Insole foot compression system and methods
AssigneeAvex, LLC
InventorsMatthew J. Mayer, Gerhard B. Rill, Mark Joseph, Neal Beidleman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Insole compression systems apply intermittent pressure to a foot or other body part, for example in order to increase circulation and facilitate removal of metabolic waste. The insole compression systems, including actuators and batteries, may be fully contained within a removable insole, and are thus discreet and easy to use. In exemplary insole compression systems, extension springs and a torsion spring interact with an a-frame to deliver an approximately constant extension force.
Claims8
An insole compression system, comprising:
- an insole configured for insertion into an item of footwear;
- and
- an actuator disposed in the insole, the actuator comprising:
- a pressure pad pivotably coupled to an a-frame about an axle;
- a first extension spring and a second extension spring coupled to the a-frame;
- and
- a torsion spring disposed about the axle.
A method of implementing athletic recovery in a person following exercise, the method comprising:
- moving, via an actuator, a pressure pad a first time to bring the pressure pad into contact with a foot to compress a portion of the foot, wherein the pressure pad, the actuator, and a power source for the actuator are completely contained within an insole, the insole insertable and removable from a shoe;
- moving, via the actuator, the pressure pad a second time to bring the pressure pad out of contact with the foot to allow the portion of the foot to at least partially refill with blood;
- and
- moving, via the actuator, the pressure pad a third time to bring the pressure pad into contact with the foot to force at least a portion of the blood out of the portion of the foot;
- wherein the actuator comprises:
- an a-frame disposed about an axle;
- an extension spring coupled to the a-frame;
- and
- a torsion spring disposed about the axle.
A method of treating a medical condition selected from a group comprising edema, restless leg syndrome, venous insufficiency, plantar fasciitis, or a wound, the method comprising:
- moving, by an insole compression system having an actuator and power source therefor completely contained in an orthotic insole, a pressure pad a first time to bring the pressure pad into contact with a portion of a human body to compress the portion of the human body;
- moving, by the insole compression system, the pressure pad a second time to bring the pressure pad out of contact with the portion of a human body to allow the portion of the human body to at least partially refill with blood;
- and
- moving, by the insole compression system, the pressure pad a third time to bring the pressure pad into contact with the portion of the human body to compress the portion of the human body;
- wherein the actuator comprises:
- an a-frame disposed about an axle;
- an extension spring coupled to the a-frame;
- and
- a torsion spring disposed about the axle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.