JP2013521099A - Therapeutic shoes - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for promoting dynamic pressurization of venous tissue that enables improved blood movement, reduced swelling, reduced leg cramps, foot plantar fasciitis treatment, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the treatment shoe includes a treatment device that provides full pressure to the venous plexus region of the foot. The system assists blood circulation to reduce the occurrence of undesirable complications of the circulation, such as deep vein thrombosis.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for providing medical treatment, specifically, promoting blood flow, reducing swelling, reducing leg cramps, treating plantar fasciitis of the foot, and / or And systems and methods for assisting in promoting recovery from exercise excursions. More specifically, the present disclosure is generally removable and / or applies pressure to the wearer's foot to treat various illnesses and / or to provide exercise recovery after physical exercise The present invention relates to a shoe configured to hold an integrated device.

  In order to increase the circulation of the human body, especially the feet and legs, it is beneficial to apply regular or periodic pressurization of tissues, such as the foot plexus area, at predetermined time intervals. Under normal circumstances, blood moves up the leg due to contraction of the muscles of the foot or leg and general exercise during walking. If a person is fixed and unable to move normally or has poor circulation caused by the disease, the natural blood return mechanism can be compromised and circulatory problems such as ulcers and deep vein thrombosis can occur There is sex.

  To alleviate these problems, it is desirable to concentrate the pressure on the leg and / or the entire vein of the foot. Current systems are primarily based on air pressurizers that squeeze the entire foot, calf, or thigh. These systems require significant power and are inefficient because they provide a high level of force across the foot or leg rather than focusing on the region with the highest concentration of blood vessels. In addition, these systems include airbags that can burst at seams, particularly at high pressures within the bag.

  In various current devices, tether airlines limit mobility and can lead to injury as people try to walk while the device is in use. Furthermore, existing devices are not suitable for continuous use. The user cannot walk with them or move away from the pressure unit. The device must be removed before the user can walk. In addition, current devices lack the ability to track and report user usage and compliance. Most pneumatic devices are also quite noisy and can cause skin irritation leading to ulcers.

  In addition, current devices do not match well with ordinary clothing and are not effective as medical devices. It would be advantageous to provide treatment shoes that are worn as ordinary clothing and are not an obvious medical aid.

  In an exemplary embodiment, an item of footwear includes a housing, a treatment device disposed in a hole in the housing, and a coupling portion. The coupling portion is configured to hold a portion of the foot.

  In another exemplary embodiment, a method for pressurizing a foot includes providing an item of footwear having a treatment device fully contained therein, coupling the item of footwear to the foot, and the treatment device Operating.

  In another exemplary embodiment, an athletic shoe includes a housing configured to have an opening with a flexible opening cover. The athletic shoe further includes a foot pressure system disposed within the housing. The foot pressurization system includes a pressure pad that is expandable to place the flexible aperture cover at least partially in contact with the venous plexus region of the foot. The housing is configured to have an opening on the outer surface of the housing. The opening allows access to the control component of the foot pressurization system.

  In another exemplary embodiment, an item of footwear includes a housing having an opening therethrough. The opening is configured to have a flexible opening cover. The footwear item further comprises a shoe and a therapeutic device disposed between the housing and the shoe. The treatment device is configured to extend at least partially through the opening to pressurize a portion of the foot. The item is a footwear configured to completely hide the presence of the treatment device when the footwear item is worn.

The content of this summary is provided merely as a simplified preface to the disclosure and is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the appended claims.
Reference is made to the following description and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a treatment shoe according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the treatment shoe of FIG. 3 shows a top view of the treatment shoe of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. FIG. 4 shows a foot press system coupled to a treatment shoe according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a foot pressure system coupled to a treatment shoe according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a treatment shoe coupled to a pressure wrap according to an exemplary embodiment.

  Details of the present disclosure are described herein in terms of various component items and processing steps. It should be understood that such components and steps can be implemented by a number of hardware and / or software components configured to perform a particular function. For example, a treatment device or system for motion recovery configured to assist a portion of the lower limb and / or foot pressurization system may perform various functions under the control of one or more control systems or other control devices. Various medical devices, input and / or output elements, etc. can be utilized to perform. Further, the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any number of medical and therapeutic settings, and the exemplary embodiments associated with deep vein thrombosis treatment systems as described herein are merely a few illustrative examples. Application. For example, the principles of the present disclosure can be utilized in connection with exercise recovery. Furthermore, the described principles, features and methods can be applied to any suitable medical or other tissue or processing application.

  Further, the principles of the present disclosure are disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 12/499473, filed Jul. 8, 2009, published as US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0010398 entitled “Foot Pressurization System”. Can be suitably combined with the principles of the foot pressure system and method, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The principles of the present disclosure are also suitable for the principles of the foot pressurization system and method disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 13/004754 filed Jan. 11, 2011 entitled “Foot Pressurization System”. Which can be combined, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

  The therapeutically effective footwear item, such as therapeutic shoe 100, can be a device configured to help provide pressure to a portion of the wearer, such as a human foot. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, according to an exemplary embodiment, a treatment shoe 100 includes a housing portion 101 and a coupling portion 102.

  With further reference to FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment, a treatment shoe 100 includes a housing portion 101 and a coupling portion 102. In one exemplary embodiment, housing portion 101 holds a treatment device, such as treatment device 400 and / or other treatment device, that can provide medical treatment to a portion of the wearer, such as a foot surface. In various exemplary embodiments, the treatment device 400 may be an additive device such as that disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 13/004754 filed Jan. 11, 2011 entitled “Foot Pressurization System”. A pressure system can be provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a treatment device, such as treatment device 400, is integral to treatment shoe 100. In one exemplary embodiment, a treatment device such as treatment device 400 is removably coupled to treatment shoe 100.

  In various embodiments, treatment shoe 100 is configured for use in various medical applications, such as increased blood flow, deep vein thrombosis, leg swelling, ulcers and / or other treatments and / or preventions. The In addition, the therapeutic shoe 100 can be used in accordance with the principles of motion recovery, such as disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 13/004754 filed Jan. 11, 2011 entitled “Foot Pressurization System”. Configured for use with.

  Although one exemplary embodiment of the treatment shoe 100 is described and illustrated as an item of footwear such as sandals, the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to the treatment shoe 100 shown explicitly. Although not specifically limited, the treatment shoe 100 may include footwear configured to at least partially contain the treatment device 400, fully contain the treatment device 400, and / or couple to the treatment device 400. Can be a cover part. In that regard, the therapeutic shoe 100 is in the form of socks, slippers, sandals, tennis shoes, running shoes, athletic shoes, boots, dress shoes, high heel shoes, mules, slip-on slippers, slingbacks, wood dances, etc. Can (but is not limited to). Furthermore, the treatment shoe 100 can be manufactured in various designs to appeal to various fashion preferences. In various exemplary embodiments, the treatment shoe 100 resembles other parts of the footwear and / or is difficult to distinguish from conventional footwear writing the function of the treatment shoe 100 ( It is designed to be indistinguishable).

  In one exemplary embodiment, the coupling portion 102 coupled to the housing portion 101 secures a treatment device, such as the treatment device 400, to a portion of the surface of the foot, such as the plexus region. The housing portion 101 and the coupling portion 102 can be made of a suitable material and / or formed in a suitable structure and / or shape to perform their respective functions.

  In one exemplary embodiment, referring again to FIG. 1, the housing portion 101 is disposed on and / or integral with the base of the wearable treatment shoe 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing portion 101 can be one enclosed, partially enclosed, or exposed. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing portion 101 comprises a housing cavity (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1) defined by an upper housing top surface 135, a housing bottom surface 130, and at least one housing side surface 105. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the housing cavity are designed to hold a particular device, eg, the treatment device 400 received by the housing portion 101. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the housing cavity is designed to be slightly larger than the provided treatment device 400. Thus, the housing cavity can effectively reflect the outer dimensions of the treatment device 400 accommodated by the housing cavity. Alternatively, in one exemplary embodiment, the housing cavity is dimensioned to the outer dimensions of the treatment device 400 housed in a housing cavity having an additional cavity portion configured to receive and / or hold additional elements. Can be designed to reflect. These additional elements include a power source, a strap holding the treatment device, a spacer, a counterbalance, a shock absorber, a cushion, a sensor structure support and / or the like.

  In one exemplary embodiment, the housing side 105 can include one continuous surface that effectively wraps around and / or partially wraps around the housing portion 101. In another exemplary embodiment, the housing side 105 can comprise a plurality of surfaces that combine to form a portion of the housing portion 101. The housing side 105 is made from any suitable material for providing effective containment and / or retention of a treatment device, such as treatment device 400. In another exemplary embodiment, the housing side 105 is made from any suitable material for providing an effective structural support for supporting the weight of the user. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the housing side 105 can be made from one or more of plastic, foam, metal, cork, wood, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, composite or other durable material. it can. The housing side surface 105 can be a constant width or may include a variable width. In one exemplary embodiment, the width of the housing side 105 is a function of the height of the treatment device 400. In one exemplary embodiment, the width of the housing side 105 (ie, the height of the housing portion 101) is as small as possible. In one exemplary embodiment, the heel region of treatment shoe 100 can include additional heel supports. The heel supports can be structured and / or configured to provide shock absorption.

  In one exemplary embodiment, a surface such as housing side 105, housing top 135, and / or housing bottom 130 includes an opening 110 to access a portion of a provided treatment device, such as treatment device 400. In one exemplary embodiment, referring again to FIG. 1, the opening 110 is disposed on the housing side 105. In one exemplary embodiment, the opening 110 can comprise suitable dimensions for accessing a provided treatment device, such as the treatment device 400. This access can be visual and / or physical. For example, the size and / or position of the opening 110 is related to the position of a control and / or display on a provided treatment device, such as the treatment device 400. Such a control unit and / or display unit includes an on / off button, a light, a switch and / or the like. Access to these is provided through opening 110.

  In one exemplary embodiment, a cover (not shown) is coupled to the opening 110 to prevent debris and / or unwanted material from entering the housing portion 101. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover can be transparent. The cover can be coupled to the opening 110 by any suitable component and / or method such as press fit, latch, screw, adhesive, epoxy, snap and / or the like. Further, the cover can be made from any suitable material, such as the same material as the housing side 105 or a material other than the same material as the housing side 105. For example, the cover material may be at least partially transparent, for example, to allow a user to operate the control portion of the treatment device 400 while preventing dust and / or unwanted material from entering the housing portion 101. And / or can be flexible.

  In various exemplary embodiments, the treatment shoe 100 can be configured to eliminate the opening 110. In these exemplary embodiments, access to the control of the treatment device 400 is via one or more wires through the housing portion 101, via wireless communication with the treatment device 400, and / or as required. Can be provided via any other suitable method. Further, in certain exemplary embodiments, treatment device 400 can be configured to be powered and / or charged via inductive coupling.

  In the exemplary embodiment, a gateway (not shown) is disposed on housing portion 101 and is coupled to, for example, housing bottom surface 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the gateway provides a provided treatment, such as treatment device 400, to replace a provided treatment device, such as treatment device 400, to access a provided treatment device, such as treatment device 400. Provide any suitable dimensions for attaching and / or removing devices. For example, the dimensions of the gateway can be a function of the exterior of the treatment device 400 (housing). In one exemplary embodiment, the access panel may prevent dirt and / or unwanted material from entering the housing portion 101 and / or to prevent the provided treatment device 400 from detaching from the housing portion 101. , Coupled to the gateway. The access panel is coupled to the gateway by any suitable component and / or method such as press fit, latch, screw, adhesive, epoxy, snap and / or the like. The access panel (not shown) can be made from any suitable material, such as the same material as the housing bottom or a material other than the same material as the housing bottom. For example, in one embodiment, the access panel can be made from the same material as the outsole of the shoe and can have the same surface texture as the outsole of the shoe.

  In the exemplary embodiment, the outside of the housing bottom 130 (the material of the shoe outsole) can be a rough surface. For example, the outside of the housing bottom surface 130 can be configured to have a tread pattern. In the exemplary embodiment, the rough surface of the housing bottom surface 130 can be configured to improve the static friction of the treatment shoe 100. Further, the rough surface of the housing bottom surface 130 can be any suitable pattern or shape.

  In the exemplary embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the opening 150 is disposed in the housing top surface 135. Opening 150 extends from housing portion 101 to coupling portion 102. In one exemplary embodiment, the aperture 150 comprises any suitable dimension to help the treatment device 400 provide treatment. For example, the size of the opening 150 correlates with the orientation and shape of the treatment element of the provided treatment device 400. In various exemplary embodiments, aperture 150 comprises an aperture having an area from about 6 square centimeters to about 40 square meters. In various exemplary embodiments, the opening 150 comprises an opening configured to facilitate a provided treatment device, such as treatment device 400, in contact with a region of the foot venous plexus. For example, the opening 150 comprises an opening configured to facilitate the treatment device 400 applying pressure to the arch area of the foot.

  In certain embodiments, the housing top surface 135 can be configured to be continuous (ie, there are no openings 150). In these exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the housing upper surface 135 is flexible to deform and contact the venous plexus region of the foot, eg, in response to a force applied by the treatment device 400 and / or Or it is configured to be deformable.

  In the exemplary embodiment, the aperture cover 155 is coupled at least partially to the aperture 150 to prevent debris and / or unwanted material from entering the housing portion 101 while facilitating contact with the foot of the treatment device 400. The opening 150 can be closed and / or the opening 150 can be covered. In general, the opening cover 155 is configured to be flexible and / or deformable.

  For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the aperture cover 155 is from a first position and / or configuration where no force is provided by the treatment device 400 to a portion of the wearer, and force is provided by the treatment device 400 to the wearer. It can be extended to a second position and / or configuration. Similarly, in the exemplary embodiment, the aperture cover 155 is provided from a second position and / or configuration in which force is provided by the treatment device 400 to a portion of the wearer to a portion of the wearer, and force is applied to the wearer. A first position and / or configuration that is not provided by the device 400 may be returned. Opening cover 155 can be made from any suitable material configured to withstand the forces provided to a portion of the wearer. For example, the opening cover 155 can be made from latex, plastic, rubber, composite, cloth, fabric, and the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the aperture cover 155 can be washable.

  In various exemplary embodiments, the aperture cover 155 is made of a material configured to distribute pressure over a portion of the wearer. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the aperture cover 155 includes a non-solid material such as a gel pack. This non-solid material may help prevent skin damage. In other exemplary embodiments, soft materials such as cushions, cotton, stuffing, foam, gel packs, gauze and / or the like are coupled to and / or integral with the opening cover 155. In various exemplary embodiments, the soft material coupled to the aperture cover 155 helps prevent skin damage. Further, the aperture cover 155 can be coupled to the aperture 150 by any suitable component and / or method such as press fit, latch, screw, adhesive, epoxy, snap and / or the like.

  In the exemplary embodiment, coupling portion 102 includes a surface 120. In one embodiment, the surface 120 is coupled to the outer surface of the housing top surface 135. The surface 120 is configured to at least partially contain and / or support a portion of the wearer, such as the sole of the foot. Accordingly, the surface 120 is configured to have any suitable shape or size. In the exemplary embodiment, surface 120 is larger than the provided foot. Further, the surface 120 can be made from any suitable material such as foam, leather, sponge, rubber, plastic, composite, cork and / or others.

  In various exemplary embodiments, the surface 120 is configured to provide a comfortable surface for touching the foot. For example, the surface 120 may comprise a shoe insole configured to provide shock absorption. In various embodiments, the insole of the shoe coupled to the surface 120 is removable for cleaning and / or cleaning and the like. Further, in various embodiments, custom function recovery training can be combined with and / or coupled to surface 120.

  In the exemplary embodiment, coupling portion 120 includes a connection to receive and hold a portion of the wearer, such as a foot, ankle, and / or a portion of the lower limb. Connections include custom sized materials, belts, elastics, buckles, snaps, ties, hooks and loop style fasteners (eg Velcro® brand fasteners provided by Velcro USA, Inc), buttons, zippers, It can be a sheath or the like.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling is adjustable straps such as straps 160, 163, 165 configured to receive and hold a portion of the foot, such as the back, heel, and / or other portions as is well known. Is provided. In addition, the treatment shoe 100 may include a suitable number of straps. In one exemplary embodiment, each strap 160, 163, 165 comprises a first side and a second side. The first side and / or the second side is configured to couple together with opposing hook and loop fasteners on at least one of the top and / or bottom of the first side and / or the second side, It is configured to include a portion of a fastener, such as a 1 hook and loop fastener and / or a second hook and loop fastener.

  In the exemplary embodiment, with respect to straps 160, 163, 165, the first side is configured with an opening through which a portion of the second side is fed. A portion of the second side of the straps 160, 163, 165 is fed through the opening on the first side of the straps 160, 163, 165 and hooks and loops to a portion of the first side of the straps 160, 163, 165. It is fixed in an adjustable manner using fasteners such as fasteners. In this embodiment, a portion of the first side of the straps 160, 163, 165 overlaps with the second side of the straps 160, 163, 165 and is adjustably secured using fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners.

  The straps (eg, straps 160, 163, 165) are placed in any suitable location. In one embodiment, the strap 160 is arranged to receive and hold the back portion of the ankle. In one embodiment, the strap 163 is arranged to receive and hold the ankle front portion and / or the upper surface of the foot. In one embodiment, the strap 165 is arranged to receive and hold the upper surface of the foot. In other embodiments, soft materials such as cushions, cotton, padding, foam, gel packs, gauze and / or others are coupled to the inner surface of the straps 160, 163, 165 to provide comfort for the user Can be done. Further, the straps (eg, straps 160, 163, 165) are configured to accept individual foot differences (eg, arch height, arch curvature, width, length, and / or the like).

  In other exemplary embodiments, the straps (eg, straps 160, 163, 165) are eliminated and other well-known footwear configurations are provided. Examples include, but are not limited to, laces, buttons, tongues, designer straps (such as those in high heel shoes), and other similar configurations. In addition, any material now known or used in the future to construct footwear can be suitably used and is considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

  In an exemplary embodiment, a cover, such as a waterproof cover, can be coupled to the treatment shoe 100. For example, a bag or shroud can be coupled around the treatment shoe 100 to prevent unwanted elements such as sand, water, dust, debris and / or particles from coming into contact with the treatment shoe 100. In various exemplary embodiments, treatment shoe 100 at least partially comprises natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polymeric composite material, or other waterproof and / or water resistant materials.

  In various embodiments, treatment shoe 100 is coupled to an external object. For example, the external object can be a fixed surface such as a wedge in a fixed position coupled to the ground. The external object can be a high surface such as a footrest. Alternatively, the external object can be coupled to and / or comprise a movable object such as a bed, chair, hospital bed, cart, or part of a wheelchair. The coupling can be any suitable means such as a magnet, machine, hook and loop fastener, strap, fastener, string, tie and / or others.

  In the exemplary embodiment, treatment shoe 100 is configured to be integrally fabricated with shoes, boots, sandals, or other footwear. Further, the treatment shoe 100 can be configured to have a variety of sizes, including industry standard sizes. For example, therapeutic shoe 100 may be US male size (eg, in any suitable width such as C, D, E and / or others) 6-16; US female size (eg, narrow, average, wide, even wider) 4 to 14; US child sizes 6 to 13 and 1 to 3; European male sizes 35 to 51; European female sizes 35 to 48.5; General: Small , Medium, large, XL, XXL and / or others, etc., adapted to and associated with the size of at least one foot. Although specific shoe sizes are described herein, items of any size of footwear are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

  Further, in the exemplary embodiment, treatment shoe 100 is configured to be free size. For example, portions of treatment shoe 100, such as coupling portion 102 and / or housing 101, can be expandable and / or telescopic to accommodate various foot sizes, widths, and lengths. In various exemplary embodiments, the treatment shoe 100 is one shaped to accept a right foot, shaped to accept a left foot, or shaped to accept a right foot or a left foot. Configured to be. In certain embodiments, the treatment shoes 100 can be provided in pairs, for example, two treatment shoes 100, one for each right and left foot.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, a user (and / or caregiver, third party, etc.) can insert the treatment device 400 into a cavity (not shown) of the treatment shoe 100. . The straps 160, 163, 165 (from the first closed state) of the treatment shoe 100 are opened. A portion of the user, such as the lower limb (eg, foot), is inserted between the first and second sides of the straps 160, 163, 165 and contacts the surface 120. The position of the user's portion relative to the surface 120 and / or other components of the treatment shoe 120 can be a function of the elements of the treatment shoe 100 and / or the position of the individual body of the user. Once a portion of the user is in the desired position, the straps 160, 163, 165 are adjusted and / or closed (eg, from the second position to the first closed position). The treatment shoe 400 is actuated through the opening 110.

  In various exemplary embodiments, the treatment shoe 100 is coupled to use while the treatment shoe 100 is configured to withstand the forces provided by the user. For example, the user provides force to the treatment shoe 100 by standing or walking while coupled to the treatment shoe 100. The user can move at any pace while coupled to the treatment shoe 100. In certain embodiments, the treatment shoe 100 is configured to allow the user to move, but in other embodiments, the treatment shoe 100 is coupled to the treatment shoe 100 and remains unwalkable. It will be understood that it can be configured for use by a person.

  For example, in certain embodiments, treatment shoe 100 may be configured as a “walking” shoe. In these embodiments, the therapeutic shoe 100 is utilized by the wearer in the same manner as a conventional shoe. In these embodiments, the treatment shoe 400 is configured not to operate when the wearer walks, for example, to prevent wearer discomfort, damage to the treatment device 400 and / or the like. Can do. In other exemplary embodiments, treatment shoe 100 may be configured as a “non-walking” shoe. In these embodiments, the therapeutic shoe 100 can be utilized by the wearer when not walking. In these embodiments, the treatment shoe 400 can be configured to always operate, operate at scheduled intervals, and the like.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in various exemplary embodiments, treatment shoe 100 is coupled to a pressurized garment, eg, pressure sock 680 and / or coupled to a pressurized garment, eg, pressure sock 680. Can be utilized. The pressure sock 680 can be configured to operate complementary to the treatment device 400, eg, to treat deep vein thrombosis, to facilitate exercise recovery, and / or the like. In the exemplary embodiment, pressure sock 680 is releasably coupled to treatment shoe 100 via one or more of zippers, snaps, straps, buttons, hooks, hooks and loop fasteners, and / or the like. In other exemplary embodiments, the pressure sock 680 is permanently coupled to the treatment shoe 100, such as via bonding, stitching, and / or the like.

  The pressure sock 680 is made of any suitable flexible material and may be any suitable size, shape, curve, as required to at least partially accommodate and / or pressurize a portion of the limb. It can be configured to have stitches and / or the like. Further, the pressure sock 680 can be configured to have any suitable pressure level, for example from about 5 mmHg to about 50 mmHg. The pressure sock 680 can be configured to be tall, tall, like pantyhose, and / or any other suitable structure.

  Pressurized socks 680, when worn by the user, pressurize surface veins, arteries, muscles, and other soft tissues, and circulating blood is forced through a narrow circulation channel to increase arterial pressure. This blood distribution in the wearer's limb facilitates improved results in response to operation of the treatment device 400 (eg, increased blood circulation, decreased blood accumulation in the foot, lower limb, etc.). be able to. In other words, when the pressure socks 680 and the treatment device 400 operate in line, the blood flow may result in accelerated motor recovery, reduced deep vein thrombosis, reduced edema and / or other consequences. Further enriched and increased.

The present disclosure has been described above through various exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, as with various operating procedures, the components for performing the operating procedures may be implemented differently depending on the particular application or considering any number of cost functions related to the operation of the system. For example, one or more of the procedures can be changed, deleted, or combined with other steps. Furthermore, although the methods and systems for assisting pressure above are suitable for foot use, a similar approach can be used for the hand, calf, extremity or other part of the body. Should. These and other changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.
In the foregoing specification, the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to various embodiments. However, if a benefit, advantage, or solution occurs, or the benefit, advantage, solution to the problem, or optional element (s) that arise or become more prominent, all important, It should not be construed as a necessary or essential feature or element. As used herein, the term “comprising”, “comprising” or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions and includes a list of elements. An article, or device, does not include only these elements, but includes other elements not specifically listed or inherent in such processes, methods, articles, or devices. Also, as used herein, the terms “coupled”, “coupled” or any other variation thereof include physical coupling, electrical coupling, magnetic coupling, optical coupling, communication coupling, function, Intended to include general and / or other bonds. Further, when a term similar to “at least one of A, B or C” is used in the claims, the phrase is intended to mean any of the following: (1) At least one of A (2) at least one of B; (3) at least one of C; (4) at least one of A and at least one of B; (5) at least one of B and at least one of C; (6) at least one of A and at least one of C; or (7) at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.

Claims (21)

A shoe comprising a housing having a housing part,
The housing part is
The bottom,
A side surface attached to the bottom surface;
An upper surface attached to the side surface and having an opening;
A housing hole defined by a bottom surface, a side surface and a top surface;
A shoe in which the hole in the housing is configured to receive a treatment device. The shoe according to claim 1,
The shoe further comprising a pressure wrap coupled to the housing. The shoe according to claim 1,
A shoe, wherein the opening is configured to have a cover that is movable to conceal a control component of the foot pressure system. The shoe according to claim 1,
A shoe, wherein the side has an area of about 6 square centimeters to about 40 square centimeters. The shoe according to claim 1,
Shoes are athletic shoes, shoes. The shoe according to claim 1,
A shoe further comprising a treatment device disposed within a hole in the housing, wherein the treatment device is configured to operate when the shoe wearer does not walk and not when the wearer walks. A method for pressurizing a foot,
Providing an item of footwear having a treatment device with a power supply housed therein;
Combining the footwear item with the foot;
Activating a treatment device. The method of claim 7, wherein
Activating the treatment device comprises repeatedly pressurizing the venous plexus region of the foot. The method of claim 7, wherein
Activating the treatment device comprises moving the pressure pad a first time to bring the pressure pad into contact with the foot to pressurize a portion of the foot;
Moving the pressure pad a second time to remove the pressure pad from the foot to allow at least a portion of the foot to fill with blood;
Moving the pressure pad a third time to bring the pressure pad into contact with the foot to push at least a portion of the blood out of the portion of the foot. The method of claim 7, wherein
The method further comprising coupling a pressure wrap to a limb associated with the foot. The method of claim 7, wherein
The method wherein the treatment device is configured not to provide pressure to the foot when the user of the footwear item walks. Footwear items,
A housing having an opening therethrough, wherein the opening is configured to have a flexible opening cover;
A pressure covering coupled to the housing;
Shoes and
A treatment device disposed between the housing and the shoe and configured to extend at least partially through the opening to pressurize a portion of the foot;
The item of footwear is an item of footwear configured to completely hide the presence of the treatment device when the item of footwear is worn. The item of footwear according to claim 11,
An item of footwear, wherein at least one of the housing and the shoe is disposable. The item of footwear according to claim 11,
A treatment device is an item of footwear that is fully contained within the item of footwear. Footwear items,
A housing;
A treatment device disposed in a hole in the housing;
An item of footwear comprising: a coupling portion configured to hold a portion of a foot. The item of footwear according to claim 15,
The housing further
Comprising an opening disposed in a portion of the housing configured to be adjacent to the foot;
The opening is an item of footwear configured to allow the treatment device to provide pressure to a portion of the foot. The item of footwear according to claim 15,
The item of footwear is an item of footwear comprising at least one of boots, athletic shoes, dress shoes or sandals. The item of footwear according to claim 15,
Footwear items are footwear items that are joined to a pressure wrap. The item of footwear according to claim 15,
An item of footwear, wherein the opening is at least partially covered by a flexible member. The item of footwear according to claim 15,
The item of footwear is the item of footwear that has the same appearance as the item of footwear without holes configured to receive a treatment device. The item of footwear according to claim 15,
An item of footwear, the footwear item configured to be wearable during exercise to facilitate exercise recovery.

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