le compartiment contient la membrane précitée, laquelle le divise en une première chambre située du côté de la portée et une seconde chambre opposée à celle-ci, ladite membrane étant adaptée pour pouvoir venir en appui étanche contre ladite portée,
    - le compartiment est obturé par un couvercle étanche doté de moyens de raccordement d'un fluide de commande, permettant de délivrer celui-ci vers la seconde chambre.
The invention extends, as such, to such distributors capable of being used in all cases where it is desired to obtain a cascade inflation of a series of elements. Such a dispenser is essentially characterized in that it comprises a hollow body which is provided with three tubular branches and which delimits a compartment, these branches and compartment being arranged so that:
- one of the branches, called upstream, communicates with a secant branch, called inflation, located opposite the compartment,
said upstream branch and inflation branch open into said compartment by a light surrounded by the scope already mentioned,
the third branch, called downstream, is isolated from the first two and communicates with the compartment by a light located at the periphery of said span,
the compartment contains the aforementioned membrane, which divides it into a first chamber situated on the side of the span and a second chamber opposite to it, said membrane being adapted so as to be able to come into sealing contact against said span,
- The compartment is closed by a sealed cover provided with means for connecting a control fluid, making it possible to deliver the latter to the second chamber.

L'invention ayant été exposée dans sa forme générale, d'autres caractéristiques, buts et avantages de celle-ci ressortiront de la description qui suit en référence des dessins annexés, lesquels en présentent à titre d'exemple non limitatif un mode de réalisation ; sur ces dessins qui font partie intégrante de la présente description :

  • - la figure 1 est une vue schématique d'ensemble d'un appareil de traitement conforme à l'invention, destiné à assurer le massage d'un membre inférieur,
  • - la figure 2 en est une vue schématique partielle,
  • - les figures 3a et 3b sont des vues en coupe d'un distributeur associé à une cellule gonflable, respectivement en position fermée et en position ouverte.
The invention having been explained in its general form, other characteristics, objects and advantages thereof will emerge from the description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, which present by way of non-limiting example an embodiment; on these drawings which form an integral part of this description:
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic overall view of a treatment device according to the invention, intended for massaging a lower limb,
  • FIG. 2 is a partial schematic view thereof,
  • - Figures 3a and 3b are sectional views of a dispenser associated with an inflatable cell, respectively in the closed position and in the open position.

L'appareil de massage représenté à titre d'exemple aux figures comprend essentiellement un accessoire de massage 1 adapté pour être appliqué autour d'une jambe, un conduit de gonflage 2 et un conduit de commande 3 s'étendant le long et à proximité de l'accessoire de massage 1, une pluralité de distributeurs tels que 4 interposés sur ces conduits et assujettis sur l'accessoire de massage, et une unité de distribution séquentielle d'air comprimé 5.The massage device shown by way of example in the figures essentially comprises a massage accessory 1 adapted to be applied around a leg, an inflation duct 2 and a control duct 3 extending along and close to the massage accessory 1, a plurality of distributors such as 4 interposed on these conduits and secured to the massage accessory, and a sequential compressed air distribution unit 5.

L'accessoire de massage 1 est en particulier du type de celui décrit dans le brevet FR n° 85.09764, comprenant deux parois souples 6 et 7 qui sont solidarisées entre elles pour former plusieurs logements juxtaposés dans lesquels sont insérées des poches gonflables étanches 8 en un matériau élastique. La forme de l'ensemble des cellules ainsi constituées est adaptée pour pouvoir se refermer autour du membre à traiter et épouser les contours de celui-ci, des sangles 9, lanières ou moyens équivalents (partiellement représentés) étant prévus pour le maintien de l'accessoire autour du membre.The massage accessory 1 is in particular of the type described in FR patent No. 85.09764, comprising two flexible walls 6 and 7 which are joined together to form several juxtaposed housings in which are sealed inflatable pockets 8 in one elastic material. The shape of the set of cells thus formed is adapted to be able to close around the member to be treated and to conform to the contours of the latter, straps 9, strips or equivalent means (partially shown) being provided for maintaining the accessory around the member.

Bien entendu, tout autre type d'accessoires peut être prévu dans le dispositif de l'invention (en particulier accessoire à cellules agencées en écailles). De même, l'accessoire peut simplement être constitué par deux parois localement soudées pour former les cellules.Of course, any other type of accessory can be provided in the device of the invention (in particular accessory with cells arranged in scales). Similarly, the accessory can simply consist of two locally welded walls to form the cells.

Les distributeurs 4 sont, en l'exemple, disposés dans l'alignement les uns des autres au voisinage d'un bord longitudinal de l'accessoire de massage 1.The distributors 4 are, in the example, arranged in alignment with one another in the vicinity of a longitudinal edge of the massage accessory 1.

Un distributeur 4 est assujetti sur chaque cellule 8 de façon à permettre le gonflage de celle-ci. Comme l'illustrent les figures 3a et 3b, ces distributeurs peuvent en particulier être étanchément fixés sur une face de la cellule gonflable ; en l'exemple, cette fixation est réalisée grâce à une pièce de renfort 34, dite tétine, qui est collée sur la paroi souple de la cellule. Cette tétine comporte un logement à tête élargie 34a dans lequel vient s'encliqueter de façon étanche un embout de gonflage 13 du distributeur.A distributor 4 is attached to each cell 8 so as to allow inflation thereof. As illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, these distributors can in particular be sealed on one face of the inflatable cell; in the example, this attachment is achieved by means of a reinforcement piece 34, called a nipple, which is glued to the flexible wall of the cell. This pacifier has a housing with an enlarged head 34a into which an inflation nozzle 13 of the distributor is snapped into place.

Chaque distributeur 4 en forme générale de T est en l'exemple composé d'un corps creux 33 qui délimite un compartiment 10 et comprend trois branches tubulaires : une branche amont 11, une branche aval 12 située dans l'alignement de la branche amont, et une branche de gonflage 13 orthogonale aux deux autres, situés à l'opposé du compartiment 10. Ces branches sont moulées d'un seul tenant avec le corps 33 (le cas échéant elles peuvent être rapportées et collées dans celui-ci).Each distributor 4 in the general shape of a T is in the example composed of a hollow body 33 which delimits a compartment 10 and comprises three tubular branches: an upstream branch 11, a downstream branch 12 situated in alignment with the upstream branch, and an inflation branch 13 orthogonal to the other two, located opposite the compartment 10. These branches are molded in one piece with the body 33 (if necessary they can be attached and glued therein).

Le compartiment 10 est surmonté d'un couvercle étanche 14 qui en l'exemple est vissé dans le corps 33 de façon à obturer le compartiment 10.The compartment 10 is surmounted by a sealed cover 14 which in the example is screwed into the body 33 so as to close the compartment 10.

Ce couvercle 14 est doté de moyens de raccordement du conduit de commande 3, constitués par deux embouts de jonction mâles 15 et 16 situés sensiblement dans l'alignement l'un de l'autre. Ces embouts sont moulés avec le couvercle 14 (ou le cas échéant rapportés et collés dans celui-ci). Le couvercle 14 est percé d'un canal 14a de façon que la pression Pc du fluide de commande s'établisse dans le compartiment 10.This cover 14 is provided with means for connecting the control conduit 3, constituted by two male junction tips 15 and 16 situated substantially in alignment with one another. These end pieces are molded with the cover 14 (or, if appropriate, attached and glued therein). The cover 14 is pierced with a channel 14a so that the pressure Pc of the control fluid is established in the compartment 10.

Ce dernier contient une membrane souple 17 en élastomère ou autre matériau du même type, dont les bords sont étanchément pincés dans le compartiment 10 lors du vissage du couvercle. Cette membrane 17 sépare le compartiment 10 en deux chambres 10a et 10b : elle est soumise sur sa face supérieure à la pression Pc du fluide de commande qui règne dans la chambre 10b et sur sa face inférieure à la pression locale du fluide de gonflage qui règne dans la chambre 10a. Le cas échéant, cette membrane peut être soumise à des forces extérieures exercées soit par un système d'amortissement, soit par un système de ressort, notamment pour éviter les vibrations.The latter contains a flexible membrane 17 made of elastomer or other material of the same type, the edges of which are tightly pinched in the compartment 10 when the cover is screwed on. This membrane 17 separates the compartment 10 into two chambers 10a and 10b: it is subjected on its upper face to the pressure Pc of the control fluid which prevails in the chamber 10b and on its lower face to the local pressure of the inflation fluid which prevails in room 10a. If necessary, this membrane can be subjected to external forces exerted either by a damping system, or by a spring system, in particular to avoid vibrations.

La branche tubulaire amont 11 forme un embout de jonction mâle (délimitant l'orifice amont 11a) et communique avec la branche sécante de gonflage 13 qui elle-­même forme un embout de jonction mâle (délimitant l'orifice de gonflage 13a). Ces deux branches 11 et 13 débouchent dans la chambre 10a du compartiment 10 par une lumière 18a entourée d'une portée 18 d'appui de la membrane.The upstream tubular branch 11 forms a male junction end (delimiting the upstream orifice 11a) and communicates with the secant inflation branch 13 which itself forms a male junction end (delimiting the inflation orifice 13a). These two branches 11 and 13 open into the chamber 10a of compartment 10 by a lumen 18a surrounded by a bearing surface 18 for supporting the membrane.

La branche aval 12 forme un embout de jonction mâle (délimitant l'orifice aval 12a) et est isolée des deux premières : elle communique avec la chambre 10a par une lumière 18b située à la périphérie de la portée d'appui 18.The downstream branch 12 forms a male junction end (delimiting the downstream orifice 12a) and is isolated from the first two: it communicates with the chamber 10a by a light 18b located at the periphery of the bearing surface 18.

Le conduit de gonflage 2 est raccordé aux branches 11 et 12 (l'arrivée située du côté de l'unité de distribution étant raccordée à la branche amont 11 et le départ situé du côté opposé étant raccordé à la branche aval 12). Le conduit de commande 3 est lui-même raccordé aux embouts de jonction 15 et 16.The inflation duct 2 is connected to the branches 11 and 12 (the inlet located on the side of the distribution unit being connected to the upstream branch 11 and the outlet located on the opposite side being connected to the downstream branch 12). The control duct 3 is itself connected to the connection ends 15 and 16.

Lorsque la membrane 17 est appliquée contre la portée 18, elle se trouve soumise, d'une part, à la pression locale de gonflage sur une section s (définie par la section S (correspondant au diamètre de la membrane). Le rapport S/s est désigné par coefficient multiplicateur K.When the membrane 17 is applied against the bearing surface 18, it is subjected, on the one hand, to the local inflation pressure on a section s (defined by the section S (corresponding to the diameter of the membrane). The ratio S / s is designated by multiplier coefficient K.

Lorsque la pression de commande Pc est établie dans la chambre 10b, le distributeur demeure à l'état fermé tant que la pression locale de gonflage régnant dans les branches 11 et 13 reste inférieure à K.Pc (figure 3a). Dans cette position, la membrane 17 est en appui sur la portée 18 et la branche aval 12 se trouve isolée des branche amont 11 et branche de gonflage 13 : le fluide de gonflage n'est pas transmis vers les cellules situées en aval.When the control pressure Pc is established in the chamber 10b, the distributor remains in the closed state as long as the local inflation pressure prevailing in the branches 11 and 13 remains below K.Pc (FIG. 3a). In this position, the membrane 17 is supported on the bearing surface 18 and the downstream branch 12 is isolated from the upstream branch 11 and inflation branch 13: the inflation fluid is not transmitted to the cells located downstream.

Lorsque la pression de gonflage dans la cellule considérée atteint et dépasse K.Pc, la membrane 17 s'écarte de sa portée et ouvre la communication vers la branche aval 12 (figure 3b). Le fluide de gonflage est délivré vers la cellule suivante. Le gonflage s'effectue ainsi de proche en proche depuis la première cellule de l'accessoire de massage jusqu'à la dernière.When the inflation pressure in the cell considered reaches and exceeds K.Pc, the membrane 17 deviates from its range and opens the communication to the downstream branch 12 (FIG. 3b). The inflation fluid is delivered to the next cell. The inflation is thus carried out step by step from the first cell of the massage accessory to the last.

Les conduit de gonflage 2 et conduit de commande 3 sont raccordés à l'unité 5 comportant des moyens de distribution du fluide de gonflage et des moyens de distribution du fluide de commande. En l'exemple représenté à la figure 2, un compresseur 19 alimente en air comprimé haute pression un réservoir 20 équipé d'une soupape de sécurité 21 et d'un manomètre de contrôle 22. Le réservoir 20 est relié à une ligne pneumatique de gonflage 23 et à une ligne pneumatique de commande 24.The inflation pipes 2 and control pipe 3 are connected to the unit 5 comprising means for distributing the inflation fluid and means for distributing the control fluid. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a compressor 19 supplies high compressed air presses a reservoir 20 fitted with a safety valve 21 and a control pressure gauge 22. The reservoir 20 is connected to a pneumatic inflation line 23 and to a pneumatic control line 24.

La ligne de gonflage 23 à laquelle est raccordé le conduit de gonflage 2 comprend essentiellement un détendeur réglable 25 ramenant la pression à une pression de gonflage Pg, une électrovanne 26 en l'exemple du type à trois voies pour permettre une mise à l'air libre du conduit de gonflage 2, un limiteur de débit 27 et un manomètre de contrôle 28. De plus, un réservoir tampon 35 peut être prévu sur cette ligne de gonflage en vue d'amortir le gonflage des premières cellules, en particulier lorsque celles-ci ont un volume plus faible, comme c'est le cas pour une cuissarde s'étendant au niveau du pied ; ce réservoir 35 peut le cas échéant introduire le temps de retard au gonflage évoqué plus loin.The inflation line 23 to which the inflation duct 2 is connected essentially comprises an adjustable pressure reducer 25 reducing the pressure to an inflation pressure Pg, a solenoid valve 26 in the example of the three-way type to allow venting free from the inflation duct 2, a flow limiter 27 and a control pressure gauge 28. In addition, a buffer tank 35 can be provided on this inflation line in order to dampen the inflation of the first cells, in particular when these these have a lower volume, as is the case for a thigh piece extending at the level of the foot; this reservoir 35 can if necessary introduce the inflation delay time mentioned below.

En l'exemple, le conduit de gonflage 2 est ouvert à son extrémité 2a située en aval de la dernière cellule gonflable de sorte que le dégonflage s'effectue en fin de séquence par cette extrémité et par l'électrovanne 26. Le dégonflage peut la cas échéant être obtenu de façon différente, en particulier par une électrovanne spéciale.In the example, the inflation duct 2 is open at its end 2a located downstream of the last inflatable cell so that the deflation takes place at the end of the sequence by this end and by the solenoid valve 26. The deflation can if necessary be obtained differently, in particular by a special solenoid valve.

La ligne de commande 24 à laquelle est raccordé le conduit de commande 3 comprend essentiellement un détendeur réglable 29 ramenant la pression à une pression de commande Pc < Pg, une électrovanne 30 du type à trois voies pour permettre une mise à l'air libre du conduit de commande 3, et un manomètre de contrôle 31.The control line 24 to which the control conduit 3 is connected essentially comprises an adjustable regulator 29 reducing the pressure to a control pressure Pc <Pg, a solenoid valve 30 of the three-way type to allow the venting of the air control line 3, and a control manometer 31.

Le conduit de commande 3 est obturé à son extrémité 3a située en aval de la dernière cellule gonflable de sorte que sa mise en pression assure un établissement stable de la pression de commande Pc.The control conduit 3 is closed at its end 3a located downstream of the last inflatable cell so that its pressurization ensures a stable establishment of the control pressure Pc.

Les électrovannes 26 et 30 sont électriquement asservies à une unité électronique de pilotage 32 adaptée pour commander cycliquement l'ouverture et la fermeture de celles-ci (c'est-à-dire la mise en pression des conduits 2 et 3, et leur mise à l'air libre) ; l'unité 32 est adaptée pour imposer un temps de retard à l'ouverture à l'électrovanne 26 de façon que la pression de commande Pc s'établisse préalablement dans le conduit de commande 3 et les chambres 10b des distributeurs.The solenoid valves 26 and 30 are electrically slaved to an electronic control unit 32 adapted to cyclically control the opening and closing of these (that is to say the pressurization of the conduits 2 and 3, and their setting outdoors) ; the unit 32 is adapted to impose a delay time on opening at the solenoid valve 26 so that the control pressure Pc is established beforehand in the control conduit 3 and the chambers 10b of the distributors.

La durée des cycles de fermeture/ouverture et le rapport cyclique sont réglés en fonction de la nature du massage à réaliser. Le réglage des pression de sortie du détendeur 25 (pression de gonflage Pg) et pression de sortie du détendeur 29 (pression de commande Pc) permet d'ajuster les caractéristiques de l'onde de compression qui assure le drainage lymphatique (la vitesse de drainage, c'est-à-dire la vitesse de déplacement du front de pression d'une cellule à l'autre, de même que l'amplitude de ce front de pression sont fonctions de la différence Pg - K.Pc).The duration of the closing / opening cycles and the duty cycle are adjusted according to the nature of the massage to be performed. The adjustment of the outlet pressure of the regulator 25 (inflation pressure Pg) and outlet pressure of the regulator 29 (control pressure Pc) makes it possible to adjust the characteristics of the compression wave which ensures lymphatic drainage (the drainage speed , that is to say the speed of displacement of the pressure front from one cell to another, as well as the amplitude of this pressure front are functions of the difference Pg - K.Pc).

A la fin de chaque séquence de compression, le conduit de commande 3 est mis hors pression et les cellules se dégonflent par l'extrémité ouverte du conduit 2a et par l'électrovanne 26.At the end of each compression sequence, the control duct 3 is depressurized and the cells deflate through the open end of the duct 2a and by the solenoid valve 26.

Si la durée de la séquence de gonflage dépasse le temps nécessaire pour gonfler toutes les cellules, l'air s'échappera par le dernier distributeur qui se comporte alors comme une soupape d'échappement, la pression ne pouvant jamais dépasser la pression de commande. Si la durée de la séquence de gonflage est inférieure à la durée nécessaire pour que le gonflage atteigne les dernières cellules, celles-ci ne seront pas gonflées : il est ainsi possible de gonfler seulement une fraction de l'accessoire de massage, le nombre de cellules non gonflées pouvant être réglé par un ajustement de la durée de la séquence de gonflage.If the duration of the inflation sequence exceeds the time necessary to inflate all the cells, the air will escape through the last distributor which then behaves like an exhaust valve, the pressure can never exceed the control pressure. If the duration of the inflation sequence is less than the time necessary for the inflation to reach the last cells, these will not be inflated: it is thus possible to inflate only a fraction of the massage accessory, the number of uninflated cells can be adjusted by adjusting the duration of the inflation sequence.

De plus, la portée 18 des divers distributeurs 4 peut avoir un diamètre différent : par un réglage de la section -s- des différents distributeurs, l'on peut faire varier le coefficient multiplicateur K d'un distributeur à l'autre ; les cellules peuvent ainsi être amenées à subir des pressions de gonflage différentes (K.Pc), d'autant plus élevées que le coefficient K de la cellule considérée sera plus élevé. L'invention permet d'effectuer des massages à pressions différentielles adaptées aux zones du corps sur lesquelles s'appliquent les cellules.In addition, the range 18 of the various distributors 4 may have a different diameter: by adjusting the section -s- of the various distributors, the multiplier coefficient K can be varied from one distributor to another; the cells can thus be brought to undergo different inflation pressures (K.Pc), all the higher the coefficient K of the cell considered will be higher. The invention makes it possible to perform massages at differential pressures adapted to the areas of the body to which the cells apply.

Bien entendu, l'ordre de gonflage des cellules est fonction de l'ordre dans lequel elles sont raccordées sur le conduit de gonflage 2. Cet ordre peut être l'ordre de succession géométrique de celles-ci, mais il peut également être différent.Of course, the inflation order of the cells depends on the order in which they are connected to the inflation duct 2. This order may be the order of geometric succession of these, but it may also be different.

Claims (10)

1/ - Appareil de massage de partie du corps par pressions cycliques, comprenant en combinaison :
      . au moins un accessoire de traitement (1) composé de cellules gonflables juxtaposées (8) adaptées pour être disposées au contact de la partie du corps à masser,
      . une source d'air comprimé (19, 20) reliée à deux lignes pneumatiques dites de gonflage (23) et de commande (24), la ligne de gonflage (23) étant dotée d'un détendeur (25) pour l'obtention d'une pression de gonflage Pg, cependant que la ligne de commande (24) est dotée d'un détendeur (29) pour l'obtention d'une pression de commande Pc telle que Pc < Pg,
      . une unité de pilotage (32) adaptée pour asservir des électrovannes (26, 30) disposées sur les ligne de gonflage (23) et ligne de commande (24) de façon à commander cycliquement l'ouverture et la fermeture desdites électrovannes,
      . un conduit de gonflage (2) raccordé à la ligne pneumatique de gonflage (23) et associé à l'accessoire de traitement (1) pour s'étendre le long et à proximité des cellules gonflables (8),
      . un conduit de commande (3) raccordé à la ligne pneumatique de commande (24) et associé à l'accessoire de traitement pour s'étendre comme le conduit de gonflage le long et à proximité de celui-ci,
      . des distributeurs (4) interposés sur le conduit de gonflage (2) au niveau des cellules gonflables (8) et relié au conduit de commande pour recevoir la pression de fluide de commande (Pc), chaque distributeur associé à une cellule comprenant :
      - un orifice amont (11a) connecté au conduit de gonflage (2) côté amont,
      - un orifice aval (12a) connecté au conduit de gonflage (2) côté aval,
      - un orifice de gonflage (13a) connecté à la cellule gonflable et communiquant avec l'orifice amont (11a),
      - et une membrane d'obturation (17) soumise, d'une part, à la pression locale du fluide de gonflage, d'autre part, à la pression opposée du fluide de commande, ladite membrane étant agencée pour ouvrir la communication entre l'orifice aval (12a) et les orifice amont et orifice de gonflage (11a, 13a), lorsque la pression locale du fluide de gonflage devient supérieure à K fois la pression (Pc) du fluide de commande (où K est un coefficient multiplicateur fonction de la géométrie du distributeur) en vue de permettre un passage du fluide de gonflage vers l'aval et, dans le cas contraire, pour isoler l'orifice aval (12a) par rapport aux orifice amont et orifice de gonflage.
1 / - Body part massage device by cyclic pressures, comprising in combination:
. at least one treatment accessory (1) composed of juxtaposed inflatable cells (8) adapted to be placed in contact with the part of the body to be massaged,
. a source of compressed air (19, 20) connected to two so-called pneumatic inflation (23) and control (24) lines, the inflation line (23) being provided with a regulator (25) for obtaining an inflation pressure Pg, while the control line (24) is provided with a pressure reducer (29) for obtaining a control pressure Pc such that Pc <Pg,
. a control unit (32) adapted to control the solenoid valves (26, 30) arranged on the inflation line (23) and control line (24) so as to cyclically control the opening and closing of said solenoid valves,
. an inflation duct (2) connected to the pneumatic inflation line (23) and associated with the treatment accessory (1) to extend along and near the inflatable cells (8),
. a control duct (3) connected to the pneumatic control line (24) and associated with the treatment accessory to extend like the inflation duct along and close to it,
. distributors (4) interposed on the inflation duct (2) at the level of the inflatable cells (8) and connected to the control duct to receive the control fluid pressure (Pc), each distributor associated with a cell comprising:
- an upstream orifice (11a) connected to the inflation duct (2) on the upstream side,
- a downstream orifice (12a) connected to the inflation duct (2) on the downstream side,
- an inflation orifice (13a) connected to the inflatable cell and communicating with the upstream orifice (11a),
- and a sealing membrane (17) subjected, on the one hand, to the local pressure of the inflation fluid, on the other hand, to the opposite pressure of the control fluid, said membrane being arranged to open the communication between the downstream orifice (12a) and the upstream orifices and inflation opening (11a, 13a), when the local pressure of the inflation fluid becomes greater than K times the pressure (Pc) of the control fluid (where K is a multiplying coefficient depending on the geometry of the distributor) in order to allow a passage of the inflation fluid downstream and, if not, to isolate the downstream orifice (12a) relative to the upstream orifice and inflation orifice.
2/ - Appareil de massage selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les détendeurs (25, 29) des ligne de gonflage et ligne de commande sont du type à pression de sortie réglable.2 / - massage device according to claim 1, wherein the regulators (25, 29) of the inflation line and control line are of the type with adjustable outlet pressure. 3/ - Appareil de massage selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, dans lequel l'unité de pilotage (32) est une unité électronique adaptée pour commander cycliquement l'ouverture et la fermeture des électrovannes (26, 30) avec un temps de retard à l'ouverture pour l'électrovanne (26) placée sur la ligne de gonflage par rapport à celle de la ligne de commande.3 / - massage device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (32) is an electronic unit adapted to cyclically control the opening and closing of the solenoid valves (26, 30) with a time delay in opening for the solenoid valve (26) placed on the inflation line relative to that of the control line. 4/ - Appareil de massage selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le conduit de gonflage (2) s'ouvre à l'air libre en aval (2a) de la dernière cellule gonflable.4 / - Massage device according to claim 3, wherein the inflation conduit (2) opens to the open air downstream (2a) of the last inflatable cell. 5/ - Appareil de massage selon l'une des revendications 3 ou 4, dans lequel les électrovannes (26, 30) des ligne de gonflage et ligne de commande sont du type à trois voies en vue de permettre de réaliser une mise à l'air libre pour le dégonflage.5 / - Massage device according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the solenoid valves (26, 30) of the inflation line and control line are of the three-way type in order to allow a setting to be made. free air for deflation. 6/ - Appareil de traitement selon l'une des revendications 1, 2, 3, 4 ou 5, dans lequel chaque distributeur (4) comprend :
      - une première chambre (10a) avec laquelle communiquent les orifices amont (11a), aval (12a) et de gonflage (13a),
      - une seconde chambre (10b) dotée d'un canal (14a) communiquant avec le conduit de commande (3),
      - la membrane (17) séparant lesdites chambres,
      - une portée (18) agencée pour servir d'appui à ladite membrane, de façon que, dans cette position, la membrane isole l'orifice aval (12a) des orifices amont et de gonflage (11a, 13a).
6 / - Treatment apparatus according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein each dispenser (4) comprises:
- a first chamber (10a) with which communicate the upstream (11a), downstream (12a) and inflation (13a) orifices,
- a second chamber (10b) provided with a channel (14a) communicating with the control conduit (3),
- the membrane (17) separating said chambers,
- A bearing (18) arranged to serve as a support for said membrane, so that, in this position, the membrane isolates the downstream orifice (12a) from the upstream and inflation orifices (11a, 13a).
7/ - Appareil de massage selon la revendication 6, dans lequel chaque distributeur (4) comprend trois branches tubulaires (11, 12, 13) et un compartiment (10) contenant la membrane (17), lesdites branches et ledit compartiment étant agencés de sorte que :
      - l'une des branches (11) délimitant l'orifice amont (11a) communique avec la branche sécante (13) délimitant l'orifice de gonflage (13a),
      - a ces deux branches (11, 13) débouchent dans le compartiment (10) précité par une lumière (18a) entourée par la portée (18) d'appui de membrane,
      - la troisième branche (12) délimitant l'orifice aval (12a) est isolée des deux premières et communique avec le compartiment (10) par une lumière (18b) située à la périphérie de la portée (18),
      - le compartiment (10) est obturé par un couvercle étanche (14) doté de moyens (15, 16) de raccordement des arrivée et départ du conduit de commande (3), ledit couvercle étant percé du canal (14a) en vue d'amener la pression Pc du fluide de commande à s'établir dans la seconde chambre (10b) du compartiment (10).
7 / - massage apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each dispenser (4) comprises three tubular branches (11, 12, 13) and a compartment (10) containing the membrane (17), said branches and said compartment being arranged so that:
one of the branches (11) delimiting the upstream orifice (11a) communicates with the secant branch (13) delimiting the inflation orifice (13a),
- these two branches (11, 13) open into the aforementioned compartment (10) by a light (18a) surrounded by the bearing surface (18) of the membrane,
the third branch (12) delimiting the downstream orifice (12a) is isolated from the first two and communicates with the compartment (10) by a light (18b) located at the periphery of the bearing surface (18),
- The compartment (10) is closed by a sealed cover (14) provided with means (15, 16) for connection of the arrival and departure of the control conduit (3), said cover being pierced with the channel (14a) for bringing the pressure Pc of the control fluid to be established in the second chamber (10b) of the compartment (10).
8/ - Appareil de massage selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel l'accessoire de traitement (1) comprend, d'une part, deux parois souples (6, 7) solidarisées entre elles pour former des logements juxtaposés, d'autre part, des poches gonflables étanches (8) insérées dans lesdits logements pour constituer les cellules gonflables.8 / - massage device according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the treatment accessory (1) comprises, on the one hand, two flexible walls (6, 7) joined together to form juxtaposed housings, on the other hand, waterproof inflatable pockets (8) inserted in said housings to constitute the inflatable cells. 9/ - Distributeur de fluide caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un corps creux (33) doté de trois branches tubulaires (11, 12, 13) et délimitant un compartiment (10), agencés de sorte que :
      - l'une des branches, dite amont (11) communique avec une branche sécante, dite de gonflage (13), située à l'opposé du compartiment (10),
      - lesdites branche amont (11) et branche de gonflage (13) débouchant dans ledit compartiment (10) par une lumière (18a) entourée d'une portée (18),
      - la troisième branche, dite aval (12), est isolée des deux premières (11, 13) et communique avec le compartiment (10) par une lumière (18b) située à la périphérie de la portée (18),
      - le compartiment (10) contient une membrane (17) le divisant en une première chambre (10a) située du côté de la portée (18) et une seconde chambre (10b) opposée à celle-ci, ladite membrane (17) étant adaptée pour pouvoir venir en appui étanche sur ladite portée,
      - le compartiment (10) est obturé par un couvercle (14) étanche doté de moyens (15, 16) de raccordement d'un fluide de commande, permettant de délivrer celui-ci vers la seconde chambre (10b).
9 / - Fluid distributor characterized in that it comprises a hollow body (33) provided with three tubular branches (11, 12, 13) and delimiting a compartment (10), arranged so that:
- one of the branches, called upstream (11) communicates with a secant branch, called an inflation branch (13), located opposite the compartment (10),
- said upstream branch (11) and inflation branch (13) opening into said compartment (10) by a lumen (18a) surrounded by a bearing (18),
- the third branch, called downstream (12), is isolated from the first two (11, 13) and communicates with the compartment (10) by a light (18b) located at the periphery of the bearing surface (18),
- the compartment (10) contains a membrane (17) dividing it into a first chamber (10a) situated on the side of the bearing surface (18) and a second chamber (10b) opposite to it, said membrane (17) being adapted to be able to come into leaktight support on said surface,
- The compartment (10) is closed by a tight cover (14) provided with means (15, 16) for connecting a control fluid, making it possible to deliver the latter to the second chamber (10b).
10/ - Distributeur selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que les trois branches tubulaires (11, 12, 13) sont adaptées pour former des embouts de jonction mâles, les branches amont (11) et aval (12) étant sensiblement dans l'alignement l'une de l'autre, cependant que les moyens de raccordement du fluide de commande sont constitués par deux embouts de jonction mâles (15, 16) sensiblement dans l'alignement l'un de l'autre.10 / - Distributor according to claim 9, characterized in that the three tubular branches (11, 12, 13) are adapted to form male junction ends, the upstream (11) and downstream (12) branches being substantially in the alignment with each other, while the means for connecting the control fluid consist of two male junction end pieces (15, 16) substantially in alignment with each other.
EP19880401700 1987-07-03 1988-07-01 Apparatus for massaging the body by cyclic application of pressure Expired - Lifetime EP0302767B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8710078 1987-07-03
FR8710078A FR2617397B1 (en) 1987-07-03 1987-07-03 APPARATUS FOR TREATING THE BODY BY CYCLIC PRESSURES AND CONSTITUENT MEANS

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EP0302767A1 true EP0302767A1 (en) 1989-02-08
EP0302767B1 EP0302767B1 (en) 1992-05-06

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EP19880401700 Expired - Lifetime EP0302767B1 (en) 1987-07-03 1988-07-01 Apparatus for massaging the body by cyclic application of pressure

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EP (1) EP0302767B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3870757D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2032333T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2617397B1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0392669A2 (en) * 1989-04-12 1990-10-17 The Kendall Company Device for applying compressive pressure against a patient's limb
FR2683451A1 (en) * 1991-11-12 1993-05-14 Diffusion Tech Francaise Sarl Device for centralised and successive distribution of a fluid to inflatable cells, in particular of an apparatus for activating the lymphatic or blood system
EP0916332A1 (en) * 1997-11-17 1999-05-19 Medic Systems Société à Responsabilité Limitée Apparatus for massaging parts of the body by cyclical application of pressure

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3804016A1 (en) * 1988-02-10 1989-08-24 Beiersdorf Ag DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF HUMAN EXTREMITIES BY INTERMITTING COMPRESSION

Citations (7)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4066084A (en) * 1974-01-14 1978-01-03 Hans Tillander Blood emptying device
DE2753523A1 (en) * 1977-12-01 1979-06-07 Hydrola Ltd pneumatic pumping system for removing body fluid - uses overlapping cells around limb, inflated sequentially to give pumping action along limb
GB2077108A (en) * 1980-06-04 1981-12-16 Kendall & Co Device for applying compressive pressure to a patient's limb
WO1985001868A1 (en) * 1983-10-25 1985-05-09 Microdialogsystem Cuff equipment for, inter alia, achieving and maintaining fluid- and gas-depleted regions in parts of the body
FR2558922A1 (en) * 1984-01-31 1985-08-02 Evrard Ets Shutoff device for a fluid circulation duct.
US4624244A (en) * 1984-10-15 1986-11-25 Taheri Syde A Device for aiding cardiocepital venous flow from the foot and leg of a patient
EP0190414B1 (en) * 1984-12-08 1989-03-08 Regel + Messtechnik GmbH Regler- und Anlagenbau für Gas-Druckreglung Fluid-actuated diaphragm valve

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4066084A (en) * 1974-01-14 1978-01-03 Hans Tillander Blood emptying device
DE2753523A1 (en) * 1977-12-01 1979-06-07 Hydrola Ltd pneumatic pumping system for removing body fluid - uses overlapping cells around limb, inflated sequentially to give pumping action along limb
GB2077108A (en) * 1980-06-04 1981-12-16 Kendall & Co Device for applying compressive pressure to a patient's limb
WO1985001868A1 (en) * 1983-10-25 1985-05-09 Microdialogsystem Cuff equipment for, inter alia, achieving and maintaining fluid- and gas-depleted regions in parts of the body
FR2558922A1 (en) * 1984-01-31 1985-08-02 Evrard Ets Shutoff device for a fluid circulation duct.
US4624244A (en) * 1984-10-15 1986-11-25 Taheri Syde A Device for aiding cardiocepital venous flow from the foot and leg of a patient
EP0190414B1 (en) * 1984-12-08 1989-03-08 Regel + Messtechnik GmbH Regler- und Anlagenbau für Gas-Druckreglung Fluid-actuated diaphragm valve

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0392669A2 (en) * 1989-04-12 1990-10-17 The Kendall Company Device for applying compressive pressure against a patient's limb
EP0392669A3 (en) * 1989-04-12 1991-05-15 The Kendall Company Device for applying compressive pressure against a patient's limb
FR2683451A1 (en) * 1991-11-12 1993-05-14 Diffusion Tech Francaise Sarl Device for centralised and successive distribution of a fluid to inflatable cells, in particular of an apparatus for activating the lymphatic or blood system
EP0916332A1 (en) * 1997-11-17 1999-05-19 Medic Systems Société à Responsabilité Limitée Apparatus for massaging parts of the body by cyclical application of pressure
FR2771001A1 (en) * 1997-11-17 1999-05-21 Jean Frajdenrajch MASSAGE DEVICE FOR PARTS OF THE HUMAN BODY BY CYCLIC PRESSURE, CONSTITUTIVE MEANS

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2032333T3 (en) 1993-02-01
EP0302767B1 (en) 1992-05-06
DE3870757D1 (en) 1992-06-11
FR2617397B1 (en) 1994-04-01
FR2617397A1 (en) 1989-01-06

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