Abstract:
A connective tissue modification cuff can be applied around a portion of the body and drawn tight. Integrated within the portion of the cuff that is pressed against the body is a plurality of variable compression beads. These variable compression beads comprise half spherical beads, half prolate spheroid beads, half oblate spheroid beads, or other similarly rounded structures that provide variably increasing pressure towards their high-points and gradually reduced pressure towards their low points. The cuff can be tightened down via a tensioning system that allows even tightening in small increments. Once in place, the person then stretches or uses the arm in order to apply the variable compression beads to the connective tissue under use. Such application works on the underlying connective tissue to reduce the pain and associated problems.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of pain alleviation products; and more particularly, to a connective tissue modification cuff adapted to help individuals alleviate pain in their bodies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Athletes, sedentary people, and everyone in between can experience bodily pain at various times throughout their lives. As we age, these incidences of pain can increase in severity, duration, and number. The medical profession has an entire field of specialties devoted to helping people mitigate and cope with pain. Additionally, there are a number of devices, over-the-counter &amp; prescription medications, methods of body manipulation, cold and hot therapies, wraps, and other approaches that can be employed by individuals in order to manage their pain. However, many, if not most approaches to pain management focus on the symptoms rather than correcting the cause of pain. In some instances, the pain is caused by connective tissue that is too tight and needs to be stretched. What is needed is a way to work on connective tissue so as to reduce the pain and problems it can otherwise cause. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the present invention comprises a connective tissue modification cuff that is applied around a portion of a person&#39;s body and drawn tight. Integrated within the portion of the cuff that is pressed against the body is a plurality of variable compression beads. These variable compression beads comprise half spherical beads, half prolate spheroid beads, half oblate spheroid beads, or other similarly rounded structures that provide variably increasing pressure towards their high-points and gradually reduced pressure towards their low points. The squeezing pressure of the cuff is directed against the flat surface of the beads and then focused therethrough on the beads&#39; highpoints as they push against the person&#39;s body. It is preferable that the plurality of variable compression beads be arranged in alternating rows so that the areas of highest compression on the body are in a zigzag pattern. Once the connective tissue modification cuff is placed around a portion of the body, the upper arm, for example, the cuff can be tightened down via a tensioning system. A preferred tensioning system utilizes a reel and steel lace cable system to evenly tighten the cuff in small increments as needed by the person using it. Once in place, the person then stretches or uses the arm in order to apply the variable compression beads to the connective tissue under use. Such application stretches each portion of the underlying connective tissue to reduce the pain and associated problems. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a connective tissue modification cuff; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a connective tissue modification cuff; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a top plan view of exemplary embodiments of variable compression beads that can be used within a connective tissue modification cuff; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a side elevation view of exemplary embodiments of variable compression beads that can be used within a connective tissue modification cuff; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a connective tissue modification cuff in its wrapping configuration as it would appear when applied about a portion of a person&#39;s body. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a connective tissue modification cuff  10 . In this view, the interior of the cuff  10  is illustrated (see  FIG. 2  for an illustration of the exterior). The main body  20  of the connective tissue modification cuff  10  comprises a variable compression area  22  near the proximal end of the main body  20 , and an adjustment zone  24  near the distal end of the main body  20 . The variable compression area  22  contains the plurality of variable compression beads  60 . In one embodiment, the variable compression beads are arranged in a zigzag alternating pattern as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the variable compression beads can be arranged in various ways. The adjustment zone  24  provides space on the connective tissue modification cuff  10  along which the adjustment tongue  30  can slide as the cuff  10  is tightened. For additional detail concerning tightening the cuff  10 , see  FIG. 2 . 
     Attached near the distal end of the main body  20  is an adjustment tongue  30 . The tongue  30  comprises a low-friction material (such as a stiff plastic, or other similar material) that can slide along the adjustment zone  24  as the tongue  30  is tightened. Although not visible from this view, the adjustment tongue  30  can be adjustably attached to the main body  20  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     At the distal end of the adjustment tongue  30  is a releasable attachment  40 . In one embodiment, hook or loop material can comprise the releasable attachment  40 . In such an embodiment, a corresponding adjustable attachment area  42  of loop or hook material is utilized to releasably attach the releasable attachment  40  of the adjustment tongue  30  to the exterior of the cuff  20 . An exemplary adjustable attachment area  42  is illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; it is located near the proximal end of the cuff  10  on the opposite side of the cuff from the variable compression beads (i.e., on the exterior side of the cuff  10 ). When the interior surface of the cuff  10  is wrapped around a portion of a person&#39;s body (for example, the thigh), the releasable attachment  40  is naturally positioned over the adjustable attachment area  42  and can be locked in place by simply pressing the two together (assuming hook and loop materials are used on the releasable attachment  40  and the adjustable attachment area  42 ). In other embodiments, other releasable attachment means besides hook and loop materials are contemplated. 
     In order to assist a person in tightly wrapping the cuff  10  around a portion of his or her body, a tightening handle  50  can be attached to the distal end of the adjustment tongue  30 . By first placing the proximal end of the main body  20  of the cuff on the skin and then tightly wrapping the remainder of the cuff around the person&#39;s body, the variable compression beads  60  are placed tightly against the person&#39;s skin. Then, once the cuff is locked in place, it can be tightened further as desired (see description of tightening process in  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a connective tissue modification cuff  10 . In this view, the exterior of the cuff  10  is illustrated. The main body  20  of the connective tissue modification cuff  10  comprises a variable compression area  22  near the proximal end of the main body  20 , and an adjustment zone  24  near the distal end of the main body. The variable compression area  22  contains the plurality of variable compression beads  60  on the interior side. Since this view illustrates the exterior side, the compression beads  60  are not visible. Instead, the adjustable attachment area  42  of loop or hook material is illustrated. As discussed above, it is utilized to releasably attach the adjustment tongue  30  to the cuff  20 . An exemplary adjustable attachment area  42  is illustrated in  FIG. 2  located near the proximal end of the cuff  10  on the side of the cuff opposite the variable compression area (i.e., on the exterior side of the cuff  10 ). 
     When the interior surface of the cuff  10  is wrapped around a portion of a person&#39;s body (for example, the lower arm), the releasable attachment  40  is naturally positioned over the adjustable attachment area  42  and can be locked in place by simply pressing the two together (assuming hook and loop materials are used on the releasable attachment  40  and the adjustable attachment area  42 ). 
     An adjustment tongue  30  is attached near the distal end of the main body  20 . The tongue  30  comprises a low-friction material (such as a stiff plastic, or other similar material) that can slide under the adjustment zone  24  of the main body  20  as the tongue  30  is tightened. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a tensioning system  80  can be employed to selectively tighten the cuff  10  as needed by the user. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the tensioning system  80  utilizes a reel and lace cable system. The cable  83  is stretched between two lacing connection areas  81  and  82  that are drawn towards each other by turning the reel  84  and thereby winding the cable up within the reel  84 . The reel can unlatch to loosen the cable and allow the user to pull the lacing connection areas  81  and  82  apart from one another. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a top plan view of exemplary embodiments of variable compression beads  62  and  64  that can be used within a connective tissue modification cuff. Exemplary variable compression bead  62  can be shaped like a half-sphere with the top pole of the sphere facing the viewer in the illustration of  FIG. 3A . Similarly, an alternate exemplary variable compression bead  64  can be a half prolate spheroid bead with the poles truncated as shown (or left intact, in another embodiment). In either case, variable compression beads  62  and  64  have highpoints  63  and  65  located approximately in the center of their upper surfaces. When the beads  62  and  64  are pressed against the skin of a user, the highpoints  63  and  65  of the beads apply the most compressive pressure, the pressure quickly falling off as you move outwards from the highpoints, thereby comfortably applying varying compression to the underlying connective tissue. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a side elevation view of exemplary embodiments of variable compression beads  62  and  64  that can be used within a connective tissue modification cuff. In this view, it is apparent that the highpoint  63  of the half sphere bead  62  has a smaller surface area then the highpoint  65  of the half prolate spheroid bead  64 . Other similarly rounded bead shapes without sharp edges and decreasing from a highpoint are contemplated. 
     The variable compression beads  62  and  64  simulate the application of many massaging fingers pushing into the user&#39;s body in a zigzag pattern all at once. Each cuff is designed for maximum compression without the blood flow being disrupted as the beads provide compression “areas” versus the less efficacious and potential dangerous compression “rings” provided by wraps, bandages, etc. Movement is important to the success of the return of freedom of movement and the loss of pain to any nearby area. The user should apply the cuff and then move the surrounding areas of the body to provide best effect. 
     A plurality of connective tissue modification cuffs  10  can be placed on the upper arm, the forearm, the thigh and the calf of either side of a person&#39;s body. The cuffs should be applied firmly, and then tightened to whatever the person using them can handle. The tightness is determined by the individual; however, increasing the tightness so that it approaches an individual&#39;s comfortable maximum may increase results. The cuffs can be left in place for two to five minutes. Typically only one side of a person is cuffed at a time to allow a person relatively normal ranges of movement, such is recommended to maximize the value of the cuff. 
     If a person is experiencing pain in the low back or upper thigh, the cuff should be placed high on the leg, utilizing a larger-diameter thigh cuff. A medium diameter lower leg cuff can be applied around the calf or moved somewhat downwards towards the ankle (but still around the calf). 
     If arm cuffs are utilized, the cuff should be placed higher on the upper arm if the problem is upper back and neck pain. A medium to small cuff should be placed lower on the upper arm if there is an elbow problem. A small forearm cuff can be placed closer to the elbow if there is an elbow problem. If there is a wrist or hand problem the forearm cuff can be lowered towards the hand. Cuff placement becomes individualized as the person determines which way is best for him/her. In other embodiments, other types of connective tissue modification cuffs  10  are contemplated, such as a migraine cuff. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a connective tissue modification cuff  10  in its wrapped configuration as it would appear when applied about a portion of a person&#39;s body. The components illustrated in the prior FIGs. are shown in this alternate view as well. Note how the adjustment tongue  30  is sliding under the main body  20  of the cuff utilizing the adjustment zone  24 . As the tensioning system  80  is used to draw together the lacing connection areas  81  and  82 , the 10 is tightened and the adjustment tongue  30  slides ever further under the main body  20 . 
     By clamping down with the cuff as designed, an individual will be able to mimic his/her actions of their daily life that cause the original pain while wearing the cuff(s). These actions may include exercise, work or other stress inducing actions that may put a person into pain. By stretching the connective tissue of large swaths of the long bone areas of the body, a person is able to change enough tissue to relax whole areas of the body. When the cuff is placed on areas where the person has over-exerted and/or distorted the tissue, the cuff brings balance back to the stressed body area. Examples of such issues can include repetitive motion injuries that affect the hands and wrists, such as those who work in factories, line work, knitting, or any other activity which incorporates highly repetitive actions. 
     Another example of an appropriate user would be an athlete. A person who pitches/throws a ball several times may overuse or over-exert the muscles of the arm. Placing one or more cuffs on the arm and continuing to pitch with smooth motions, will help the problems with the underlying connective tissue. By slowly stretching with the cuff on, the person creates the new space needed to balance the body. Working at the end of a person&#39;s tolerance is the best way to work with the cuff. If a person barely stretches, the cuff will have a marginal impact. If instead, the stretch is hard and slow, as the cuff was designed for, the results can be increased. 
     For low back/hip issues, knees, plantar fasciitis, the lightness associated with being pain free comes with the use of the cuff as described above. By stretching the tissues of the thigh/calf, gains in freedom of movement can be achieved. With that same freedom of movement (from the use of the cuff) comes freedom from pain. Looseness and balance is the key to reducing pain that is associated with most structural pain in the body. If the cuffs are used in tandem, i.e. multiple cuffs used at once, the affects are multiplied in all areas. 
     The cuff  10  anchors underlying tissue in place, allowing the individual to stretch it at that spot, as well as large swaths of connective tissue of the long-bone areas, allowing the individual to stretch and change large amounts of tissue—enough to relax the entire area of the body and eliminate the residual pain. Cuffs are designed to be used for approximately two to five minutes (other time periods are contemplated). After each use, the wearer should remove the cuff and move the body (e.g., a vigorous walk for several minutes). The cuffs can subsequently be re-applied to the same areas again, as needed. 
     While particular embodiments of the invention have been described and disclosed in the present application, it should be understood that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is not the intention of this application to limit this invention in any way except as by the appended claims. 
     Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above “Detailed Description” section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention. 
     The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
     In light of the above “Detailed Description,” the Inventor may make changes to the invention. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. 
     While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention. 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described articles of manufacture and methods. It is important to note that many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.