FR2623711A1 - Apparatus for stimulating circulation in the limbs - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for stimulating venous and lymphatic return circulation in the limbs. The apparatus is simple, and consists of a set of balls joined together by an elastic tie. Each ball is allowed a rotational movement, but no translational movement, this being by virtue of an intermediate piece which is integral with the tie. The modulus of elasticity of the tie is calculated as a function of the physiopathological requirements of the venolymphatic circulation deficiency in the limbs. The apparatus is manipulated using two rigid handles which are approximately 1 metre long. The apparatus is intended for relieving the symptoms of return circulation deficiency, by allowing manipulation by the patient himself, at reduced cost.

Description

The present invention relates to a stimulation apparatus
circulatory system.

In the physiological state the return circulation
- venous and lymphatic - involves many factors,
among which muscle contractions occupy a place
important. This is why a sedentary lifestyle promotes a state
insufficient return traffic.

To remedy this problem there are physical means
and chemical means. Physical means are represented
by
-physiotherapy methods,
-pressotherapy methods, either ad hoc
made by sophisticated devices, either permanent by
elastic stockings;
But these methods have drawbacks: kinesithé
rapie and instrumental pressotherapy require to go to
the specialist, the stockings constitute an aesthetic handicap and
are very badly supported in summer. In addition, all of these
methods constitute a significant health expenditure.

The apparatus according to the invention overcomes the constraints of
these different methods.

The device is simple (fig 6): it consists of balls
connected together by an elastic link, the assembly (8) is
manipulated gracie with two handles (9) along the limbs in one
back and forth movement.

 The balls: have a diameter of about thirty millimeters.

They are made of wood or synthetic material. Their
surface can be smooth or rough.

According to a preferred embodiment they are
in fact consist of two parts whose plane of symmetry is parallel to the axis of rotation of the ball around the link.

The two parts are glued. The flat surface of each hemisphere has two centered indentations (fig I)
a groove along the diameter, to provide a passage sufficient for the elastic link (3).

 .a central footprint, to provide sufficient housing for an intermediate room (2).

 According to a variant (fig 2) the plane of symmetry of the hemispheres is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This configuration assumes that the hemispheres must be threaded together for a single assembly.

 The intermediate piece: (2) it consists of a washer of about fifteen millimeters in diameter. This washer is made integral with the elastic link by a crimping process. Thus the balls are articulated on the intermediate piece at a fixed point of the elastic link.

 According to a variant (fig 3) the role of the intermediate piece is played by an intrinsic bulge of the elastic link and in this case the muds are not necessarily made in two parts.

 The elastic link: (3) it has a diameter of about half a centimeter. The two ends are welded making a circular link.

The constant elasticity of the link is adapted to the pathophysiology of circulatory insufficiency of the limbs thanks to the following reasoning
K = P x S / 1 K: K = elasticity constant of the link
P = pressure by each ball on the skin
S = contact surface between each ball and the skin
1 = variation in length experienced by the link during handling of the device.

The application for the legs of a standard individual is: P = 6 mmHg = 6/760 Kg / m2
S = Icm2 = 0, OOI m2
1 = 10 cm = 0, I m as follows: K = 0.8. I0-5 N / m
The length of the elastic and the number of balls can vary ideally the device is made in two dimensions
.first dimension (fig 4): length of the link = Z8cm number of balls = 8, evenly distributed.

 .second dimension: length of the link = 35cm number of balls = I0, evenly distributed.

The Handles: (fig 5) they are two in number. They consist of rod (6) of any material, about one meter in length
At one end is attached a snap hook type hook (5), allowing the connection of the handle to the elastic link.

 At the other end is fixed a ball (7), allowing a perfect grip.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:
Figures 1,2 and 3 show in section the three methods of securing the balls with the link that unites them.

 Figure 4 shows the stimulation set in its 8-ball configuration.

 Figure 6 shows two views of the ends of a handle.

 Figure 6 shows the complete device.

 The device according to the invention is intended solely for the relief of functional symptoms of circulatory insufficiency of the limbs, and mainly of the lower limbs in their leg segment by allowing manipulation by the patient himself, in supine position; and for a reduced cost.

Claims (3)

 1) Massager for stimulating the return circulation of the limbs, consisting of balls joined together by an elastic link, characterized in that each ball (1) is made fixed relative to said link, by means of either a specific bonding of the ball on the link, at the level of the collar (2) internal to the ball, either by means of an intrinsic or extrinsic bulge (4) (5) of the elastic link (3) and of 2 intermediate parts (6) integral with the ball.  2) massage device according to claim 1) characterized by a constant elasticity of the link (3) adapted to the pathophysiology of the venous and lymphatic return circulation, determined by the relation:  K = P x S / 1 with: K = elasticity constant of the link  P = pressure exerted by each ball on the skin  S = contact surface between each ball and the skin  1 = variation in length experienced by the link during handling of the device.  3) massage device according to claims 1) or 2) characterized in that for its remote manipulation it has rigid handles formed by rods (7) provided with a connection system to the elastic link (8) at one end and the other with a grip ball (9).