Abstract:
A portable article for administrating therapy to a user includes a device positioned along the area of the body requiring therapy. At least one power pod is associated with the device and the power pod simultaneously applies a firs force component perpendicular to the user&#39;s body surface and a second force component parallel to the user&#39;s body surface. An illustrative embodiment is a vest worn by the user during therapy.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to provisional application 61/544,175 filed Oct. 6, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    None 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This disclosure relates to a portable article including a device and method for administrating therapy to a user. While the disclosure is directed specifically to treating impaired airway clearance for users or patients suffering from a variety of medical conditions that the effect lung function of the patient, those skilled in the art will recognize the wider applicability of the inventive principles discussed hereinafter. 
         [0004]    Medical conditions that would benefit from improved lung drainage and more effective airway clearance include Cystic Fibrosis, Bronchiectasis, Pneumonia, and all other COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), for example. Airway clearance is the elimination of excess mucus and contaminants from the lungs. Natural airway clearance is accomplished when certain body mechanisms interact effectively. Mucus is secreted to entrap harmful substances and keep airways clean; natural filters such as nasal hairs help capture contaminants; cilia continuously sweep mucus from the lower segments of the lungs to upper airways; and coughing and sneezing clears the mucus from the respiratory system. 
         [0005]    Natural airway clearance is extremely important because the process helps people stay healthy and breather easier, Mucus that accumulate in the lungs may lead to very serious complications including death. Excessive or retained mucus creates an ideal environment for the growth of infection-causing pathogens. These infections can damage healthy lung tissue and make breathing more difficult. 
         [0006]    The assignee of the present disclosure has had a long history in providing treatment for impaired airway clearance. Various commercial products were and are sold under its well-known trademarks, including merely by way of example and not of limitation, Flimm Fighter®, Directional-Stroking®, Neo-Cussor™ VibraCare®, Therassist®, and Medatilt. For years, patients with impaired airway clearance relied upon manual chest physical therapy (CPT). Products employing the Directional-Stroking® method are particularly effective for airway clearance. However, while these and other associated products work well for their intended purpose, they often are not easily adapted for self administration. That is to say, a second person (care giver) is needed for use with the product or products in conjunction with the therapy being applied to the patient. As indicated above, products employing the Directional-Stroking® technique are particularly effective in loosening and moving contaminants and mucus from the lungs, for example, to the larger airways (i.e. thorax), where they can be coughed out. 
         [0007]    A series of products are known in the art which employ what their manufacturers refer to as high frequency chest wall oscillation techniques, most of which use a vest or wrap which is worn by the patient. An air compressor and at least one associated hose are connected from the air compressor to the vest or wrap. In operation, the air compressor must be continuously-connected to a 120 volt or 220 volt electrical power source throughout the full period of each treatment. While those products claim to be portable, all require an external bulky and noisy air compressor and connecting hose extending from the compressor to the vest or wrap, and an available connection to a 120 volt or 220 volt power source. The competitive systems are portable only in the analogous sense that the original portable compressors, weighing approximately fifteen pounds, were portable compressors. The vest and compressors can be lugged around, but they truly are not portable as that term has become to be understood in the art or by the consuming public. 
         [0008]    As disclosed below, a completely safe, truly portable, self-contained, easy-to-use article is provided for unattended use by both children and adults. The article, sometimes referred to herein after as a G5® Freedom™ system, in one illustrative embodiment, includes a vest or wrap made operational by the provision of a plurality of recessed pockets and/or attachment provisions on or in the article positioned adjacent to the major lung segments, both topical and apical when the article is worn by the patient. The pockets or attachment provisions hold at least one self-contained power module or power pod adapted to provide the “Direction Stoking” forces to the patient without the need for an attendant or caregiver for the patient. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the number of potential embodiments employing the inventive constructions disclosed hereinafter is limited only by one&#39;s imagination. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with this disclosure, generally stated, a simplified, portable article is provided for administrating air way clearance therapy, for example, by the application of selective-segment, sequentially-synchronized percussive Directional Stroking force to the patient. In one preferred embodiment, the article includes a specialized vest which is worn by a patient during therapy. This vest has a plurality of pockets formed in it, each of which are sized to receive a power pod, placing the pods in close proximity to areas of the patient&#39;s body requiring therapy. The power pods are designed to provide therapy to the patient. An electronic controller enables the therapist or patient to select and control the manner in which each individual power pod is energized, and at what frequency, in which sequence, and at which specific location on the patient. 
         [0010]    One feature of the disclosure is the ability to provide selective energy adjustment using a low voltage twelve volt power source, which even when combined with various forms of the article offers a low weight system when compared to other available therapeutic devices designed for similar purposes. 
         [0011]    Another feature of the disclosure is the ability to provide an article which can be constructed to permit proper orientation of the power pods so as to apply the desired therapy at the specific location on a patient, for example, when using the article. 
         [0012]    Another feature of the disclosure is the preferred construction of power pods for a particular article in which the enclosure of the power pods transmits the force to the patient 
         [0013]    Yet another feature of the disclosure is that once the article is place on a patient, the treatment provides for hands free operation. 
         [0014]    Another feature of the disclosure is the provision of a power pod construction which can be operated from a variety of power sources, including for example battery operation and/or air while the operation of any part of the article utilizing the power pod remains therapeutically consistent. 
         [0015]    Other features of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of one illustrative embodiment of article of the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1B  is a diagrammatic view of a second illustrative embodiment, partly broken away, of the article show in  FIG. 1   
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic view showing the human lungs with which the embodiment of  FIG. 1  finds application; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing one illustrative arrangement of a connection diagram for a plurality of power pods employed with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of one illustrative embodiment for control device shown in FIG:  1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 5A-5D  views of a second illustrative embodiment of article of the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a view in perspective, partly broken away, of the outward facing side of article shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a view in perspective of the inward patient facing side of the article shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged view in perspective, partly broken away taken about the line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 , illustrating the power pod holder and one illustrative attachment method for the power pod; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9A  is a top plan view of one illustrative embodiment of power pod employed with the embodiments of  FIGS. 7 and 5 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9B  is an end view of the power pod shown in  FIG. 9A   
           [0028]      FIG. 9C  is a sectional view taken along the line  9 C of  FIG. 9A   
           [0029]      FIG. 9D  is a sectional view taken along the line  9 D of  FIG. 9A ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10A  is an end view of an eccentric employed with the power pod of  FIG. 9 ; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of the eccentric shown in  FIG. 10A . 
       
    
    
       [0032]    Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0033]    The following detailed description illustrates the article for which Letters Patent is sought by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what I presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the invention. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  1  indicates one illustrative article of the present disclosure in one of its preferred forms. The embodiment of  FIG. 1 , illustrates a device  3  in the form of a vest  22  worn by a user, as later described in greater detail. The vest  22  is operatively connected through a connector  5  to a control panel  7 . The control panel  7  has a first input side operatively connected to a controller  9  and a second input operably connected to a power source  15  through a suitable source of power, which in the embodiment is a low voltage power supply  11  and a connector  13 . 
         [0035]    The power source  15  preferably is a source of 120-220 volt electrical energy commonly obtained at a conventional electrical plug connected to the power grid. The power supply  11  reduces the electrical energy from the power source  15  to a low level electrical source for the control panel  7 . 
         [0036]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, while  FIG. 1  describes one source of electrical energy for operation of the device  1 , the power source  15  may be replaced by a battery source of energy  17  without altering other components of the device  1 . A battery power source is shown in  FIG. 1B . As can be further appreciated by those skilled in the art, while some form of electrical operation is preferred, the design also can be easily converted to accommodate an air powered source of energy in the form of a suitable air compressor. I have found, however, electrically energized forms of the article  1  are preferred in application use. 
         [0037]    As is best seen in  FIG. 7 , the article  1 , preferably in the vest  22  form, includes a first part  23  and a second part  24 . The vest  22  may assume a variety of configurations and designs. In the embodiment shown, the parts  23  and  24  are sized to cover the back and chest of the intended user and define a central head opening  25 . The parts  23  and  24  of the vest  22  are shown in diagrammatic form in  FIG. 3 . As shown, the connector  5  is operatively associated with a circuit  20  which is arranged on or about the parts  23  and  24  so as to interconnect a plurality of power pods  19  carried by the parts  23  and  24 . The particular location of the power pods  19  with respect to the vest  22  is an important consideration. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, the power pod  19  locations are selected to overlay the lungs of a user on both of the chest and back sides of the user. Placement of the power pods  19  with respect to the lungs is illustratively shown in  FIG. 2  and, as later described in greater detail, the power pods  19  operating to provide drainage of fluids from the lungs of a user so that the fluids can be naturally expelled by the user. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the power pods  19  are mounted within a pocket  29  formed integrally with a cover part  31 . In the embodiment illustrated, the cover part  31  includes hook and loop fastening material  33  positioned along a longitudinal axis of the pocket part  29  and along the edges of the cover part  31 . Corresponding hook and loop material  34  is positioned about the mouth of a cavity  35  formed in the article  1 , and along a bottom wall  45  of the cavity  35 . The number of cavities required is a matter of design choice. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, four cavities  35  are formed in each of the parts  23  and  24  of the vest  22 .  FIG. 8  illustrates the pocket  29  removed from a cavity  35 , while  FIG. 7  shows a cover part  31  in position or in their respective cavities in the closed and operating position of the cover part  31 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that other methods of attachment and placement of the power pods  19  are compatible the broader aspects of the disclosure. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  illustrates the vest  22  attached to a user of the device  1 . Preferably the vest  22  is worn by and attached to the user through the use of conventional strap  41  and snap buckles  38 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , a pair of strap  41  and buckle  41  combinations function to attach the vest parts  23  and  24  of the vest  22  over the shoulders of the user. Similarly, the vest  22  also attaches to a user&#39;s torso in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  and the parts  23  and  24  are maintained in position by an arrangement of strap  39  and buckle  38  combinations. Other methods of attachment will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
         [0040]    The buckles  38  and strap  41  combination along the top of the vest parts  23  and  24  , referenced to  FIG. 6  act as shoulder straps and serve a practical function besides connecting the parts  23  and  24  of the vest  22 . I have found that use of the shoulder straps  41  allows the vest  22  to accommodate a variety of torso lengths for any particularly user, while the straps  39  and buckles  38  likewise can accommodate a variety of different physical configurations of the intended user so that one particular configuration of the vest  22  will accommodate users having a variety of physical body configurations. Those skilled in the art, of course, will recognize that the vest  22  may have a one piece construction if, desired. 
         [0041]    One illustrative embodiment of the controller  9  compatible with the vest  22  is shown in  FIG. 4 . As there shown, various operating configurations possible with article  1  of the present disclosure are shown in a general configuration. The controller  9  is intended to be programmable to offer a number of operational modes as later described in greater detail. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the controller  9  can assume a variety of design configurations and provide any number of operational modes for the vest  22 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 9   a  through  9   d  show one illustrative embodiment of the power pods  19  employed with the article  1 . Each of the power pods  19  includes a housing  50  preferably constructed in two parts. The housing  50  has a connection end  51  operatively connecting the power pods  19  to the circuit  20 . Each power pod  19  includes an electrical motor  53  having a connection  54  and an output shaft  52 . The shaft  52  is mounted for rotation within the housing  50  along bearing structures  58  and  59 . An eccentric  60  is mounted to the shaft  52  and rotates when the motor  53  is operated under the control of the controller  9 . Rotation of the eccentric  60  generates a directional stroking force through the housing  50  to the body of the intended user. As indicated herein, this is an important feature of the article  1  in general and the vest  22  in particular in that the power pods  19  themselves provide a therapeutic action for the vest  22  without outside assistance in the way or need for additional adapters, connectors or applicator devices generally require by the prior art. The eccentric  60  is specifically designed for mounting on the shaft  52  along an internal opening  62  through the use of conventional fasteners used to attach the eccentric  60  to the shaft  52  through an opening  64  in the body of the eccentric  60 . 
         [0043]    While the power pods  19  find specific application in conjunction with the vest  22 , because of the unique design of the power pods, other physiotherapy applications are easily adaptable to their use. Merely by way of example,  FIGS. 5   a  through  5   d  illustrate a therapeutic wrap  72  which may be placed on various extremities of a user for various therapy applications. As shown in  FIG. 5   b,  the wrap  72  has an application side  74  having a plurality of pockets  29  having a construction similar to the pockets  29  of the vest  22 . Preferably hook and loop fasteners permit wrap  72  attachment to areas requiring application therapy. Again, other connection or fastening methods are contemplated by this disclosure. 
         [0044]    Operation of the article of this disclosure is relatively simple to understand. In the preferred embodiment, the multi-pocketed vest  22  incorporates eight power pods  19 , four at the lower lobe of each lung, one on each side of a patient&#39;s body; and, four at the upper lobe of each lung, one on each side of a patient&#39;s body, with each of the eight power pods  19  positioned so that the Directional Stroking® action of each of the power pods  19  is directed toward the patient&#39;s thorax. All eight of the power pods  19  are powered by an external 120 volt or 220 volt power source, reduced down to 12 or 24 volts, or can be individually powered by a single 12 volt or 9 volt battery pack which is maybe, for example carried in a pocket in the vest  22 , for complete portability (or, alternatively, each power pod  19  can be independently powered by a 9 volt or 24 volt battery attached to or within the body of vest  22 ). The patient or therapist then activates the hand-held, electronic control module or controller  9  which sequentially-activates the four lower-lobe power pods  19 , all synchronized to provide Directional Stroking® percussion to the patient&#39;s lower lung lobes, at identical, slow frequencies of 20 cycles per second (CPS). After a pre-selected time (depending on the physical size of the patient), the controller  9  then automatically activates the remaining four upper-lobe power pods  19 , to provide Directional Stroking® percussion to the patient&#39;s two upper lobes, with all upper-lobe power pods  19  synchronized at a slightly-higher frequency of 30 CPS, to assist in mobilizing mucus toward the patient&#39;s thorax, where it can be coughed up. It should be noted that the higher vibratory frequency also stimulates the patient&#39;s cough mechanism in the patient&#39;s throat, thereby assisting in the elimination of damaging mucus and other fluids from the lungs of the patient. 
         [0045]    Alternative uses of the selective-segmented, sequentially-synchronized operation of the vest  22  include uses for massage purposes and/or for lymphatic drainage, for example. By wrapping the vest  22  (or a special article  1 ) around the leg of a patient, (See  FIG. 5 ) for deep-tissue massage, for sequentially-synchronized massage from a patient&#39;s lower leg, upward toward a patient&#39;s hip—or from a patient&#39;s lower back, upward toward a patient&#39;s shoulders. 
         [0046]    Other programs for controller  9  operation will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, while the controller  9  is shown as being hard wired to the control panel  7 , it is apparent that other forms of communication not requiring a physical connection are within the scope of the appended claims. Advances in both communication forms and electronic device advances may permit the elimination of the control panel completely, or may allow the distribution of the panel  7  functions directly to the power pod  19 . These variations are merely illustrative. 
         [0047]    As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
         [0048]    In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects and advantages of the present invention have been achieved and other advantageous results have been obtained.