WO2002100316A1 - Apparatus for stimulating blood flow - Google Patents

Apparatus for stimulating blood flow Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002100316A1
WO2002100316A1 PCT/GB2002/002547 GB0202547W WO02100316A1 WO 2002100316 A1 WO2002100316 A1 WO 2002100316A1 GB 0202547 W GB0202547 W GB 0202547W WO 02100316 A1 WO02100316 A1 WO 02100316A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pad
bladder
sections
user
foot
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2002/002547
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Rolf Schild
Original Assignee
Huntleigh Technology Plc
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 Huntleigh Technology Plc filed Critical Huntleigh Technology Plc
Publication of WO2002100316A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002100316A1/en

Links

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
    • 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
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
    • A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
    • A61H1/0255—Both knee and hip of a patient, e.g. in supine or sitting position, the feet being moved together in a plane substantially parallel to the body-symmetrical plane
    • A61H1/0262—Walking movement; Appliances for aiding disabled persons to walk
    • 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
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
    • A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
    • A61H1/0266—Foot
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/008—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
    • A63B21/0085—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters using pneumatic force-resisters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
    • A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
    • A63B21/4037—Exercise mats for personal use, with or without hand-grips or foot-grips, e.g. for Yoga or supine floor exercises
    • 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/164—Feet or leg, e.g. pedal
    • A61H2201/1642—Holding means therefor
    • 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
    • A61H2205/12—Feet
    • 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
    • A61H2209/00—Devices for avoiding blood stagnation, e.g. Deep Vein Thrombosis [DVT] devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/62—Inflatable

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus to improve the circulation in the legs of a person sitting for long periods of time.
  • the present invention provides a leg exercising apparatus which enables a patient to exercise his or her leg muscles from a prone or seated position by dorsal and plantar flexion, thus imitating the muscular actions involved in normal walking. It has also been shown that the arch of the foot houses a large venous plexus which normally is compressed by means of the dorsal and plantar flexion of the foot during walking or running thereby stimulating circulation.
  • an inflatable pad comprising at least one bladder to engage substantially the whole of the sole of a foot, the bladder divided into two sections interconnected by means of a restrictor, one section to accommodate the heel area of a foot and interconnected to the other section for the front of the foot, means to allow partial inflation of the bladder and means to retain the air within the bladder.
  • the bladder is part of a pair of bladders located side by side on the inflatable pad, for ease of use and transport.
  • the bladder (s) is made from vapour permeable material.
  • a person in use, partially inflates the two bladders of the pad and then places the pad on the floor in front of where he is about to sit.
  • the feet are placed upon each respective bladder, the heels on top of the rear inflated bladder sections.
  • the person presses down on the heels and pushes the air into the front section of the bladder thereby raising the front of the foot.
  • the section underlying the heel is deflated and the heel lowered.
  • the front of the foot is then pressed against the bladder and air is transferred back to the heel bladder and the action continues. In this way the foot is made to flex.
  • Figures 1 shows a plan view of a pair of bladders according to the invention.
  • a pad 10 is formed from two superposed sheets of plastics material high frequency welded together at their peripheries and internally in a pattern defining the bladders 11 and 12.
  • the high frequency weld can be replaced by other available means of joining the materials, for example, ultrasonic welding, heat sealing or by adhesive bonding.
  • Apertures 31 and 32 are provided on the material for inflation, for example, by mouth or pump.
  • the two bladders 11, 12 are partially inflated and the apertures closed.
  • the amount of inflation may be adjusted to the weight of the person using the pad 10.
  • the pad 10 is placed on the ground in front of the user's chair and the heels of the feet of the user placed over bladder sections 14, 15. The heels are pressed against the pad 10 and the air from bladder sections 14, 15 is pushed into bladder sections 16, 17 via restrictors 21, 22 such that the fronts of the feet are lifted.
  • the user then presses down on sections 16, 17 to push the air back into sections 14, 15 and the cycle continues.
  • the cycle is carried out as long as the user is seated.
  • the user may press both heel sections simultaneously or alternately, whichever is comfortable.
  • the pad 10 may be held in place by suitable securing means, (not shown) preferably cushioned.
  • the pad can be used during any prolonged sitting, for example, on journeys, in public places or at home and can be used to provide continual prophylaxis since it can be used wherever the person is sitting, for simultaneous stimulation of the venous blood flow.
  • the pad may also be used whilst wearing elasticated stockings for enhanced venous stimulation.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Abstract

A pad (10) is formed from two superposed sheets of plastics material and defines bladders (11) and (12). Apertures (31) and (32) are provided on the pad for inflation, for example, by mouth or pump. In use, the two bladders (11, 12) are partially inflated and the apertures closed. The pad (10) is placed on the ground in front of the user's chair and the heels of the feet of the user placed over bladder sections (14, 15). The heels are pressed against the pad (10) and the air from bladder sections (14, 15) is pushed into bladder sections (16, 17) via restrictors (21, 22) such that the fronts of the feet are lifted. The user then presses down on sections (16, 17) to push the air back into sections (14, 15) and the cycle continues. The cycle is carried out as long as the user is seated. The pad (10) may be held in place by suitable securing means, (not shown) preferably cushioned.

Description

APPARATUS FOR STIMULATING BLOOD FLOW
This invention relates to apparatus to improve the circulation in the legs of a person sitting for long periods of time.
When a person stands, sits or lies for long periods without any movement, the velocity of blood flow in the person's extremities, particularly the legs, markedly decreases . Such a decrease or stasis of blood is particularly pronounced during surgery, immediately after surgery, and when a patient has been confined to bed or in a sitting position for extended periods of time. It is also known that stasis of blood is a significant cause leading to the formation of thrombi in a person's extremities, which may have a severe deleterious effect on the person, including death.
The present invention provides a leg exercising apparatus which enables a patient to exercise his or her leg muscles from a prone or seated position by dorsal and plantar flexion, thus imitating the muscular actions involved in normal walking. It has also been shown that the arch of the foot houses a large venous plexus which normally is compressed by means of the dorsal and plantar flexion of the foot during walking or running thereby stimulating circulation.
According to the present invention, there is provided an inflatable pad comprising at least one bladder to engage substantially the whole of the sole of a foot, the bladder divided into two sections interconnected by means of a restrictor, one section to accommodate the heel area of a foot and interconnected to the other section for the front of the foot, means to allow partial inflation of the bladder and means to retain the air within the bladder. In a preferred embodiment, the bladder is part of a pair of bladders located side by side on the inflatable pad, for ease of use and transport. Preferably, the bladder (s) is made from vapour permeable material. Preferably, there are provided means for locating and securing the bladder or pad onto the foot or feet respectively, and more preferably the securement means include cushioning, for comfort.
For the preferred embodiment, in use, a person partially inflates the two bladders of the pad and then places the pad on the floor in front of where he is about to sit. The feet are placed upon each respective bladder, the heels on top of the rear inflated bladder sections. The person presses down on the heels and pushes the air into the front section of the bladder thereby raising the front of the foot. The section underlying the heel is deflated and the heel lowered. The front of the foot is then pressed against the bladder and air is transferred back to the heel bladder and the action continues. In this way the foot is made to flex. This dorsal and plantar flexion mimics the walking action and the pressure exerted also uses the calf muscles, the combination ensuring that venous velocity is maintained and preventing the formation of thrombi . An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -
Figures 1 shows a plan view of a pair of bladders according to the invention. Referring to Figure 1, a pad 10 is formed from two superposed sheets of plastics material high frequency welded together at their peripheries and internally in a pattern defining the bladders 11 and 12. Conveniently, the high frequency weld can be replaced by other available means of joining the materials, for example, ultrasonic welding, heat sealing or by adhesive bonding.
Apertures 31 and 32 are provided on the material for inflation, for example, by mouth or pump.
In use, the two bladders 11, 12 are partially inflated and the apertures closed. The amount of inflation may be adjusted to the weight of the person using the pad 10. The pad 10 is placed on the ground in front of the user's chair and the heels of the feet of the user placed over bladder sections 14, 15. The heels are pressed against the pad 10 and the air from bladder sections 14, 15 is pushed into bladder sections 16, 17 via restrictors 21, 22 such that the fronts of the feet are lifted. The user then presses down on sections 16, 17 to push the air back into sections 14, 15 and the cycle continues. The cycle is carried out as long as the user is seated. The user may press both heel sections simultaneously or alternately, whichever is comfortable. The pad 10 may be held in place by suitable securing means, (not shown) preferably cushioned.
The pad can be used during any prolonged sitting, for example, on journeys, in public places or at home and can be used to provide continual prophylaxis since it can be used wherever the person is sitting, for simultaneous stimulation of the venous blood flow. The pad may also be used whilst wearing elasticated stockings for enhanced venous stimulation.

Claims

CLAIMS ;
1. An inflatable pad comprising at least one bladder to engage substantially the whole of the sole of a foot, the
5 bladder divided into two sections interconnected by means of a restrictor, one section to accommodate the heel area of a foot and interconnected to the other section for the front of the foot, means to allow partial inflation of the bladder and means to retain the air within the bladder. 10
2. An inflatable pad as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bladder is part of a pair of bladders located side by side on the inflatable pad.
153. An inflatable pad as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the bladder (s) is made from vapour permeable material.
4. An inflatable pad as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein there are provided means for locating and securing
20 the pad onto the foot or feet .
5. An inflatable pad as claimed in claim 4 wherein the securement means include cushioning, for comfort.
25
PCT/GB2002/002547 2001-06-12 2002-06-05 Apparatus for stimulating blood flow WO2002100316A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0114181.1 2001-06-12
GB0114181A GB2376415A (en) 2001-06-12 2001-06-12 Inflatable pad having restrictively interconnected bladder sections for stimulating blood flow via dorsal & plantar flexion of the foot

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002100316A1 true WO2002100316A1 (en) 2002-12-19

Family

ID=9916337

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2002/002547 WO2002100316A1 (en) 2001-06-12 2002-06-05 Apparatus for stimulating blood flow

Country Status (3)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2376415A (en)
TW (1) TW526059B (en)
WO (1) WO2002100316A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2377178B (en) * 2001-07-06 2004-05-19 Environmental Seals Ltd Apparatus for relieving the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
AUPS270102A0 (en) * 2002-06-03 2002-06-20 Sarma, Vimela Ashwyn footrest device
GB2415149B (en) * 2004-06-17 2006-04-19 John Seymour Burnett Foot exerciser
ES1069956Y (en) * 2009-04-13 2009-10-01 Entrenatech S L "PORTABLE DEVICE TO FACILITATE THE VENOUS RETURN AND IMPROVE BLOOD CIRCULATION"

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE7725474U1 (en) * Wissner, Karl, 3354 Dassel
GB2074034A (en) * 1980-04-17 1981-10-28 Stuckey J Therapeutic exercise device
DE8710357U1 (en) * 1987-07-28 1987-09-10 Mauch, Walter, Dr.med., 4000 Düsseldorf Foot training device
US6001119A (en) * 1997-08-09 1999-12-14 Huntleigh Technology, Plc Compression system

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE381986B (en) * 1974-01-14 1976-01-12 Meteve Ab BLOOD EMPTY CUFF FOR BLOOD EMPTY OF THE EXTREME BEFORE AN OPERATIVE INTERVENTION
US4266298B1 (en) * 1980-01-31 1996-05-21 Mindey Marlene S Inflatable heel protector
US4355632A (en) * 1980-08-06 1982-10-26 Jobst Institute, Inc. Anti-shock pressure garment
US4986260A (en) * 1986-06-06 1991-01-22 Superspine, Inc. Apparatus and method for providing continuous passive motion to the spine
US4899763A (en) * 1988-10-07 1990-02-13 Safeguard Industrial Corporation Therapeutic appliance for the wrist
GB2265314B (en) * 1989-11-29 1994-05-18 South Glamorgan Health Authori Protective articles.
DE4339105C2 (en) * 1993-11-16 1998-10-08 Engros Schuhhaus Ag Shoe sole

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE7725474U1 (en) * Wissner, Karl, 3354 Dassel
GB2074034A (en) * 1980-04-17 1981-10-28 Stuckey J Therapeutic exercise device
DE8710357U1 (en) * 1987-07-28 1987-09-10 Mauch, Walter, Dr.med., 4000 Düsseldorf Foot training device
US6001119A (en) * 1997-08-09 1999-12-14 Huntleigh Technology, Plc Compression system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0114181D0 (en) 2001-08-01
TW526059B (en) 2003-04-01
GB2376415A (en) 2002-12-18

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