WO2002019954A2 - Gaine ou enveloppe avec poche de fluide et utilisation de celle-ci pour un drainage lymphatique - Google Patents

Gaine ou enveloppe avec poche de fluide et utilisation de celle-ci pour un drainage lymphatique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002019954A2
WO2002019954A2 PCT/US2001/027141 US0127141W WO0219954A2 WO 2002019954 A2 WO2002019954 A2 WO 2002019954A2 US 0127141 W US0127141 W US 0127141W WO 0219954 A2 WO0219954 A2 WO 0219954A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bladder
brace
wrap
fluid
contact points
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/027141
Other languages
English (en)
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WO2002019954A3 (fr
Original Assignee
Diana, Richard
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Diana, Richard filed Critical Diana, Richard
Priority to AU2001288584A priority Critical patent/AU2001288584A1/en
Publication of WO2002019954A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002019954A2/fr
Publication of WO2002019954A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002019954A3/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H9/00—Pneumatic or hydraulic massage
    • A61H9/005—Pneumatic massage
    • A61H9/0078—Pneumatic massage with intermittent or alternately inflated bladders or cuffs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/02—Orthopaedic corsets
    • A61F5/028—Braces for providing support to the lower back, e.g. lumbo sacral supports
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to medical braces, sleeves or other wraps and particularly to anatomical braces, sleeves or wraps for providing support, while also treating or minimizing the occurrence of lymphedema or edema of an affected portion of the body of a living being.
  • United States Letters Patent No. 4,215,687 discloses a body or limb encircling therapeutic device.
  • the device is made up of a kit and when assembled it includes a plurality of body or limb encircling bands.
  • Each band is individually adjustable for its length to apply the desired pressure or to provide desired support to the body or limb of humans or animals.
  • a band anchoring tape is provided that is long enough to bridge two or more adjacent bands and to maintain them in proper edge-to-edge relationship.
  • the combination or kit also includes a plurality of splicing elements having an interlocking fabric material on one surface which interlocks with interlocking fabric on the outer surface of the band and on one surface of the anchoring tape so that in the event it is necessary to cut the band angularly to obtain conformity of the band with body or limb contour to shorten the band by removing a span thereof, the band ends with the band anchoring tape between them can be locked together by the application of the splicing element.
  • United States Letters Patent No. 5,125,400 discloses an ankle brace comprising at least one outer shell member and at least first and second pressurizable chambers, e.g., multiple separate inflatable aircells or airbags, juxtaposed therewith in an overlapping manner for providing a supporting cushion between the outer shell member and a body part or limb, e.g., the ankle.
  • One of the chambers is coextensive with substantially the entire inner surface of the one outer shell member for engagement with a corresponding portion of the body part or limb, while the other of the chambers is coextensive with a portion of the first chamber.
  • the separate inflatable airbags are of different sizes and are disposed on the outer shell member with the smaller airbag positioned coextensively with the bottom portion of the larger airbag and between the larger airbag and the inner surface of the outer shell member.
  • the first and second chambers are integrally formed from a single inflatable liner having two compartments divided by a common wall, at least one of the compartments being selectively inflatable through integral valve means formed at least in part by the common wall.
  • United States Letters Patent No. 5,916,183 discloses a method and apparatus for treating edema and other swelling disorders by means of a sleeve or other article for encircling the affected portion of the body.
  • the sleeve has a plurality of inwardly projecting elastomeric fingers and a plurality of externally fitted pressure adjusting circular bands.
  • the fingers When the sleeve is fitted to a patient's limb, the fingers impose a grid pattern of pressure points against the skin of the swollen limb.
  • the space around and between the pressure points provide channels under the skin through which lymphatic fluids are able to migrate up the arm to the shoulder where healthy nodes process it and channel it to the large veins.
  • Similar applications are applied to other limbs, hands and feet with sleeves, and the shoulder, chest wall and back with vests.
  • United States Letters Patent No.5,976,099 discloses a method and apparatus for the alleviation of an undesirable fluid accumulation in a body area of a patient is provided.
  • the apparatus or static reaction system, has enclosure containing a multiplicity of particles that are pressed against the body area.
  • the shape of the enclosure and the physical qualities of the particles affect the suitability of specific versions of the invention to particular conditions and body areas.
  • Pockets are included in some versions of the enclosure to capture and isolate subsets of the multiplicity of particles.
  • An optional directional flow pattern feature is established by the orientation, sizes and shapes of the optional pockets and thereby affects the rate at which the fluid accumulation is reduced. Lightweight and flexible materials are used to manufacture various comfortable, transportable and storable models of the invention.
  • the enclosure is optionally constructed with low friction, porous and breathing fabrics and materials to improve patient comfort and patient compliance.
  • the enclosure is pressed, held and/or forced against a selected body area by means of a detachable compression cover, a pneumatic pack, compressive bandaging or wrapping, and made with VELCRO® stretch fabric and/or with VELCRO® strapping or other suitable means.
  • Certain versions of the invention are applied by a capable and competently trained patient and with reduced need of constant professional supervision.
  • This invention relates to a brace or other wrap including an insert bladder for effecting lymphatic drainage of the portion of the anatomy of the being to which the brace is applied.
  • the brace or wrap (e.g., a sleeve formed of an elastic material, such as fabric covered Neoprene) for covering the desired portion of the anatomy of the being.
  • the brace or wrap has an inner surface arranged to be disposed immediately adjacent the skin of the portion of the anatomy of the being.
  • the bladder is a hollow member that is releasably secured, e.g., via cooperating VELCRO® type fasteners, to a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve.
  • the bladder comprises first and second flexible sheets, e.g., solid polyurethane or polyurethane coated nylon, that are secured to each other along plural seal (e.g., RF or heat seal) lines to form a plurality of inflatable chamber sections.
  • Each of the chamber sections is bounded by one or more of the plural seal lines and are in fluid communication with one another.
  • the first and second flexible sheets are also secured to each other at plural discrete contact points, e.g., small circular areas.
  • Each of the inflatable sections includes at least one of the contact points.
  • the bladder is arranged to be filled with a fluid, e.g., a hot or cold liquid, a hot or cold gas, etc., whereupon the fluid flows through the communicating chamber sections to inflate the sections and cause portions of the first and second sheets to separate from each other except at the seal lines and the contact points to thereby produce discrete areas of varied high and low pressure points on the skin and underlying tissue of the being.
  • a fluid e.g., a hot or cold liquid, a hot or cold gas, etc.
  • the discrete contact points may be equidistantly spaced from each other or may be randomly spaced.
  • the brace may be configured to be used on various portions of the anatomy.
  • the brace may be configured for use on the thigh/hamstring, or on the knee, or on the ankle, or on the elbow or on the shoulder, or any other portion of the being's body.
  • the fluid for inflating the bladder may be provided on a continuous or continual basis at regular or irregular intervals to inflate the bladder and may be cooled or heated to provide additional therapeutic effects.
  • Fig.1 is an isometric view of a back brace embodiment of this invention shown in place on a person;
  • Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the exterior side of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 is a plan view , like Fig. 2, but showing the interior side of that embodiment
  • Fig.4 is an enlarged plan view of the exterior side of an inflatable bladder forming a portion of the embodiment of Figs. 1-3;
  • Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 6 is a plan view of the exterior side of a knee brace embodiment of this invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a plan view of the interior side of the knee brace embodiment of Fig. 6 showing its bladder in place therein;
  • Fig. 8 is a plan view of the exterior side of a bladder constructed in accordance with this invention for use in a wrist brace;
  • Fig. 9 is a plan view of the exterior side of a bladder constructed in accordance with this invention for use in an ankle brace.
  • the brace basically comprises a generally planar sheet 22 of flexible material (see Figs. 2 and 3) which is arranged to be wrapped around the upper torso of the person covering the portion of the person's back to be treated and which releasably mounts on its interior surface an inflatable bladder 100 (Fig. 3 - also to be described later).
  • the bladder 100 serves to apply pressure at discrete points within the area of the portion of the person's back to be treated.
  • the brace 20 is merely exemplary of various types, shapes and sizes of braces which can be used with an inflatable bladder for application to any portion of the anatomy of a person in accordance with this invention.
  • the subject invention can be in the form of any type of brace or wrap for use on the thigh/hamstring, knee, ankle, elbow, wrist, shoulder, or any other portion of the body, of a person to treat or prevent lymphedema or edema.
  • it may also serve to provide support for the affected portion of the person's body.
  • the planar sheet 22 of the embodiment 20 shown in Figs. 1-13 includes a central section 24 and two side mounting tabs 26 and 28.
  • the central section is of a general trapezoidal shape to conform to the shape of the back of the wearer.
  • the side mounting tabs are used to mount the brace on the person's back, e.g., with the central section located over the lower portion of the back, and with the mounting tabs 26 and 28 wrapped around the person's abdomen and secured to each other to hold the brace in place. Owing to the construction of the tabs 26 and 28, the wearer can readily tighten the brace to the desired degree of compression, irrespective of the size of the person or the shape of the person's anatomy.
  • the central section 24 is preferably formed of a blank of elastomeric material which is die cut into the desired shape (in this case an inverted trapezoid).
  • the material forming the sheet is most preferably a plush fabric- coated neoprene.
  • the sheet has an inner surface to which a fabric layer 30 (Fig. 5) is secured, e.g., glued, to form the inner surface of the brace.
  • the outer surface of the sheet has a fabric layer 32 (Fig. 5) secured, e.g., glued, to it to form the outer surface of the brace.
  • the neoprene sheet is of a substantial thickness, e.g. approximately 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) thick, to provide cushioning, support and thermal retention.
  • the fabric layer 32 forming the inner surface of the brace is selected to be comfortable and non-chafing, e.g., is smooth lycra/nylon.
  • One particularly suitable fabric covered neoprene for forming the central section 24 is that sold by CR-Uno Corporation of Taiwan.
  • the central section 24 has a longitudinal central or mid-line axis 36, a first lateral side 38 located on one side of the axis and a second lateral side 40 located on the opposite side of the axis.
  • the mounting tab 26 is a generally planar sheet formed of a blank of slightly elastomeric material which is die cut into the desired shape (in this case a truncated triangle).
  • the material forming the sheet is most preferably a plush fabric (e.g., nylon)-covered foam, such as sold under the trade designation VELCRO® Sport Loop.
  • the sheet has an inner surface to which a fabric layer 42 is secured, e.g., glued, to form the inner surface of the brace.
  • the outer surface of the sheet has a fabric layer 44 secured, e.g., glued, to it to form the outer surface of the brace.
  • the sheet also provides cushioning, support and thermal retention.
  • the fabric forming the outer surface 44 of the brace is tufted or plush, e.g., is a UBL (unbroken loop) fabric, compatible with VELCRO® multi-hook fastening components, to act as the multiple loop fastening component of a VELCRO® fastening system to facilitate the releasable securement of the two tabs 26 and 28 together to hold the brace in place on the wearer's body.
  • the fabric layer 42 forming the inner surface of the brace's mounting tabs is relatively smooth to be comfortable and non-chafing.
  • the side mounting tab 26 is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn, by a line of stitches 34 to the marginal side edge 38 of the central section so that its tapered end 46 constitutes its free end.
  • the other mounting tab 28 is shaped and constructed identically to the side mounting tab 26, but is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn by a line of stitches 34, to the marginal side edge 40 of the central section and with its tapered end 48 constituting its free end.
  • a generally rectangular patch 50 (Fig. 3) of a multi-hook VELCRO® component is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn by a line of stitches 34 around its perimeter, to the inner surface of the side mounting tab 28 at the free end 48.
  • the brace 20 is arranged to be mounted on the upper torso of the wearer by placing the inner surface of the central section 24 over the portion of the wearer's back to be treated.
  • the side mounting tab 26 is then pulled (e.g., stretched) and wrapped around the person's torso so that its free end 46 is located over the person abdomen.
  • the tab is held in place at that position while the side mounting tab 28 is wrapped around the person's torso from the opposite direction until the patch 50 on the free end of the side mounting tab 28 overlies the plush fabric 44 outer surface at the free end 46 of the side mounting tab 26.
  • the multiple hooks of the VELCRO® patch 50 of the side mounting tab 28 releasably engage the plush fabric outer surface of the side mounting tab 26.
  • the brace is elastic, the amount of overlap of the mounting tab 28 on the tab 26 is adjustable to accommodate various sizes/shapes of persons.
  • the patch 50 of multi-hooks is quite large so that it can engage the plush outer surface 44 of the mounting tab 26 at various places thereover.
  • the wearer 10 can readily establish the desired degree of tightness or compression provided by the brace 20.
  • a loop 52 (Fig.
  • a webbing such as that sold under the trade designation VELCRO® Texline
  • VELCRO® Texline is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn by a line of stitches 34 to the free end of the side mounting tab 28 adjacent the patch 50.
  • the loop 52 on the mounting tab 28 helps the wearer to pull it in place over the underlying mounting tab 26 to put the brace on. In addition it facilitates the grasping of the free end 48 of the overlying mounting tab 28 to disconnect that tab from the underlying mounting tab 26 when the brace is to be removed.
  • a generally rectangular, elongated patch 54 is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn by a line of stitches 34 around its periphery, to the outer surface of the center section 24 centered over the central longitudinal axis 36.
  • the patch 54 is made up of a fabric covered neoprene, similar to the material making up the section 24, except that it is thicker, e.g., 0.25 inch (6.4 mm).
  • the patch 54 with its underlying central section 24 forms a triple thickness area of the brace that is centered along the longitudinal axis of the center section 24 and is coincident with the wearer's spine to bring (e.g., force) the bladder 100 into closer conformity with the natural depression of the wearer's back along the wearer's spine when the bladder is in place within the brace.
  • a strip 56 of a multi-loop VELCRO® component (Fig. 3) is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn around its periphery by a line of stitches 34 (Fig. 2), to the inner surface of the central section 24 of the brace immediately below the patch 54, i.e., adjacent the bottom edge of the brace.
  • a similar multi-loop VELCRO® component strip 58 (Fig.3) is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn around its periphery by a line of stitches 34 (Fig. 2), to the inner surface of the central section 24 of the brace immediately above the patch 54, i.e., immediately adjacent the top edge of the brace.
  • the strips 56 and 58 serve to releasably mount the bladder 100 in the brace, as will be described later.
  • a pair of straps 60 and 62 are fixedly secured to the outer surface of the brace along respective marginal edges 38 and 40 of the central section 24 at the junction with the side mounting tabs 26 and 28, respectively.
  • the straps 60 and 62 are elastic, e.g., a woven elastic fabric such as that available from RX Textiles.
  • a generally rectangular patch 64 of a multi-hook VELCRO® component is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn around its perimeter by a line of stitches 34 , to the surface of the strap 60 facing the side mounting tab 26 at the free end of the strap 60.
  • An identical patch 66 of a multi-hook VELCRO® component is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn around its perimeter by a line of stitches 34, to the surface of the strap 62 facing the side mounting tab 28 at the free end of the strap 62.
  • the elastic straps 60 and 62 enable the wearer 10 of the brace 20 to provide additional tension to the brace.
  • either one or both of the straps 60 and 62 can be adjusted, e.g., stretched and/or positioned, over any portion of the brace that their associated multi-hook VELCRO® patches 64 and 66 can reach to be releasably secured thereto. This enables the user to adjust the brace to his/her particular anatomy, in the interest of functionality without sacrificing wearer comfort.
  • bladders in accordance with this invention can take forms other than the exemplary embodiment 100.
  • other shapes and sizes can be used for a back brace.
  • other shapes and sizes can be used for any brace envisioned by this invention for use on any portion of a person's body, e.g., the thigh/hamstring, knee, ankle, elbow, wrist, shoulder, etc.
  • the bladder 100 is a hollow member that is releasably secured by means (to be described later) to the plush or multi- loop strips 56 and 58 on the inner surface of the central section 24 of the brace 20.
  • the bladder basically comprises a pair of identically shaped thin planar, flexible sheets 102 and 104.
  • the shape or profile of the sheets making up the exemplary bladder 100 of Fig. 1 is generally trapezoidal, with slightly rounded corners, but this shape is merely exemplary of various shapes that can be used in accordance with this invention.
  • the sheets 102 and 104 can be of any suitable flexible material which is impervious to the passage of a fluid, e.g., water or some other liquid or a gas therethrough, since the bladder is arranged to be inflated with such a fluid and to retain the fluid therein (as will be described later).
  • a fluid e.g., water or some other liquid or a gas therethrough
  • the bladder is arranged to be inflated with such a fluid and to retain the fluid therein (as will be described later).
  • Two particularly suitable materials for making up either or both of the sheets 102 and 104 are polyurethane covered nylon fabric or urethane.
  • the covering may be a clear 4.0 mil polyether polyurethane on 200 denier nylon 6,6, such as that available from Highland Industries, Inc.
  • the urethane may be clear or partially transparent or translucent to enable the user to see the fluid within it (assuming that the fluid itself is colored or is otherwise visible to the naked eye).
  • Each sheet can be approximately 10 mil thick.
  • each of the chamber sections is bounded by one or more of the plural seal lines.
  • the multiple chambers are preferably in fluid communication with one another so that fluid introduced into the bladder at one or more locations can flow throughout the various chambers to inflate them all.
  • the fluid may, if desired, be circulated into, through and out of the bladder (as will also be described later). If desired, sections of the bladder may be isolated from other sections, so long as each section is arranged to be inflated with a fluid.
  • each of the inflatable sections of the bladder includes at least one, and preferably several, of the discrete contact points.
  • the bladder when the bladder is inflated, i.e., a fluid is introduced therein, the fluid flows through the communicating chamber sections to inflate them, whereupon portions of the sheets 102 and 104 separate from each other except along the length of the seal lines and at the location of the plural discrete contact points. This action results in the production of numerous discrete high and low surface areas spread across the area encompassed by the bladder.
  • the high points on the bladder i.e., the areas between the seal lines and discrete contact points
  • the low points on the bladder i.e., the areas at and immediately contiguous with the seal lines and discrete contact points
  • This application of multiple areas of higher pressure separated by multiple areas of lower pressure should prove to be quite effective for effecting lymphatic drainage and/or reducing lymphedema or edema.
  • the two sheets 102 and 104 of the bladder 100 are fixedly secured, e.g., thermally bonded, ultrasonically bonded, etc., to each other along the entire periphery of the bladder by a peripheral seal 106.
  • the portion of the seal line 106 extending along the "bottom"edge of the bladder (the portion that will be located closest to the wearer's waist) is designated by the reference number 106A
  • the portion of the seal line 106 extending along the" top" edge of the bladder is designated by 106B
  • the portions along the sides of the bladder are designated as 106C and 106D, respectively.
  • Other suitable means e.g., an adhesive, can be used to secure the two sheets together along their periphery, providing that the joint is fluid (or leak)-proof.
  • the bladder 100 is broken up into eleven inflatable sections 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J and 100K by the heretofore mentioned seal lines.
  • the bladder 100 includes a central longitudinal linear seal line 108 extending down the center of the bladder.
  • a pair of linear seal lines 110 and 112 extend inward from the bottom edge portion 106A of the peripheral seal 106 towards the central seal line 108 but spaced slightly therefrom.
  • a similar pair of linear seal lines 114 and 116 extend inward from the opposite or top edge portion 106B of the peripheral seal 106 toward the central seal line, but spaced slightly therefrom.
  • Three transverse linear seal lines 118, 120 and 122 intersect the central seal line 108 and extend toward their respective portions 106A and 106B of the peripheral seal 106, but are spaced slightly therefrom.
  • a pair of arcuate seal lines 124 and 126 merge with the transverse seal line 122.
  • the left most portion of the seal line 122 and contiguous portions of the central seal line 108, the side seal line 106D, and the top seal line portion 106B define the heretofore identified bladder section 100A, with the gap between the end of the seal line 122 and the top seal line portion 106B forming an entrance/outlet for that section.
  • seal line 116 and contiguous portions of the top seal line portion 106B, the seal line 122, and contiguous central seal line 108 define the heretofore identified bladder section 100B, with the gap between the end of the seal line 116 and the central seal line 108 forming an entrance/outlet for that section.
  • the seal linel 16 and contiguous portions of the top seal line portion 106B, the seal line 120, and the contiguous central seal line 108 define the heretofore identified bladder section 100C, with the gap between the end of the seal line 120 and the top seal line portion 106B forming an entrance/outlet for that section.
  • seal line 120 and contiguous portion of the central seal line 108, the seal line 114 and the contiguous portion of the top seal line portion 106B define the heretofore identified bladder section 100D, with the gap between the end of the seal line 114 and the central seal line 108 forming an entrance/outlet for that section.
  • the seal line 114 and contiguous portion of the top seal line portion 106B, the seal line 118, and the contiguous portion of the central seal line 108 define the heretofore identified bladder section 100E, with the gap between the end of the seal line 118 and the top seal line portionl 06B forming an entrance/outlet for that section.
  • the seal line 118, the adjacent top seal line portion 106B, the adjacent side seal line 106C and the adjacent bottom seal line portion 106A define the heretofore identified bladder section 100F, with the gap between the end of the seal line 118 and the top seal line portion 106B forming one entrance/outlet for that section and with the gap between the other end of the seal line 118 and the bottom seal line portionl 06A forming another entrance/outlet for that section.
  • the sections 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J and 100K are constructed similarly to sections 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D and 100E, respectively.
  • the section 100F extends virtually the full height of the bladder along the side edge 106C between the top seal line portion 106B and the bottom seal line portion 106A.
  • each contact point 140 is in the form of a small circular, e.g., 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) diameter, area which is preferably formed in the same manner and at the same time as the formation of the seal lines described above.
  • the discrete contact points are located throughout virtually the entire area of the bladder and can be randomly spaced or equidistantly spaced from one another. Alternatively, some of the discrete contact points 140 may be spaced by the same distance from each other while others of the discrete contact points may be spaced by different distance(s) from each other, like that shown in Fig. 4.
  • the bladder 100 In order to enable the bladder to be inflated, it includes at least one port into which an inflation fluid may be introduced, and if desired exhausted (if the bladder is to be deflated or if the bladder is desired to be continuously or continually inflated - as will be discussed later).
  • the embodiment of the bladder 100 includes a pair of ports (not shown) located in the sheet 104 for that purpose. The ports are located in the areas bounded by the arcuate seal lines 124 and 126 and each is arranged to receive a respective flanged, right-angle shaped hollow connector therein.
  • one connector 146 extends through the port bounded by seal line 124, with the connector's flange 150 fixedly secured, e.g., welded or adhesively secured, to the inner surface of the bladder sheet 102 about the periphery of that port. That port is in fluid communication with the bladder section 100A and is also in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the connector 146.
  • a flanged, right-angle.shaped hollow connector 148 extends through the port bounded by the arcuate seal line 126, with the connector's flange 150 fixedly secured, e.g., welded or adhesively secured, to the inner surface of the bladder sheet 102 about the periphery of that port.
  • each of the connectors 146 and 148 is formed of a rigid, yet slightly flexible material, e.g., urethane.
  • a rigid, yet slightly flexible material e.g., urethane.
  • One particularly suitable commercial connector is available from Halkey-Roberts.
  • Each connector 146 and 148 includes a hollow free end which receives one end of short section of a flexible plastic tube 152, e.g., clear PVC tubing of 5/16 inch (7.9 mm) outside diameter and 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) inside diameter, such as available from Laird Plastics under the designation Uniflex 650.
  • a respective conventional shut-off valve 154 is mounted on each of the tubes 152.
  • Each valve includes an inlet/outlet connector having a port 156 arranged to be connected via any tube or conduit (not shown) to a source of inflation fluid.
  • the shut-off valve is of conventional construction, such as that sold by Air-Oil Products, Corp.
  • the inflation fluid for the bladder is arranged to flow under pressure from the fluid source (not shown), through the port 156 into either valve, through the valve 148 into its associated tube 152, from whence it flows through the associated connector 146/148 into the interior of the bladder to inflate the bladder when the valve is actuated.
  • each valve includes an manually operable actuator on the outside of the valve which is coupled to a valve element (not shown) within the valve to open the valve when the actuator is manually actuated (e.g., pressed).
  • the bladder 100 When the bladder 100 is inflated through the valves 154, as just described, the fluid flows into the inlet ports of the bladder and then through the communicating chamber sections 100A - 100K to inflate them, whereupon the bladder's two sheets 102 and 104 separate from each other as described earlier to form the high and low points on the bladder.
  • the high and low points are shown as being somewhat symmetrical and evenly spaced. In actuality the shape of the bladder between the high points and the low points will vary depending upon various factors, e.g., the degree of inflation, the amount of compression provided by the brace or wrap, etc.
  • the bladder 100 is preferably inflated once the brace or wrap is in position on the wearer's body (as will be discussed later). However, if desired, the bladder may be inflated first, then mounted in the brace, then the brace may be placed about the patient's body part to be treated. In either case, when the inflated bladder is within the brace and the brace is in place and tightened, e.g., compression applied, the high and low areas resulting from the inflation of the bladder will create corresponding varied high and low pressure points on the skin and underlying tissue of the wearer that the bladder engages. This action can be extremely effective to reduce lymphedema and/or edema and to provide lymphatic drainage.
  • the bladder is inflated when in place on the body of the being the flow of fluid through the bladder to create the varying high and low pressure points opens up initial lymphatic vessels through skin movement, thereby facilitating lymphatic drainage.
  • This lymphatic drainage action can be expedited further by keeping the bladder inflated by circulating the inflation fluid through it on a continuous or continual basis.
  • fluid can be introduced into the bladder through one of the valves and its associated port so that the fluid will flow through the communicating chambers and will exit the other port and that other port's valve either continuously for a predetermined or indeterminate period of time or can be accomplished on a continual basis, e.g., at regular or irregular intervals.
  • the type of fluid used to inflate the bladder 100 can provide additional benefit(s).
  • the fluid may be in the form of cold water or some other cooled liquid (e.g., a mixture of propylene glycol and water) or a gas (e.g., air) to cool the affected area for some desired therapeutic effect, or may be in the form of a heated liquid or gas to heat the affected body part if a heated therapeutic effect is desired.
  • the continuous or continual passage of fluid through the bladder to keep it inflated can be carried out by any means, e.g., a recirculating fluid supply.
  • That supply may be an integrated self-contained system (not shown) comprising a small, electrically operated pump, a battery or AC power supply to provide electricity to power the pump, an electronic controller (e.g., circuit board with integrated circuit chip) for controlling the operation of the pump, a bag or reservoir for the inflation fluid, a heat sink in the form of tubing (e.g., copper or stainless steel) through which the inflation fluid flows to be cooled, and a chamber for ice and water through which the heat sink tubing extends.
  • a recirculating fluid supply may be an integrated self-contained system (not shown) comprising a small, electrically operated pump, a battery or AC power supply to provide electricity to power the pump, an electronic controller (e.g., circuit board with integrated circuit chip) for controlling the operation of the pump, a bag or reservoir for the inflation fluid, a heat sink in the
  • the inflation fluid is pumped by the pump under the control of the circuit board from the reservoir through the heat-sink tubing, whereupon it is cooled by the ice and water surrounding the tubing.
  • the cooled fluid then flows through one of the valves 154 and the associated bladder port into the bladder to inflate the bladder and then exits the bladder through the other port and associated valve 154, whereupon it is carried back to the reservoir for re- cooling.
  • This recirculating fluid supply system enables the bladder of this invention to maintain the person's back (or whatever body part the bladder is used on) at desired, consistent, cool temperature for an indefinite period of time so long as the fluid is cooled and circulated.
  • the material making up the brace itself e.g., neoprene, is a good thermal insulator, the brace is quite effective in retaining the cooling effect provided by the inflation fluid for a substantial period of time.
  • the elastomeric nature of the exemplary brace should also provide substantial support for the body part being treated.
  • the bladder In order to releasably secure the bladder 100 in the brace 20, as best seen in Figs. 3 and 5, the bladder includes a pair of multi-hook VELCRO® fastening tapes162 and 164 fixedly secured, e.g., adhesively secured, to the outer surface of the bladder panel 104 along the bottom and top edges, respectively. These multi-hook strips are arranged to releasably engage the multi-loop or plush strips 56 and 58, respectively, on the inner surface of the brace's central section 24.
  • valves and associated conduits be located outside the outer surface of the brace or wrap.
  • the central section 24 of the planar sheet 22 includes a pair of openings or holes through which those connectors extend so that the valves can be mounted thereon by the associated conduits.
  • the holes through which the connectors extend are located to the right of the centerline 36, but such an arrangement is merely exemplary.
  • FIGs. 6 and 7 there is shown an alternative brace 200 constructed in accordance with this invention.
  • the brace 200 is for use on a knee and is of conventional construction, such as that sold by Pro Orthopedic Devices, Inc. and as shown and described in United States Letters Patent No. 5,865,777, whose disclosure is incorporated by reference herein. It should be pointed out at this juncture that the brace 200 is merely exemplary of numerous types of knee braces that may be constructed in accordance with this invention to accommodate a bladder.
  • the brace 200 includes a bladder 300 constructed in accordance with this invention.
  • the brace 200 is a generally planar sheet of elastomeric material having a central portion 202 and three mounting tabs 204, 206, and 208.
  • the material forming the sheet is most preferably a plush fabric-coated neoprene.
  • the neoprene sheet is of a substantial thickness, e.g. approximately 4 mm. thick, to provide cushioning, support and thermal retention.
  • the fabric forming the outer surface of the brace is tufted or plush, e.g., is a UBL (unbroken loop) fabric, compatible with VELCRO®. multi-hook fastening components so that it can act as the multiple loop fastening component of a VELCRO® fastening system to facilitate the mounting of the brace on the person's knee.
  • the fabric layer forming the inner surface of the brace is selected to be comfortable and non-chafing, e.g., is a smooth nylon tricot.
  • the central portion 202 is of a generally rectangular shape having a longitudinal central or mid-line axis 209 and a pair of lateral sides located on opposite sides of the axis.
  • a pair of spaced mounting tabs extend from one lateral side of the brace perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and contiguous with the top and bottom edges, respectively, of the brace.
  • the tabs 204 and 208 are arranged to be wrapped about the thigh region and the calf region, respectively, from the same direction.
  • An intermediate mounting tab 206 extends from the opposite lateral side of the brace perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and between the upper and lower mounting tabs 204 and 208, respectively.
  • the intermediate mounting tab 206 is arranged to be stretched and wrapped around the back of the person's knee in the opposite direction than the upper and lower tabs.
  • the width of the intermediate mounting tab is such that it may fit within the space between the upper and lower mounting tabs to minimize any tendency for the brace to bunch up behind the knee, particularly when the knee is bent.
  • a generally triangular VELCRO® multi-hook ear 210 is provided, e.g., sewn in place by a line of stitches 212 to engage the plush outer surface of the brace to releasably secure the mounting tab in place.
  • the lower mounting tab 208 is similarly constructed with a triangular ear 210 to releasably secure the lower mounting tab 208 in place on the brace. The amount of overlap of the tabs is adjustable to accommodate legs of various sizes.
  • the intermediate mounting tab 206 is similarly constructed to include a VELCRO® multi-hook ear 210 on its free end so that it can be stretched and wrapped in the opposite direction behind the knee as the upper and lower mounting tabs. Accordingly, the multiple hooks of the ear 210 of the intermediate tab 206 releasably engage the plush fabric of brace between the upper and lower mounting tabs 204 and 208, with the amount of overlap also being adjustable to accommodate knees of various sizes.
  • the brace 200 includes four reinforcing stays mounted in the central portion of the brace.
  • Each stay is an elongated strip of resilient material, e.g., a thin plastic strip or a flattened coil of aluminum or other metal, to provide additional stability to the knee and/or to keep the brace from collapsing on the knee when the knee is flexed.
  • the stays are in two pairs, with each pair being located in the central portion of the brace 200 on opposite the side of the central longitudinal axis.
  • the stays are located under respective strips 214 of the same material as that of the brace portion 202.
  • the strips 214 are secured, i.e., sewn in place by respective lines of stitches 216, with the stays interposed between those strips and the underlying material making up the central portion 202.
  • the brace 200 also includes a pair of adjustment straps 218 and 220 to enable the wearer to customize the tension or tightness applied by the brace to the thigh region and the calf region, respectively.
  • the two adjustment straps are constructed identically to each other.
  • Each is an elongated flexible web of inelastic fabric, e.g., nylon, having a first end portion 222 fixedly secured, e.g., sewn by a portion of the stitch line 216, to the outer surface of the central portion of the brace approximately midway between the longitudinal axis 208 and the side of the brace from which the intermediate tab 206 extends.
  • the straps are secured to the brace between the pair of stays on that side of the brace.
  • each of the adjustment straps is arranged to be extended through a respective buckle 226 and 228 mounted on the brace to tighten the brace around the portion of the leg at which the strap is located.
  • the undersurface of the free end portion 224 of each adjustment strap is in the form of a VELCRO® multi-hook patch while the rest of the undersurface is in the form of a VELCRO® plush or multi-loop material.
  • a pair of buckles 226 and 228 are mounted on the outer surface of the brace opposite the adjustment straps 218 and 220.
  • each buckle includes a central opening for receipt of the free end portion of the associated adjustment strap therethrough.
  • Each strap can be secured to its associated buckle and tightened to the desired degree of tightness by extending the multi-hook free end portion 224 of it across the center portion of the brace and through the opening in the associated buckle.
  • the desired amount of tension can be readily applied by pulling on the free end portion of the adjustment strap and folding it back over itself to bring the multi-hook free end component into engagement with the plush or multi-loop component of that strap.
  • the bladder 300 for the knee brace will now be described with reference to Fig. 7. As can be seen therein, the bladder 300 is somewhat similar in construction to the bladder 100 described heretofore, except for its over-all shape and the number and shape of its chamber sections.
  • the bladder 300 is arranged to be releasably secured to the inner surface of the central section 202 of the brace 200.
  • the bladder basically comprises a pair of identically shaped thin planar, flexible sheets 102 and 104.
  • the shape or profile of the sheets making up the exemplary bladder 300 of Fig. 7 is generally square, with slightly rounded corners,
  • the two sheets 102 and 104 are fixedly secured to each other along plural seal lines (to be described shortly) to form a plurality of inflatable chamber sections in the bladder.
  • each chamber section is bounded by one or more of plural seal lines 302, similar to those described earlier, but of a different shape as shown in Fig. 7. The details of the shape of the various seal lines will not be discussed since such shapes are readily discernable from that figure.
  • the multiple chambers are preferably in fluid communication with one another so that fluid introduced into the bladder 300 at one or more locations can flow throughout the various chambers to inflate them all.
  • the two sheets 102 and 104 of the bladder 300 are fixedly secured to each other at plural discrete contact points 140 spread throughout virtually the entire extent of the bladder.
  • the bladder 300 includes a plurality, e.g., six, slits 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 and 314 extending inward from respective marginal edges of the bladder 300 toward the center thereof. These slits form six wedge shaped sectors, each of a general triangular shape, with one sector being defined between slits 304 and 306, and with another sector being defined between slits 306 and 308. Another sector is defined between slits 308 and 310. Another sector is defined between slits 310 and 312.
  • Another sector is defined between slits 312 and 314 and the last sector is defined between slits 314 and 304.
  • the sectors are disposed diametrically opposite each, with the corner sectors being four sided and the top and bottom sectors being triangular. Essentially the diametrically disposed sectors are mirror images of each other.
  • the bladder 300 being arranged for use on the knee, includes a central opening 316 which is arranged to be located concentric with a patellar opening 230 (Fig. 6) in the brace 200 to accommodate the wearer's patella when the bladder is releasably mounted within the brace 200 and the brace is in position.
  • a central, circular seal line 316A extends about the periphery of the opening 316.
  • a foam donut (not shown) is mounted on the inside of the brace around the opening 230 and is covered by a felt donut sewn thereover by a circular stitch line 232 (Fig. 6).
  • the slits 304-314 in the bladder enable the bladder to closely conform to the wearer's knee (the slits act as "darts” enabling portions of the bladder to readily assume orientations in somewhat different planes and/or directions).
  • the bladder 300 can be modified to be used as part of a shoulder brace in accordance with this invention.
  • the two sheets 102 and 104 forming the bladder 300 are fixedly secured to each other at plural discrete contact points 140, e.g., small circular 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) diameter areas, spread throughout the bladder.
  • the discrete contact points are located throughout virtually the entire area of the bladder and can be randomly spaced or equidistantly spaced from one another. Alternatively, some of the discrete contact points may be spaced by the same distance from each other while others of the discrete contact points may be spaced by different distance(s) from each other.
  • the bladder includes a pair of arcuate seal lines bounding respective ports for receipt of respective flanged right-angle connectors 146 and 148 through the respective ports in sheet 104.
  • the arrangement and location of the port(s) for the bladder 100 is also exemplary of various types of arrangements which can be used in any of the braces/wraps/bladders of this invention. Thus, one or more ports can be placed at any desired location in the bladder.
  • the fluid introduced under pressure flows into the inlet ports of the bladder and through the communicating chamber sections 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F, 300G, 300H, 3001, 300J, 300K, 300L, 300M, 300N, 300O, 300P, 300Q, 300R, 300S, 300T, 300U, 300V and 300X to inflate them, whereupon the bladder's two sheets 102 and 104 separate from each other as described earlier to form the varied high and low points on the bladder.
  • the bladder In order to releasably secure the bladder 300 in the brace 200, the bladder includes a pair of multi-hook VELCRO® fastening tapes (like tape 162 and 164 described earlier) fixedly secured, e.g., adhesively secured, to the outer surface of the bladder panel 104 along the top and bottom marginal edges. These strips are arranged to releasably engage multi-loop or plush strips 56 and 58 on the inner surface of the central section of the brace 200.
  • a pair of multi-hook VELCRO® fastening tapes like tape 162 and 164 described earlier
  • These strips are arranged to releasably engage multi-loop or plush strips 56 and 58 on the inner surface of the central section of the brace 200.
  • valves and associated conduits be located outside of the brace.
  • the central portion of the brace includes a pair of holes adjacent its top edge through which the connectors 146 and 148 extend so that the valves can be mounted thereon by the associated conduits.
  • the arrangement and location of the port(s) for the bladders of this invention as shown herein are exemplary of various types of arrangements which can be used in any of the braces/wraps/bladders of this invention.
  • one or more ports can be placed at any desired location in the bladder.
  • a plan view of a bladder 400 suitable for use in a wrist brace (not shown).
  • the wrist brace may be of any conventional construction, e.g., a fabric covered neoprene member similar to the braces 20 and 200, but shaped to accommodate the wrist.
  • the bladder 400 is constructed similarly to the bladders 100 and 300, except for its overall peripheral shape, e.g., a rectangle with a bulbous projection from the center of one of its long sides, and the shape of its various seal lines and interposed chambers. In the interest of brevity the details of the shape of the seal lines and various chambers will not be discussed.
  • the seal line 404 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bladder, approximately centered between the top and bottom edges and its ends terminate spaced from the peripheral seal along the side edges of the bladder.
  • the seal line 406 extends transversely to the seal line 404 approximately centered between the sides of the bladder. The ends of the seal line 406 are spaced from the peripheral seal along the top and bottom edges of the bladder.
  • the ports for the connectors 146 and 148 in sheet 104 are bounded by respective arcuate seal lines 408 and 410.
  • the two sheets 102 and 104 of the bladder 400 are also fixedly secured to each other at the plural discrete contact points 140, e.g., small circular 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) diameter areas, spread throughout the bladder 400.
  • the discrete contact points are located throughout virtually the entire area of the bladder and can be randomly spaced or equidistantly spaced from one another. Alternatively, some of the discrete contact points may be spaced by the same distance from each other while others of the discrete contact points may be spaced by different distance(s) from each other.
  • a plan view of a bladder 500 suitable for use in an ankle brace (not shown).
  • the bladder can be suitable for use in an elbow brace.
  • the ankle or elbow brace may be of any conventional construction, e.g., a fabric covered neoprene member similarto the braces 20 and 200, but shaped to accommodate the ankle or elbow (as the case may be).
  • the bladder 500 is constructed similarly to the bladders 100, 300 and 400 except for its overall peripheral shape and the shape of its various seal lines and chambers. Thus, in the interest of brevity the details of the shape of the various chambers, seal lines, etc. will not be discussed since they are readily discernable from Fig. 9.
  • the two sheets 102 and 104 of the bladder 500 are also fixedly secured other at the plural discrete contact points 140, e.g., small circular 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) diameter areas, spread throughout the bladder 500.
  • the discrete contact points are located throughout virtually the entire area of the bladder and can be randomly spaced or equidistantly spaced from one another. Alternatively, some of the discrete contact points may be spaced by the same distance from each other while others of the discrete contact points may be spaced by different distance(s) from each other.
  • the bladders of the subject invention can be readily used with braces like those discussed above or with other patented or commercially available wrap-around or sleeve like braces.
  • the bladders can be releasably mounted by either VELCRO® fastening systems or other releasably securable means, e.g., snaps, tapes, etc., or if desired can be fixedly secured within the brace or made integral therewith.
  • the bladders may be inflated and sealed so that they are not deflatable, although the ability to deflate and then reinflate the bladder would appear to offer various advantages, e.g., the ability to customize the amount of inflation, the ability to keep the brace at a desired temperature either intermittently or continuously, etc.
  • the bladder can be filled and sealed, thereby obviating the need for the angled connectors, conduits and valves. Such an arrangement can still be viable, particularly if the bladder is removable from the brace (although it needn't be removable).
  • the bladder may include slits, like those described above, or not in the interest of good conformance.
  • the bladders of this invention need not be used with elastic braces or sleeves like those described above.
  • the bladders of this invention can be used with other types of braces or any type of wrap, e.g., a strip or web of material that can be placed about an area of the body to cover it and apply pressure to it, a splinted wrap or brace, etc.
  • a strip or web of material that can be placed about an area of the body to cover it and apply pressure to it, a splinted wrap or brace, etc.
  • the subject invention was described with reference to use on human beings, that usage is also exemplary.
  • the subject invention can be used on any living being.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne une gaine élastique comprenant une poche rapportée permettant de réaliser un drainage lymphatique efficace d'une partie du corps d'un être vivant. La poche est un élément creux formé de deux feuille flexibles assemblées l'une avec l'autre le long d'une pluralité de lignes de joints de manière à former une pluralité de sections formant des compartiments gonflables. Ces compartiments sont conçus pour être remplis d'un fluide, p. ex. un liquide chaud ou froid, un gaz, et gonflés de manière à former des régions discrètes générant des points de pression élevée et des points de pression faible variés sur la peau et les tissus sous-jacents du sujet lorsque la gaine est en place. Cette gaine peut présenter différentes configurations permettant son application sur une partie quelconque de l'anatomie du sujet.
PCT/US2001/027141 2000-09-06 2001-08-30 Gaine ou enveloppe avec poche de fluide et utilisation de celle-ci pour un drainage lymphatique WO2002019954A2 (fr)

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AU2001288584A AU2001288584A1 (en) 2000-09-06 2001-08-30 Brace with fluid bladder for lymphatic drainage

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US65654400A 2000-09-06 2000-09-06
US09/656,544 2000-09-06

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FR2845275A1 (fr) * 2002-10-03 2004-04-09 Nutri 2000 Systeme pneumatique de drainage lymphatique
GB2410438A (en) * 2004-01-28 2005-08-03 Arden Medical Ltd Inflatable back support
WO2008045762A2 (fr) * 2006-10-06 2008-04-17 National Jewish Medical And Research Center Dispositif facilitant une aspiration d'articulation
WO2011035820A1 (fr) * 2009-09-28 2011-03-31 Manfred Schwaiger-Shah Dispositif d'amincissement par amélioration de l'irrigation sanguine cutanée
WO2012046068A1 (fr) * 2010-10-06 2012-04-12 Squease Ltd Vêtement comportant des vessies gonflables pour l'application d'une pression thérapeutique
AT511108B1 (de) * 2011-06-17 2012-09-15 Obermayer Alfred Dr Druckkompresse bzw. stützbekleidungsstück
EP2596771A1 (fr) * 2011-11-24 2013-05-29 Richard Freres Orthèse ajustable
US20140142473A1 (en) * 2010-12-30 2014-05-22 Mark H. Lowe Reinforced therapeutic wrap and method
WO2016074740A1 (fr) 2014-11-14 2016-05-19 Universite Libre De Bruxelles Procédé et dispositif pour le traitement d'un lymphoedème
US9943437B2 (en) 2009-10-22 2018-04-17 Coolsystems, Inc. Temperature and flow control methods in a thermal therapy device
US9980844B2 (en) 2007-02-13 2018-05-29 Coolsystems, Inc. Flexible joint wrap
US10456320B2 (en) 2013-10-01 2019-10-29 Coolsystems, Inc. Hand and foot wraps
US10463565B2 (en) 2011-06-17 2019-11-05 Coolsystems, Inc. Adjustable patient therapy device
CN110897846A (zh) * 2019-05-29 2020-03-24 奥佳华智能健康科技集团股份有限公司 按摩器
WO2020096204A1 (fr) * 2018-11-07 2020-05-14 고려대학교 산학협력단 Dispositif d'assistance articulaire fonctionnel
US10859295B2 (en) 2016-04-13 2020-12-08 ZeoThermal Technologies, LLC Cooling and heating platform
US11013635B2 (en) 2004-05-17 2021-05-25 Coolsystems, Inc. Modular apparatus for therapy of an animate body
US11918539B2 (en) 2020-06-10 2024-03-05 Welch Allyn, Inc. Wearable health management system

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FR2845275A1 (fr) * 2002-10-03 2004-04-09 Nutri 2000 Systeme pneumatique de drainage lymphatique
GB2410438A (en) * 2004-01-28 2005-08-03 Arden Medical Ltd Inflatable back support
GB2410438B (en) * 2004-01-28 2008-02-27 Arden Medical Ltd Portable lumbar support device
US11013635B2 (en) 2004-05-17 2021-05-25 Coolsystems, Inc. Modular apparatus for therapy of an animate body
WO2008045762A2 (fr) * 2006-10-06 2008-04-17 National Jewish Medical And Research Center Dispositif facilitant une aspiration d'articulation
WO2008045762A3 (fr) * 2006-10-06 2008-06-26 Nat Jewish Med & Res Center Dispositif facilitant une aspiration d'articulation
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US9980844B2 (en) 2007-02-13 2018-05-29 Coolsystems, Inc. Flexible joint wrap
AU2009352957B2 (en) * 2009-09-28 2015-09-17 Manfred Schwaiger-Shah Device which permits slimming by improving blood flow in the abdomen area
WO2011035820A1 (fr) * 2009-09-28 2011-03-31 Manfred Schwaiger-Shah Dispositif d'amincissement par amélioration de l'irrigation sanguine cutanée
US9155676B2 (en) 2009-09-28 2015-10-13 Manfred Schwaiger-Shah Device which permits slimming by improving blood flow in the abdomen area
US9943437B2 (en) 2009-10-22 2018-04-17 Coolsystems, Inc. Temperature and flow control methods in a thermal therapy device
WO2012046068A1 (fr) * 2010-10-06 2012-04-12 Squease Ltd Vêtement comportant des vessies gonflables pour l'application d'une pression thérapeutique
US20140142473A1 (en) * 2010-12-30 2014-05-22 Mark H. Lowe Reinforced therapeutic wrap and method
US9615967B2 (en) 2010-12-30 2017-04-11 Coolsystems, Inc. Reinforced therapeutic wrap and method
US11547625B2 (en) 2010-12-30 2023-01-10 Avent, Inc. Reinforced therapeutic wrap and method
AT511108B1 (de) * 2011-06-17 2012-09-15 Obermayer Alfred Dr Druckkompresse bzw. stützbekleidungsstück
AT511108A4 (de) * 2011-06-17 2012-09-15 Obermayer Alfred Dr Druckkompresse bzw. stützbekleidungsstück
US10463565B2 (en) 2011-06-17 2019-11-05 Coolsystems, Inc. Adjustable patient therapy device
FR2983063A1 (fr) * 2011-11-24 2013-05-31 Richard Freres Orthese ajustable
EP2596771A1 (fr) * 2011-11-24 2013-05-29 Richard Freres Orthèse ajustable
US10456320B2 (en) 2013-10-01 2019-10-29 Coolsystems, Inc. Hand and foot wraps
WO2015084925A1 (fr) * 2013-12-03 2015-06-11 Coolsystems, Inc. Bandage thérapeutique renforcé et procédé
WO2016074740A1 (fr) 2014-11-14 2016-05-19 Universite Libre De Bruxelles Procédé et dispositif pour le traitement d'un lymphoedème
US10859295B2 (en) 2016-04-13 2020-12-08 ZeoThermal Technologies, LLC Cooling and heating platform
WO2020096204A1 (fr) * 2018-11-07 2020-05-14 고려대학교 산학협력단 Dispositif d'assistance articulaire fonctionnel
CN110897846A (zh) * 2019-05-29 2020-03-24 奥佳华智能健康科技集团股份有限公司 按摩器
US11918539B2 (en) 2020-06-10 2024-03-05 Welch Allyn, Inc. Wearable health management system

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Publication number Publication date
AU2001288584A1 (en) 2002-03-22
WO2002019954A3 (fr) 2003-11-06

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