Device for providing intermittent compression to a limb

• US 8,105,252 B2
• Filed: 09/29/2005
• Issued: 01/31/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Tylerton International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Flowmedic Limited
• Inventors: Rousso, Benny
• Primary Examiner(s): Yu, Justine
• Assistant Examiner(s): Louis, Latoya M
• Application Number:
  US11/575,722
• Publication Number:
  US 20080097268A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,315 Days
• Field of Search: 601 41- 44, 601/71, 601/74, 601/79, 601/97, 601/101, 601/132, 601/133, 601/143, 601/144, 601/147, 601/148, 601/149, 601/151, 601/DIG.20, 601/134, 606/201, 606/202, 606/203
• US Class Current: 601/134
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 11/02 Massage devices with strips oscillating lengthwise
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/06 Arms
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/10 Leg
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/02 with electric or magnetic drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/04 with hydraulic or pneumatic drive hydraulic or Pneumatic massages, A61H9/00; underwater massages, A61H33/00

Abstract

The present invention provides a device for providing intermittent compression to a limb, the device comprising, an at least one energy reservoir and an at least one compressing means for compressing the limb, wherein the energy stored in the at least one energy reservoir is pre-stored in the energy reservoir and is directly transformed to provide intermittently compression on the limb. The energy reservoir provides a single energy transformation from energy stored in the reservoir to energy used to compress intermittently the limb. Optionally, the energy stored in the reservoir also provides the energy for a mechanism controlling the intermittent operation of the device and the release of excess energy from the device.

Claims

1. A device for providing intermittent compression to a limb, the device comprising:

at least one energy reservoir comprising at least one charged spring; and

at least one compressing means for compressing the limb;

wherein energy stored in the at least one energy reservoir is substantially directly transferred to effectuate multiple compression-relaxation cycles on the limb through the at least one compressing means without recharging said spring between consecutive cycles; and

wherein the energy stored in the at least one energy reservoir is transferred in portions such that each of said portions effectuates at least one of said multiple compression-relaxation cycles.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein energy transferred from the at least one energy reservoir is regulated.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one compressing means for compressing the limb is a strap encircling the limb, the strap comprising a first end and a second end.

4. The device of claim 1 further comprising an energy transfer control mechanism.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the device further comprises an at least one energy release mechanism.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the at least one energy release mechanism comprises at least one cogwheel.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is portable.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is disposable.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is used for enhancing blood and lymph flow.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is a chargeable device.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the device comprises further a chargeable energy reservoir.

12. The device of claim 10 wherein the device comprises at least one charging element for charging said device.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein the charging element is mechanical.

14. The device of claim 12 wherein the charging element comprises at least one cogwheel.

15. The device of claim 10 wherein the charging of the device can be performed while said device is adjacent to the limb.

16. The device of claim 10 wherein the charging of the device provides a reuse of said device for intermittent compression on limb.

17. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least one spring is a coil.

18. The device of claim 1 wherein the device comprises at least one measuring device.

19. The device of claim 18 wherein the at least one measuring device comprises a display unit.

20. The device of claim 18 wherein the at least one measuring device indicates the intermittent compression capability of the device.

21. The device of claim 18 wherein the measuring device measures the energy stored within the energy reservoir.

22. The device of claim 18 wherein the measuring device indicates the time remaining for intermittent compression on said limb.

23. The device of claim 18 wherein the measuring device indicates the time of intermittent compression applied on said limb.

24. A method for providing intermittent compression to a limb, the method comprising providing at least one energy reservoir and at least one compressing means for compressing the limb wherein said energy reservoir comprises at least one charged spring;

and transferring energy stored in the at least one energy reservoir directly to multiple compression-relaxation cycles on the limb through the at least one compressing means without recharging said spring between consequent cycles, wherein the energy stored in the at least one energy reservoir is transferred in portions such that each of said portions effectuates at least one of said multiple compression-relaxation cycles.