Spring-driven foot compression system
AssigneeAvex, LLC
InventorsMatthew J. Mayer, Gerhard B Rill
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and systems for dynamic compression of venous tissue enable improved blood movement in the extremities. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a pressure pad provides a compressive force to a portion of the human body. The pressure pad is successively withdrawn and re-pressed against the body. In this manner, prevention and/or treatment of various medical conditions may be achieved, for example restless leg syndrome, edema, plantar fasciitis, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, venous insufficiency, wound care, and/or the like.
Claims14
A foot compression system, comprising:
- a retractable, non-bendable pressure pad;
- a spring coupled directly to the pressure pad and disposed about a central shaft, the spring configured to move the pressure pad into contact with a foot;
- and
- a mechanism coupled to the spring, the mechanism operable to move the pressure pad out of contact with the foot by storing energy in the spring,
- wherein the spring comprises a torsion spring,
- wherein the central shaft is configured to extend responsive to movement of the pressure pad, and
- wherein the foot compression system is completely contained within an item of footwear.
A method, comprising:
- extending a retractable, non-bendable pressure pad into contact a first time with the venous plexus region of a foot to apply pressure to the venous plexus region of the foot, wherein the pressure pad and a spring are both completely contained within an item of footwear, wherein the spring comprises a torsion spring disposed about a central shaft configured to extend responsive to movement of the pressure pad, and wherein the pressure pad is coupled directly to the spring;
- holding the pressure pad in contact with the venous plexus region of the foot for a period exceeding a selected duration;
- retracting, via an electric motor coupled to the spring, the pressure pad out of contact with the foot by at least one of compressing or twisting the spring;
- and
- extending, via the spring, the pressure pad into contact a second time with the venous plexus region of the foot.
A method of treating or preventing a medical condition selected from a group comprising deep vein thrombosis, edema, restless leg syndrome, venous insufficiency, plantar fasciitis, pulmonary embolism, or a wound, comprising:
- moving, by a torsion spring, 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 a mechanism, 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;
- moving, by the torsion spring, 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 spring, the mechanism, the pressure pad, and a power source for the mechanism are located entirely within an item of footwear, and
- wherein the torsion spring is disposed about a central shaft configured to extend responsive to movement of the pressure pad.
A foot compression system, comprising:
- a non-bendable pressure pad;
- a spring coupled directly to the pressure pad, the spring configured to move the pressure pad into contact with a foot, wherein the spring comprises a torsion spring disposed about a central shaft, and wherein the central shaft is configured to extend responsive to movement of the pressure pad;
- an electric motor coupled to the spring, the electric motor operable to move the pressure pad out of contact with the foot by storing energy in the spring;
- a latch configured to hold the spring in a compressed position and to release the spring to move the pressure pad;
- and
- a power supply configured to supply electricity to the electric motor, wherein the foot compression system is completely contained within an item of footwear having a flexible sole.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.