EP2046261B1 - Device for applying a pressure above and/or below atmospheric pressure to at least one body part of a living being - Google Patents

Abstract

A low pressure cuff or bandage is fabricated of a flexible plastics material which can be applied to the body where the low-pressure cuff or bandage has various chambers or hoses for generating a suction effect or pressurizing effect, in which drinking bowls can be mounted on or in the individual cambers,.

Description

The present invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

Such devices are already known in many forms and configurations and in use. They are used for damming body parts of living things, especially lymphedema, varicose veins, in cramping and circulatory disorders. In addition, they are used in so-called cupping. When cupping individual glasses or vacuum chambers are placed on the skin and applied with pressure or negative pressure. However, the following disadvantages occur when the device is subjected to overpressure The extremities are often exposed to too much pressure, which squeezes the blood vessels. In turn, when the device is subjected to negative pressure, it can also happen that the extremities are pressed or laced too much, which is undesirable in both cases.

Aus_dem the state of the art is in particular the DE 203 01 623 U1 to mention. There, a massage device is shown, which has an actuator, in which in turn massage elements are integrated. Characteristic here is that the massage element is designed in the form of a suction pump element made of elastic material such as rubber, latex or synthetic materials.

In addition, there is the disadvantage in the known devices that these often consist of several individual glasses or individual chambers. These must be arranged one after the other on the skin surface, which is very time consuming. Also, a cleaning of the glasses or chambers after treatment consuming and often costly.

Object of the invention

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the above drawbacks and to provide a device with which an admission of body parts with overpressure or negative pressure simply take place and the desired goals, such as the damming of body parts, can be easily achieved. At the same time, the device should be easy and uncomplicated to handle and to clean quickly after treatment.

solution

To achieve the object of the characterizing part of claim 1.

The suction cups are arranged on an upper side of a mat, on whose underside in turn the channel is arranged. The suction cups are connected via passage holes on their bottom to the channel, which in turn to an air outlet at the edge of the mat and from there to a device for generating a negative and / or positive pressure, such as a vacuum pump or a compressed air device , leads. Preferably, a plurality of suction cups are arranged at regular intervals on the upper side of the mat. As a result, a uniform suction surface is created; the separate attachment of individual suction glasses on the skin surface is eliminated. Since a plurality of suction cups are preferably provided, several channels are arranged on the underside of the mat, which connects the suction cups with each other and with the air outlet and inlet. The number of channels preferably depends on the number of suction cups on the upper side of the mat.

The suction cups are further arranged in support cups, which in the position of use, when the suction cups are arranged on a skin surface, support the suction cups and ensure a uniform contact with the skin surface. The support cups preferably have a slightly larger diameter than the suction cups supported by them. Otherwise, they are adapted to the shape and design of the suction cups.

The size of the individual suction cups may vary. Depending on the application, mats with large or small suction cups can be provided. Especially for larger areas, such as the back, larger suction cups are suitable. Inverted, the small suction cups are more suitable for smaller body surfaces, such as the face. Quite conceivable, however, is also a mat which has different sizes and configurations of Saugnäpfen. Such a mat may for example be provided for body regions with different elevations.

Further, the suction cups may lift off the mat as shown herein. However, it is also conceivable to design the suction cups in a plane with the top of the mat or recessed therein. The suction cups are incorporated in the mat, i. made in one piece with this.

Furthermore, provision may be made to provide, in addition to the suction cups, various surface structures, such as, for example, nipples, elevations or dents on the mat, which are intended to promote the blood circulation of the skin by means of an additional massaging effect. Individual areas of the mat can also be blank, i. be formed without suction cups. Thus, for example, a region of the mat, which should cover the region of the spine during treatment, may be formed without suction cups. In addition, it is conceivable not only to remove the suction cups, but to provide the entire mat with a recess, i. practically split so that the spine is exposed and excluded from the treatment.

The different possibilities of the shape and the design as well as the arrangement of the suction cups on the mat should be encompassed by the present invention.

Furthermore, the mat itself may vary in their shape, configuration and size, the different possibilities should also be encompassed by the present invention. For example, it may take the form of a cross and be provided approximately in the longitudinal direction with the above-described recess of the suction cups. Thus, this mat form is applicable, for example, to body regions which are bent or bendable. In particular, body parts, such as the upper or lower arms can be characterized and also due to the flexible material from which the device is made easier to handle. Furthermore, in terms of area larger sized mats are particularly suitable for the back, stomach or thighs, whereas smaller mats for all other body areas and problem areas, such as buttocks, neck, lower and upper arms, shoulders and the like are suitable.

Developments of the invention provide, for example, form the mat as a cuff. In this case, the mat may be provided with a closure member, such as tapes, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like, for wrapping and securing the mat around a body part. The mat can also be designed as a pillow, for example, for a patient to lay down for the treatment of migraine. Custom-made custom-made mats are also conceivable in order to achieve the most accurate fit possible. Also training as a brassiere, whole boots or as pads on which the patient lies, should be included in the present invention. As a result, larger and / or more body surfaces can be treated simultaneously.

The upper mat is connected via a latching connection with a lower mat. In the present case, a locking connection has been selected in which a preferably circumferential groove in the form of an inverted T is provided on a lower side of the upper mat. On an upper side of the lower mat, in turn, the latching connection, also preferably circumferential, a corresponding T-shaped locking element. The groove and the locking element engage each other and thus hold the two mats together. In this way, the channels are kept closed on the underside of the upper mat. However, other conceivable snap-in connections should also be included in the present invention. It is important that the two mats are firmly and above all airtight connected to each other, so that an air or a liquid guide in the channels can not be disturbed or interrupted.

If there is talk of an air or liquid guide in the channels, it is meant to the under or over pressure described above. On the other hand, with regard to the liquid, it is intended primarily to water and steam, but also, for example, to suitable additives which, for example, promote blood circulation.

The present invention should also include the possibility of providing a specific number of suction cups, each with a separate channel system. The individual duct systems can then be supplied either separately or simultaneously with air or liquid. They may be connected to separate devices for generating an overpressure and / or underpressure or for supplying a liquid or to a single device, which, in spite of everything, can separately regulate the channel systems. Suitable interval circuits can be provided here. Also, the temporal needs and the intensity of the air or fluid intake should be adjustable and individually adjustable. Here is the invention no limits. It is important that it should be possible to provide only a certain number of suction cups or even a suction cup with an excess or negative pressure or to pressurize with liquid.

If only one suction cup or only a certain number of suction cups are provided with an overpressure, underpressure or liquid, the remaining suction cups on the mat have a stabilizing effect on the body part on which the mat is placed. As part of the stabilization of the mat, this can for example be made only in the region of the suction cups of a flexible material. The usual areas may well be made of a mat stabilizing material. However, these areas can also be made of a flexible material, this, however, be traversed with, for example, a support wire or the like. These possibilities are also intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

The present invention provides a device with which a treatment of body parts is simple, targeted and effective to perform. Through a uniform and optimal suction of the skin surface blood vessels and cells are gently and evenly pulled apart and thus better blood circulation. Pain is alleviated or pain is prevented by regular use of the device.

figure description

• Figur 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Aufbringen eines Über- und/oder Unterdruckes gemäss der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Figur 2 eine Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung nach Figur 1;
• Figur 3 einen Querschnitt durch die Vorrichtung nach Figur 2 entlang Linie III - III;
• Figur 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung zum Aufbringen eines Über- und/oder Unterdruckes gemäss der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Figur 5 eine Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung nach Figur 4;
• Figur 6 einen Querschnitt durch die Vorrichtung nach Figur 5 entlang Linie VI-VI;
• Figur 7 eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung zum Aufbringen eines Über- und/oder Unterdruckes gemäss der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing; this shows in

• FIG. 1 a perspective view of an apparatus for applying a positive and / or negative pressure according to the present invention;
• FIG. 2 a plan view of the device according to FIG. 1 ;
• FIG. 3 a cross section through the device according to FIG. 2 along line III - III;
• FIG. 4 a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus for applying an overpressure and / or negative pressure according to the present invention;
• FIG. 5 a plan view of the device according to FIG. 4 ;
• FIG. 6 a cross section through the device according to FIG. 5 along line VI-VI;
• FIG. 7 a schematic representation of another embodiment of an apparatus for applying an overpressure and / or negative pressure according to the present invention.

According to the FIGS. 1 to 3 For example, a device 1 for applying an overpressure and / or underpressure comprises an upper and a lower mat 2 and 3 made of a preferably flexible plastic. Both mats 2 and 3 are connected to one another via a latching connection 4.

The latching connection 4 has on a bottom 8 of the upper mat 2 a preferably circumferential groove 5 in the form of an inverted T. On an upper side 17 of the lower mat 3, the latching connection 4, also preferably revolving, a corresponding T-shaped locking element 6. The groove 5 and the latch member 6 engage each other and thus hold the two mats 2 and 3 together. In this way, channels 7 are kept closed on the bottom 8 of the upper mat 2.

On an upper side 9 of the upper mat 2 suction cups 10 are arranged at regular intervals. These suction cups 10 are arranged in support cups 11, which in the position of use, when the suction cups 10 are arranged on a skin surface support the suction cups 10 and ensure a uniform contact with the skin surface.

On a base of the suction cups 10, these are each provided with a passage bore 12 which establishes a connection between the individual suction cup 10 and the channels 7 arranged on the underside 8 of the upper mat 2. The channels 7 in turn connect the individual suction cups 10 both with one another and with an air outlet 13 at the edge of the upper mat 2.

The operation of the present invention is as follows:

The device 1 is first by means of a hose not shown in detail with a in FIG. 7 connected vacuum pump 14 shown. Subsequently, the device 1 is placed on a part of the body to be treated and pressed with all suction cups 10 on the skin surface. All suction cups 10 must rest on the skin surface.

If all the suction cups 10 are resting on the surface of the skin, then the vacuum pump 14 can be actuated. This now begins, via the Luftaus- or inlet 13 air from the channels 7 between the two mats 2 and 3 suck. At the same time air is also sucked through the passage openings 12 from the spaces between the skin surface and suction cups 10. This creates a vacuum, the skin is sucked, whereby the desired effects, such as better blood circulation or the like should be achieved.

If the vacuum is to be released again, only the vacuum pump 14 must be turned off.

The embodiment of the device 1.1 according to the FIGS. 4 to 6 differs from the above embodiment only by a different shape of the two mats 2.1 and 3.1 and the arrangement of the suction cups 10.1. The mold is approximately cross-shaped and in the longitudinal direction of the upper mat 2.1, a row with suction cups 10.1 has been omitted, namely in the area of the spine, whereby it is omitted during the treatment.

In addition, this form of device 1.1 is particularly applicable to body regions which are bent or deflectable.

This in FIG. 7 schematically illustrated Ausführungsbeispeil a device 1.2 for applying an excess and / or negative pressure differs from the above two embodiments again only by their shape and the arrangement of the suction cups 10.2. While in the device 1.1 only one row with suction cups 10.1 was omitted in the area of the spinal column, in the case of the apparatus 10.2 the two mats 2.2 and 3.2 were completely recessed in the region of the spinal column. In addition, a further recess 5 is indicated by dashed lines. This is to show that the device 1.2 or the two mats 2.2 and 3.2 can be provided with multiple recesses 15, whereby the device 1.2 can be used in particular for body regions which are safe or diffractable. <B> LIST OF REFERENCES </ b> 1 contraption 34 67 2 upper mat 35 68 3 lower mat 36 69 4 locking connection 37 70 5 groove 38 71 6 locking element 39 72 7 channel 40 73 8th bottom 41 74 9 top 42 75 10 suction cup 43 76 11 Stütznapf 44 77 12 Passage bore 45 78 13 Air outlet / inlet 46 79 14 vacuum pump 47 15 recess 48 16 areas 49 17 top 50 18 51 19 52 20 53 21 54 22 55 23 56 24 57 25 58 26 59 27 60 28 61 29 62 30 63 31 64 32 65 33 66

Claims (14)

1. Device for applying an overpressure and/or vacuum to at least one body part of a living being, which device has at least two suction cups (10, 10.1, 10.2) which are to be placed on the body part and are connected to one another via at least one duct (7, 7.1) connectable to an overpressure and/or vacuum source, characterised by an upper and a lower mat (2, 2.1, 2.2 and 3, 3.1) which are connected to one another via a catch connection (4)

   - the suction cups (10, 10.1, 10.2) being arranged on an upper side of a mat (2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 3.1) and

   - the at least one duct (7, 7.1) being arranged on the lower side (8) of the upper mat (2, 2.1, 2.2) and being kept closed by the lower mat (3, 3.1),

   - the suction cups (10, 10.1, 10.2) being produced integrally with one of the mats (2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 3.1).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the catch connection (4) has a groove (5) and a catch element (6).
3. Device according to Claim 2, characterised in that the groove (5) is provided on the lower side (8) of the upper mat (2, 2.1, 2.2).
4. Device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the groove (5) is arranged in a manner running all the way round.
5. Device according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the groove (5) has the shape of an inverted T in cross-section.
6. Device according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the catch element (6) is provided on an upper side (17) of the lower mat (3, 3.1).
7. Device according to one of Claims 2 to 6, characterised in that the catch element (6) is arranged in a manner running all the way round.
8. Device according to one of Claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the catch element (6) is of T-shaped form.
9. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the upper mat (2, 2.1, 2.2) and the lower mat (3, 3.1) are produced from a flexible material, preferably plastic.
10. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the upper mat (2.2) and the lower mat is provided with at least one recess (15).
11. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the suction cups (10, 10.1, 10.2) are arranged on the upper side (9) of the upper mat (2, 2.1, 2.2).
12. Device according to Claim 11, characterised in that the suction cups (10, 10.1, 10.2) are arranged on the upper mat (2, 2.1, 2.2) at regular intervals with regions (15 or 16) without suction cups.
13. Device according to Claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the suction cups (10, 10.1, 10.2) are arranged in supporting cups (11).
14. Device according to at least one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the at least one duct (7, 7.1) can be charged with air or liquid, an inflow of air or liquid being controllable via an interval switch, with a demand for air or liquid being controllable with regard to time and/or with regard to its intensity.

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