EP2464254A1

EP2464254A1 - Massage device

Info

Publication number: EP2464254A1
Application number: EP10757236A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Benjoar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-14
Filing date: 2010-08-11
Publication date: 2012-06-20
Also published as: FR2949051B1; FR2949051A1; CA2770219A1; WO2011018563A1; US20120130292A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for a human leg, including a one-piece frame made of an at least partially deformable material, having a supporting portion arranged so as to at least partially surround a foot over the length thereof and a generally elongate actuating portion extending substantially perpendicular to said supporting portion and connected to the latter by an intermediate portion, the actuating part including a contact area shaped so as to conform to the human leg and having a defined length in order to be supported on a selected portion of the leg located between the bottom of the Achilles tendon and the bottom of the thigh, so as to provide a self-massaging effect during a walking movement of the human leg.

Description

Massage device

The present invention relates to a massage device in particular a posterior portion of a human leg.

The massage finds today many applications. In a general context, the massage acts in particular on the skin, the muscles, the tendons and / or the ligaments.

In a more therapeutic setting, the massage can act either directly or indirectly on the blood flow and / or the lymphatic network. In this case we usually talk about massage therapy.

There are other disciplines that refer to massage with different terminology such as "modeling".

The act of acting on the blood flow and / or the lymphatic network may in particular be intended to achieve lymphatic drainage. By lymphatic drainage, it is usually included a massage, which helps to stimulate the lymph. This particular massage is particularly practiced by physiotherapists masseurs. Indeed, it requires specialized training because of the complexity of the massage movements to perform.

Lymphatic drainage generally comprises at least two stages, namely: a first step of stimulating the richly vascularized areas and where lymphatic networks are located,

- And a second step to chase the lymph by pressure maneuvers exerted by the hands of the physiotherapist masseur (pressure support, hand unwinding in particular).

For all these reasons, lymphatic drainage is now mainly performed manually (DLM: Manual Lymphatic Drainage).

This is particularly problematic for regularly treating persons suffering from lymphatic edema or the so-called "heavy leg" syndrome. Indeed, in the example of the syndrome of "heavy leg" it is desirable to follow the patient in continuity throughout the day. This is only very difficult to achieve with the DLM. Automated devices are now known to promote blood, lymphatic and energy circulation by means of pressure / depression on parts of a human body. FR2840198 discloses a device powered by electric batteries and comprising a pump for use as a pressure / vacuum means. The pump acts on veins to stimulate lymphatic blood flow. The device is threadable as a slipper to exercise a treatment on the foot for 10 to 30 minutes with varying pressures.

WO9809596 discloses a medical device for increasing vascular flow by applying a force of pressure on regions of the foot, ankle and / or calf. The device is designed to apply a continuous pressure mainly by means of a fluid contained in a pocket of the device.

WO9718788 discloses a device exerting a cyclic pressure on the outer face of the leg. The device includes several air chambers. In general, the devices of the prior art are too bulky for continuous use in everyday life. In particular, they can not be worn in a conventional walking shoe. The present invention improves the situation.

To this end, the invention introduces a human leg massage device which comprises a one-piece frame made of at least partially deformable material with a holding part arranged to at least partially surround a foot along its length and an actuating part. of generally elongate shape extending substantially perpendicular to said holding portion and connected thereto by an intermediate portion, the actuating portion comprising a contact zone shaped according to the human leg and of defined length to support on a selected portion thereof located between the bottom of the Achilles tendon and the lower thigh, so as to provide a self - massage effect during a walking movement of the human leg.

According to one embodiment, the holding portion and the actuating portion are arranged to cooperate by forming a lever for the contact zone during said walking movement of the human leg.

According to another embodiment the holding portion comprises an anchoring portion comprising fastening means arranged to be fixed inside a shoe.

According to one embodiment the holding portion comprises a lower portion arranged to pass under the arch of the foot forward of the heel and a housing arranged to receive the heel of foot.

According to one embodiment the intermediate portion comprises an outer intermediate portion shaped to substantially marry the foot at the level of the fibular long muscle and an inner intermediate portion shaped to substantially marry the foot at the level of the common flexor digitorum of the toes.

According to one embodiment, the one-piece frame has a thickness of between approximately 0.5 mm and 7 mm. According to a preferred embodiment, the one-piece frame has a thickness of 1 mm.

According to one embodiment, the actuating part is shaped in a generally butterfly shape. According to one embodiment, the actuating portion is arranged to extend at least to the lower third of the soleus muscle. According to one embodiment, the actuating portion is arranged to extend substantially over the entire length of the soleus muscle. According to one embodiment the actuating portion is arranged to at least partially surround the calf.

According to one embodiment the actuating portion is arranged to surround the calf and part of the hock.

According to one embodiment, the reinforcement is made of plastic material, preferably of the thermoplastic elastomer type, more preferably of polyurethane. Optionally we can provide an embodiment in which the armature is silicone.

According to one embodiment, the contact zone comprises a coating made of polyurethane foam.

The invention also relates to a use of a device as described in the detailed description below to exert a massage pressure in a direction from the Achilles tendon to the hock during a walking movement of said human leg to achieve a self massage effect for peripheral lymphatic drainage on said selected portion.

In addition, the invention relates to a shoe comprising a device as described in the detailed description below.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following detailed description and on the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a front view of a massage device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a massage device according to the first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of a massage device according to the first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 shows a perspective view [3/4 anterior] of a massage device according to the first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view [3/4 posterior] of a massage device according to the first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6 shows a profile view of the device of FIGS. 1 to 5 mounted on a right human foot,

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view from below of the device of FIGS. 1 to 5 mounted on a right human foot,

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view [3/4 posterior] of the device of FIGS. 1 to 5 mounted on a right human foot,

FIG. 9 shows a profile view of the device of FIGS. 1 to 5 mounted on a right human foot during a walking movement,

FIG. 10 shows a profile view of a device of the invention according to another embodiment mounted on a right human foot, FIG. 11 shows a front view of the device of FIG. 10 mounted on a right human foot; FIG. 12 shows a profile view according to another embodiment of the device of the invention mounted on a right human foot;

FIG. 13 shows a front view of the device of FIG. 12 mounted on a right human foot,

FIG. 14 shows a profile view of a device according to another embodiment of the invention mounted on a left human foot carrying a conventional walking shoe,

FIG. 15 shows a front view of the device of FIG. 14 mounted on a right human foot, wearing a conventional walking shoe,

FIG. 16 shows a rear view of the device of FIG. 14 mounted on a left human foot carrying a conventional walking shoe. The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, elements of a certain character. The drawings represent, at least in part, aspects that are difficult to describe other than by drawing. They are an integral part of the description, and may therefore not only serve to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if any.

Figures 1 to 5 show the device of the invention according to a first embodiment comprising a frame monobloc 100 in a material at least partially deformable.

The one-piece frame 100 may be made of a material preferably of the thermoplastic elastomer type. A particularly suitable material is polyurethane, low density polyethylene (LDPE).

The one-piece frame 100 is arranged to be mounted on a human foot and has a thickness adapted to allow to be slipped on a foot which wears a conventional walking shoe for everyday use.

A conventional walking shoe can be of very variable shape with particular absence or presence of heel. In addition a conventional walking shoe can be opened (sandal type) or closed (tennis type).

The reinforcement may in particular have a thickness of between approximately 0.5 mm and 7 mm. Preferably, the armature has a thickness of 1 mm.

The combination of material and thickness of the one-piece frame 100 will determine the life of a device according to the invention. Indeed, a one-piece frame 100 made of polyurethane with a thickness of 0.5 mm will have a shorter life span than a one-piece frame 100 made of polyurethane with a thickness of 7 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the one-piece frame 100 is made of polyurethane with a thickness of 1 mm.

The one-piece frame 100 includes a holding portion 102 which is arranged to at least partially surround a human foot along its length. Indeed, according to the first mode of embodiment described here, the holding portion 102 comprises a lower portion 116 arranged to pass under the arch in front of the heel of foot. The holding portion 102 cooperates in the embodiment described with a housing 118 disposed in the one-piece frame 100. The housing 118 is arranged to receive the heel of foot. The one-piece frame 100 further comprises an actuating portion 104 of generally elongated shape and extending substantially perpendicularly to said holding portion 102. An intermediate portion 106 forms the connection between the holding portion 102 and the part d actuation 104.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a device according to the first embodiment. The arrangement between the actuating portion 104, the intermediate portion 106 and the holding portion 102 gives the device a general half-moon type appearance profile. This is mainly due to

1 'orthogonality between the holding portion 102 and the actuating portion 104, which is represented by the axes [A] and

[B] to which we will return later.

FIG. 2 also shows dashed lines (i), (ii) and (iii) which respectively represent the extension of the one-piece reinforcement on a holding part portion (i), the extension of the one-piece reinforcement on a portion operating part (ii) and a connecting line between a lower point of the holding part and a lower point of the operating part (iii). According to the embodiment shown here, there are two angles, namely an angle α = 115 °; and an angle β = 135 °. In the mode embodiment of Figure 2, the one-piece frame is made of polyurethane, the angles α and β provide a cooperation between the holding portion and the actuating portion to exert a pressure of about 15 mmHg on a selected portion of the leg. It will be noted that depending on the material of the one-piece frame, the angles may vary (in particular as a function of the Shore A hardness of the material) to allow a pressure of about 15 mmHg to be exerted on the selected portion of the leg.

According to the first embodiment described here, the intermediate portion 106 comprises an external intermediate portion 106E shaped to substantially marry the foot at the fibular long muscle. According to this embodiment, the intermediate portion 106 comprises an inner intermediate portion 1061 shaped to substantially marry the foot at the level of the common flexor digitorum of the toes. Thus, the device can be threaded by a patient on his foot and marry it at least partially along its length.

Part of ^one actuator 104 is configured in a generally channel shaped tile to fit at least a portion of the calf between the bottom of the Achilles tendon and the lower thigh. By general shape channel tile means a cylinder sectioned along its central axis.

As indicated above, the actuating portion 104 is shaped to fit at least a portion of a human leg, the leg portion being located between the lower Achilles tendon and the lower thigh, and at which it is referred to as the contact zone.

It is to be understood that in the present description the term "thigh" is understood to mean the part of a leg situated above hock. Although the anatomical / medical literature may refer to the hock as part of the thigh, the present description clearly distinguishes between shank and thigh.

In addition, by hock means in this description, the part located behind the knee, between the thigh and the calf, also called popliteal cavity. The actuating portion 104 thus comprises a contact zone 108 shaped according to the human leg. Typically, the contact region 108 forms an integral part of part of ^one actuator 104. The contact area 108 is defined length s for pressing a selected portion of a human leg. The chosen portion in question is located between the lower Achilles tendon and the lower thigh of a human leg. The contact zone 108 will exert a massage effect when the human leg exerts a walking movement. Indeed, the holding portion 102 and the actuating portion 104 ¹ are arranged to cooperate to form a lever 114 to the contact region 108. Thus, when the patient has a walking motion of the leg, the contact area 108 will exert a massage effect on the chosen portion that she marries.

By a walking movement of a leg means in the present description the mode of natural locomotion of a human being. This mode of locomotion consists of a displacement in alternative support on the legs, in the standing position of a human being and having at least one point of support in contact with the ground. A walking movement with reference to a leg includes the following phases:

a support phase during the unfolding of the foot on the ground, and

- an oscillation phase when the foot is distant from the ground.

The contact zone 108 may comprise a coating made of foam material. The coating is then secured to the inner surface 110 of the one-piece frame 100, while the outer surface 112 does not include a coating.

In one embodiment, it may be provided to substantially cover the entity of the one-piece frame 100 by a coating, in particular for machining reasons.

The contact zone 108 can also be made by a coating of polyurethane, LDPE, silicone, fabric, leather or by means of a fluid bag (air or gel in particular), or a combination of those -this.

A coating has the advantage of making the contact between the selected portion and the contact area uniform to increase the massage activity of the device, but also to increase the comfort of the user.

However, according to the embodiment described here, the one-piece frame 100 is made of a single material. Thus, there is no material difference between the contact zone 108, the actuating zone 104 or the holding zone 102. In other words, the one-piece frame 100 is entirely made of a material selected by example polyurethane or LDPE. According to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the actuating portion 104 is shaped in a generally butterfly shape to marry by means of the contact zone 108 at least the lower third of the soleus muscle.

In another embodiment, the actuating portion 104 is shaped to extend substantially the entire length of the soleus muscle.

In yet another embodiment, the actuating portion 104 is shaped to at least partially surround the calf of the patient's leg. In this embodiment, the tibia is not in contact with the contact zone 108 (see below).

According to yet another embodiment, the actuating zone 104 and the contact zone 108 are shaped to extend over substantially the entire calf to at least partially surround a portion of the hock.

According to the invention, the actuating portion 104 comprising the contact zone 108 is shaped to exert a massage pressure in a direction from the bottom of the Achilles tendon to the hock during a walking movement of said human leg .

When the device is placed on the foot of a patient, the contact area 108 to create an effect for a device ¹ automassage lymphatic drainage on the selected portion acted upon by the contact area 108.

The self-massage effect of the invention is associated with an earlier translation of the actuating portion 104 during the running of the foot on the ground during a walking movement (support phase). Said unwinding of the foot on the ground activates the lever 114 in an upward direction by means of the cooperation between the holding portion 102 and the actuating portion 104.

Thus, a disto-proximal progressive pressure of at least 15 mmHg will be applied to the lower posterior third of the leg by the contact zone 108. This disto-proximal progressive pressure produces a resorption maneuver.

The self-massage effect of the invention is also associated with a posterior translation of the actuating part 104 during the tilting of the foot before the heel returns to the ground during a walking movement (oscillation phase). During this phase, the actuating portion 104 moves obliquely downward and backward. This is achieved by activating the lever 114 in a downward direction by means of the cooperation between the holding portion 102 and the actuating portion 104. Thus, the contact zone 108 bears on the lower posterior third of the leg.

Thus, the actuating portion 104 will exert a posterior translation. During this posterior translation, the retro-malleolar pressure is progressive in a proximal-distal direction, namely in contrast to the disto-proximal progressive pressure.

By the activation of the lever 114, the actuating part 104 therefore follows a translation either in a generally upward direction on the one hand, or in a generally downward direction on the other hand, while actuating the operating zone. contact 108 to periodically massage the lower posterior third of the leg. In the embodiment described, the activation of the lever 114 is ensured by the realization of the one-piece frame 100 of deformable material. This arrangement of the one-piece frame 100 allows the cooperation between the holding portion 102 and the actuating part 104. This cooperation results in a plastic deformation (stretching, compression, torsion in particular) of the intermediate portion 106 during a movement Steps. The plastic deformation is at the origin of the operation of the lever 114. The lever 114 thus acts by plastic deformation on the contact zone 108.

Figures 6 to 9 show the device of Figures 1 to 5 mounted on a foot 600 of a human patient.

The device marries by its internal intermediate portion 1061, the common flexor digitorum of the toes. On the other hand, the external intermediate portion 106E substantially marries the foot 600 at the level of the long fibular muscle.

The holding portion 102 passes under the arch in front of the heel 602. The heel 602 is received by the housing 118 of the device of the invention. The monobloc frame 100 whose thickness is between about 0.5 mm and 7 mm and preferably 1 mm can then be easily worn when the patient wears conventional walking shoes.

A selected portion of the patient's leg undergoes through the area of ^one actuator 104 having the contact zone 108, a massaging motion between the bottom of the Achilles tendon 614 and the lower thigh. FIG. 6 shows an anatomically resting foot 600 on which the device of FIGS. 1 to 5 is mounted.

Anatomical rest means a bare foot placed on the ground without wearing any dressing to change its natural configuration.

In figure 6 it is taken as an example foot anatomical rest. However, generally speaking rest means in the present description a foot whether or not any dressing (conventional walking shoe in particular) placed on the ground. Also, it is noted that during a walking movement a foot will be at a given moment in a similar arrangement to that of the foot at rest.

When the foot 600 is not in a walking position, but at rest the lever 114 is inactive and the holding portion 102 is substantially perpendicular to the portion of ¹ actuation 104. This is represented by the axes [A ] and [B] of Figure 6.

Figure 9 shows the arrangement of the device during a walking movement (more precisely at the end of the bearing phase, just before the oscillation phase). The lever 114 is active by forming a change of angle of the axes [A] and

[B] when the patient is resting on his toes.

When the foot 600 exerts a walking movement as in FIG. 9, the angle of about 90 ° between the axes [A] and [B] is modified and forms an increased angle of about + 13.degree. at the rest position of Figure 6.

During a walking movement, two extreme situations arise. The first, when the toes are positioned upwards just before taking support on the heel before placing the foot on the ground; and the second, when the toes are positioned down just before the foot leaves the ground during the walking movement. Taking the anatomical rest position of the foot of FIG. 6 as a reference, the 90 ° angle of the axes [A] and [B] is modified:

- in toe up position: - 7 ° (ie 83 °);

- in the down position: + 13 ° (103 °).

To fill the constraints resulting from the change of angle, the material is preferably made from low-density polyethylene or polyurethane.

Table 1 shows characteristics of low density polyethylene adapted to produce the one-piece frame 100.

Table 1: Physical characteristics of LDPE

It is to be understood that the characteristics of the low density polyethylene are given here solely by way of example, and are in no way limiting as to the materials used for the invention and more specifically to the one-piece frame 100. Indeed, as mentioned above materials such as polyurethane or LDPE are suitable for carrying out the invention. Figures 6 to 9 show the actuating portion 104 fitting the foot on the contact portion 108. As indicated above, the contact area 108 may be made of a foam-type material for example. Attaching the foam material can be achieved through the pile in combination with hooks (hook and loop material) or by direct bonding of the foam material on the part of ^one actuator 104. A foam-type cladding mainly the the effect of marrying substantially the selected portion on which the contact zone 108 acts to increase the activity of the device on said selected portion, but also to ensure user comfort. However, a coating is not essential for the implementation of the invention when a contact zone 108 is established between the actuating zone 104 and the selected portion of the leg of the patient. Figures 10 and 11 show a device of the invention according to another embodiment, namely shaped generally sandal type. The holding portion 102 includes a section passing under the arch in front of the heel and a portion extending above the foot to surround from above the big toe on the one hand and the other four toes. somewhere else.

The housing 118 is made in a pocket, which receives the heel 602 of the patient. The lever 114 is activated as for the device embodiment of the invention of Figures 1 to 9, namely by means of the cooperation between the holding portion 102 and the part of ¹ actuation 104. The cooperation is provided in particular by the intermediate part 106. Figures 12 and 13 show the device of the invention according to another embodiment. The holding portion 102 includes a section that passes below the arch but also a slipper-shaped section, which extends over the top of the foot to maintain it. Cooperation between the actuating portion ¹ 104 and the holding portion 102 is provided by the lever 114. The intermediate portion 106 ensures the connection between the holding portion 102 and the actuating portion 104 and their cooperation.

Figures 14 to 16 show the device of the invention in an embodiment comprising a portion of ^one actuator 104 at least partially surrounding the calf 612 of a leg 604 of a patient. Indeed, the actuating part ¹ 104 is generally elongate and in general butterfly appearance and extends from the bottom of the achilles tendon 614 to the bottom of the shank 610. The tibia 606 and the knee (608) does are not in contact with the contact zone 108.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 14 to 16, the device of the invention is mounted on a human foot inside a conventional walking shoe 700.

The holding portion 102 may, according to an embodiment not specifically shown in the drawings, comprise an anchoring portion comprising fixing means arranged to be fixed inside a shoe 700. It may especially be Velcro material or a system of buttons (including clipping).

The actuating part 104 and more precisely the contact zone 108 have a mechanical effect which is activated during the walk. These include a periodic pressure movement to stimulate venous and lymphatic circulation in the calf 612, or more precisely between a selected portion located between the bottom of the Achilles tendon and the lower thigh.

The butterfly shape of the one-piece frame 100 of the embodiment reproduces conditions of peripheral lymphatic drainage.

Materials such as LDPE or polyurethane for example allow the device of the invention to fit and marry the shape of a leg (including the foot) of a patient.

According to the embodiments described, the portion of ¹ actuation 104 and the contact zone 108 form a complementarity for good peripheral lymphatic drainage. Indeed, it is advantageous to provide a contact zone 108, which marries homogeneously the portion chosen to exert a periodic pressure. As mentioned above, it may be polyurethane, polyurethane foam, silicone, or leather, fabric, fluid bags (gel or air) or any combination thereof.

According to one embodiment, the device is arranged to exert a pressure of about 15 mmHg on both sides on either side of the Achilles tendon.

Claims

claims

1. A massage device for human leg, characterized in that it comprises a one-piece frame (100) of a material at least partially deformable with a holding portion (102) arranged to at least partially surround a foot along its length and a an actuating portion (104) of generally elongate shape extending substantially perpendicularly to said holding portion (102) and connected thereto by an intermediate portion (106), the actuating portion (104) comprising a contact zone (108) shaped according to the human leg and of defined length to rely on a selected portion thereof situated between the bottom of the Achilles tendon and the lower part of the thigh, so as to provide an effect of self-massage during a walking movement of the human leg.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the holding portion (102) and the actuating portion (104) are arranged to cooperate by forming a lever (114) for the contact zone (108) during said walking movement of the human leg.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the holding portion (102) comprises an anchoring portion comprising fastening means arranged to be fixed inside a shoe.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding portion (102) comprises a lower portion arranged to pass under the arch in front of the heel of foot and a housing (118) arranged to receive the heel of foot.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate portion (106) comprises an outer intermediate portion (106E) shaped to substantially conform to the foot at the fibular long muscle and an inner intermediate portion (1061) shaped to marry. substantially the foot at the level of the flexor common toe.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the armature (100) has a thickness between about 0.5 mm and 7 mm, and preferably 1 mm.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating portion (104) is shaped in a generally butterfly shape.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating portion (104) is shaped in a form extending at least to the lower third of the soleus muscle.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating portion (104) is shaped in a form extending substantially over the entire length of the soleus muscle.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating portion (104) is shaped in a shape at least partially surrounding the calf.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating portion (104) is shaped according to a shape surrounding the calf and a portion of the hock.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the armature (100) is made of plastic material, preferably thermoplastic elastomer type, more preferably polyurethane.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact zone comprises a coating.

14. Shoe comprising a device according to one of claims 1 to 13.