FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pneumatic compression assembly, and more particularly to a pneumatic compression assembly with one or more therapeutic features, such as temperature control, vibration, pneumatic compression, infrared and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pneumatic compression devices are characterized by bulky, invasive devices and typically only include compression without focusing on any other therapeutic technology, such as temperature, vibration or the like.

The background description disclosed anywhere in this patent application includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pneumatic compression assembly that includes a sleeve that includes an outer layer and an inner layer that defines a sleeve interior configured to receive a body part of a user, a plurality of inflatable compartments arranged longitudinally along the sleeve between the inner layer and the outer layer, and at least a first vibration assembly configured to provide vibration to the body part of the user. The first vibration assembly includes a plurality of vibration motors positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the first vibration assembly includes a first carrier layer and a first motor securement member. The first motor securement member secures at least a first of the plurality of vibration motors to the first carrier layer. Preferably, the first carrier layer includes a first carrier layer motor opening defined therein. The first motor securement member includes upper and lower securing portions and a motor portion extending between the upper and lower securing portions. The upper and lower securing portions are positioned on a first side of the first carrier layer and wherein at least a portion of the motor portion of the first securement member and at least a portion of the vibration motor extend through the first carrier layer motor opening.

In a preferred embodiment, the first carrier layer includes one or more heating elements thereon. Preferably, a second carrier layer is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve. The second carrier layer is secured to the first carrier layer to form a carrier assembly and sandwich the heating element therebetween. The second carrier layer includes a second carrier layer motor opening defined therein, the upper and lower securing portions are positioned on a first side of the carrier assembly, and at least a portion of the vibration portion of the first securement member and at least a portion of the vibration motor extend through the first and second vibration openings. Preferably, at least one of the first and second carrier layers is a far infrared layer. Preferably, a reflective foil layer is positioned between the far infrared layer and the outer layer of the sleeve.

In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic compression assembly includes at least a first heating assembly configured to provide heat to the body part of the user. The first heating assembly is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve. The first heating assembly can be any of the components or layers discussed herein (e.g., the first and/or second carrier layers) that include heating elements thereon or therein.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a pneumatic compression assembly that includes a sleeve that includes an outer layer and an inner layer that defines a sleeve interior configured to receive a body part of a user, a plurality of inflatable compartments arranged longitudinally along the sleeve between the inner layer and the outer layer, and a temperature control module coupled to or within the sleeve. The temperature control module includes a housing, a controllable temperature element, and a spreader member. A lower surface of the spreader member is positioned to contact the user's body part, and the controllable temperature element is configured to transfer thermal energy to an upper surface of the spreader member. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature control module includes a heat sink that is positioned within a first of the plurality of inflatable compartments so that air moving through the first inflatable compartment pulls or dissipates heat from the heat sink. Preferably, the temperature control module includes at least a first finger spreader pivotably attached to the spreader member. The spreader member is configured to conduct thermal energy to the first finger spreader.

The present invention is a pneumatic compression device that can be used for recovery after physical activities, among other uses. Pneumatic compression devices are known. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,014,681, 5,092,317, 6,406,445, 6,558,338, 6,846,295, 8,313,450, and 8,622,943, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Pneumatic compression applied to the human body often includes a fluid pump module (main unit) that is connected to an inflatable garment (i.e., full leg boots, core, or arm and shoulder sleeve) through one or multiple pipes. The air pumped from the module flows into the garment inflating it and compressing the body part that is inside. There are many different methods for inflating the garment and determining how much pressure is applied and how quickly it inflates and deflates. Many boots are divided into four compartments that inflate sequentially starting with the lowest one (foot) and going up towards the hips.

In the present invention, one or more of vibration, heating, cooling and other features are included in a pneumatic compression device to provide more options for recovery. In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic compression device or assembly includes heating and cooling modules within the device and the devices can be cooled via the air flow generated by the inflation pump to dissipate heat from the module and specifically the peltier module and/or heat sink.

In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic compression assembly includes a sleeve that includes a plurality of cells, chambers or compartments defined therein. In a preferred embodiment, the compartments inflatable sequentially to provide compression to a user's foot and leg (when the invention is embodied in a boot). It will be appreciated that the pneumatic compression assembly can be sized, designed and utilized on any body part.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more temperature control modules are included or positioned in one or more of the compartments. The temperature control modules may include a module housing that houses a fan, heat sink and peltier module. In a preferred embodiment, there is no garment or fabric layer between the temperature control module and the user's skin. Instead, the bottom layer or lower surface of the temperature control module or some other heat conductive portion or material contacts the user's skin. In another embodiment, a layer can be included between the module and the user's skin. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature control module may also include one or more vibration motors or devices (that may include a counterweight or eccentric weight) therein.

In another preferred embodiment, the fan and all or part of the module housing of the temperature control module can be omitted and the air moving within the compartment as a result of the air pump. In another embodiment the heat sink can also be omitted with the air in the sleeve cooling the peltier device. As shown, the sleeve includes an inner layer and an outer layer.

In another preferred embodiment of a temperature control module that includes a concave module structure or bottom surface so that it can adapt to the contour of different portions of the body, such as the thigh, calf, etc. Preferably, the module housing includes a lower portion that includes the concave surface on a bottom thereof. The lower portion also includes a conductive member that conducts heat or cold from the peltier device to the concave bottom surface. The upper and lower housing portions of the peltier housing define a motor recess.

In another embodiment, the temperature control module may include the fan next to the heat sink instead of on top of the heat sink. All temperature control modules herein include vents or openings in the module housing to allow heat to be dissipated therefrom. It will be appreciated that the module housing or a portion thereof can be omitted or the fans can be omitted (or can remain included) so that the air movement within the sleeve can cool the components of the module, as needed.

In another embodiment, hot and/or cold air can be pumped directly into the sleeve or into individual compartments to provide hot and cold therapy. In another embodiment, one or more pumps or compressors can be incorporated into the sleeve (to inflate the sleeve or individual compartments) as opposed to being separate therefrom.

In a preferred embodiment the pneumatic compression assembly includes infrared LEDs or an infrared fabric that are embedded in positioned on or otherwise associated with the outer or upper layer and that shine or emit light through the compartment(s) and through the inner layer that is clear or at least partially clear so that the infrared light reaches the wearer's skin. The infrared lights can be positioned anywhere or in the sleeve or compartment (e.g., on the inner layer, the module or somewhere else in the compartment). Vibration devices/motors18may also be embedded on or in the inner layer for providing vibration to the user. Vibration devices can be positioned as desired throughout the sleeve. The vibration devices can be arranged in patterns to help with or stimulate blood flow and to aid with recovery.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system includes the ability to insert liquid nitrogen or another cooling fluid therein to cool the air that gets pumped into the compression sleeve. This can create a homogeneous and fast cooling feeling when using the pneumatic compression device. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling fluid is added to or included in the compressor module. Preferably, the compressor module or pump has a cavity therein designed to receive and the replaceable liquid bottle where it can be connected for use.

In use, when the user selects the cooling mode the valve of the bottle is opened and the liquid nitrogen flows from tubes that go from the compressor to the compartments of the sleeve. The low temperature provides a cool feeling throughout the entire surface of the boot/garment.

