Abstract:
A therapeutic device for treating symptoms related to restless leg syndrome comprises a remote, a pair of pads, a plurality of electrodes, and a fastener assembly. The remote comprises a power source and an interface further comprising an ON/OFF switch and a method for providing variable power to the plurality of electrodes. Each pad comprises a brace-type fitting which fits around a user&#39;s afflicted area in a comfortable but secure manner. The plurality of electrodes comprises a number of electrodes affixed to the interior of each pad. A plurality of wires connects each electrode to the power source in the remote. The fastener assembly comprises a plurality of straps permanently attached to each pad, each disposed with fasteners to allow for the secure and comfortable affixation of the pads and electrodes to a user&#39;s desired area.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/350,068 filed Jun. 1, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to apparatuses utilizing electrical stimulation for therapeutic purposes, and in particular, to a therapeutic electrical stimulation apparatus particularly adapted for use by persons suffering from restless leg syndrome (RLS). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many people suffer from restless leg syndrome, or RLS as it is commonly called. RLS is a medical condition in which an afflicted person has regular urges to move their legs in order to relieve uncomfortable internal sensations. 
     Movement of the legs typically stops or reduces these uncomfortable internal sensations, but this relief is generally very short-lived and the sensations quickly return when the legs stop moving. Many users afflicted with severe cases of RLS have turned to therapy, drugs, or even surgery to help rid their body of this affliction. Unfortunately, what has been found to work for some people produces little or no change in another, and only constant stimulation of the legs is known to work consistently. 
     One (1) known method for stimulating muscles in the field of medical therapy is the use of electrodes which apply weak electrical pulses to the surface of a user&#39;s skin in order to cause the underlying muscles to contract. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide automated electrical muscle stimulators for therapeutic use. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,268; U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,033; U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,237; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,499,746. 
     While these apparatuses fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses are not adapted for use on the legs. Many such apparatuses are designed for use in a dedicated therapy environment and are immobile, bulky, or expensive, thereby limiting their efficacy for personal use. Many such apparatuses are dedicated to particular rehabilitative uses and are not adapted to provide a simple level of stimulation desirable for people with RLS. Furthermore, many such apparatuses do not provide a desirable range of controls providing a minimum functionality for comfortable use by RLS patients but without unnecessary complexity that is undesirable for the particular task of mitigating RLS. Accordingly, there exists a need for a therapeutic device particularly adapted for persons suffering from RLS and without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a restless leg therapeutic device that is simple and portable and that has features particularly adapted to users afflicted with RLS. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide electrical stimulation of a user&#39;s muscles particularly adapted to treat restless leg syndrome (RLS) or a similar ailment. The apparatus is positioned on the user&#39;s leg during use to stimulate muscle contraction with a plurality of electrodes. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide adjustable positioning and configuration of the apparatus during use to accommodate different leg sizes and user preferences. The apparatus comprises an upper pad and a lower pad each having a plurality of electrodes. The upper and lower pads are connected with an adjustable length intermediate strap that allows the user to selectively vary the distance between the pads. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to accommodate users of different sizes by providing adjustable fastening and tightening for the upper and lower pads utilizing a pair of upper pad straps and a pair of lower pad straps, respectively. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further secure an interior surface of each pad and the plurality of electrodes with a plurality of adhesive tacky surfaces that temporarily adhere to the user&#39;s skin. The tacky surfaces can be covered with a wax paper-type removable cover during periods of non-use in order to preserve the adhesive. 
     The tacky surfaces further ensure contact between the user&#39;s skin and the electrodes to ensure proper functioning of the apparatus during use. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide comfort and cushioning with a fabric layer disposed along an interior surface of the pads between the electrodes. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to adjustably control operation of the electrodes during use using a handheld controller. The controller is wired to the electrodes and includes a replaceable or rechargeable battery power supply that also powers the electrodes. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide integral storage and protection for the controller within a pocket disposed along a front surface of the upper pad. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the user with a plurality of basic controls for the electrodes including an operational switch for turning the electrodes on or off and increment and decrement buttons that allow the user to selectively control the intensity of the electrodes during use. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an additional range of electrode-driven therapeutic functionality not associated with RLS including use on other body areas such as a torso or abdomen. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of acquiring the apparatus, positioning the upper pad and lower pad on a desired location with the electrodes against the afflicted area, fastening the pads, using the operational switch and increment/decrement buttons to control the apparatus, placing the controller into the pocket for hands free use, contracting the muscles in the desired area on the user; and, utilizing the apparatus to provide relief from RLS or similar ailments in a manner which is simple, effective, and comforting. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a restless leg therapeutic device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the restless leg therapeutic device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the restless leg therapeutic device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical block diagram of the restless leg therapeutic device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is another environmental view of the restless leg therapeutic device  10  depicting placement upon a torso  18 , according to an alternate method of use of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is yet another environmental view of the restless leg therapeutic device  10  depicting placement upon a bicep  13  and a forearm  14 , according to yet another alternate method of use of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  restless leg therapeutic device 
               13  bicep 
               14  forearm 
               15  user 
               16  thigh 
               17  calf 
               18  torso 
               20  upper pad 
               21  upper pad strap 
               22  lower pad 
               23  lower pad strap 
               24  intermediate strap 
               25  fastening loop 
               26  securing means 
               27  aperture 
               30  electrode 
               35  wire 
               40  pocket 
               50  controller 
               51  operational switch 
               52  increment button 
               53  decrement button 
               54  battery 
               55  control module 
               56  electricity generator 
               57  battery compartment 
               60  cover 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a restless leg therapeutic device (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides an electrical muscle stimulator to treat restless leg syndrome (RLS) or a similar ailment. The apparatus  10  is preferably positioned on a leg portion of the user  15  to stimulate muscle contraction to the bothersome area via a plurality of electrodes  30  which are controlled via a controller  50 . The apparatus  10  may also be positioned on a torso  18  portion (see  FIG. 5 ) or an arm portion (see  FIG. 6 ) without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  is comprised of an upper pad  20  and a lower pad  22  which are attached to the user  15  with a securing means  26 . The apparatus  10  alleviates the uncontrollable impulses to move one&#39;s body which is commonly associated with RLS. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is depicted herein as being positioned on a thigh  16  and on a calf  17  of the user  15  for illustration purposes only, it is known that other abovementioned areas (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The upper pad  20  is depicted as being positioned on the afflicted thigh  16  area of a user  15  and fastened to said thigh  16  via an upper pad strap  21  (also see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The lower pad  22  is depicted as being positioned on the afflicted calf  17  area of a user  15  and fastened to said calf  17  via a lower pad strap  23  (also see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The upper and lower pads  20 ,  22  are attached on the body area such that a plurality of electrodes  30  is positioned against the afflicted area. The apparatus  10  generates impulses via the electrodes  30  to contract the muscles of the afflicted area which correspondingly relaxes said afflicted area and calms the RLS. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a rear perspective view of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 3 , a front perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The upper pad  20  and lower pad  22  comprise hourglass-shaped bodies which are utilized to encompass the RLS afflicted areas upon the user  15 . A rear surface of the upper pad  20  and lower pad  22  (as depicted in  FIG. 2 ) are positioned against the skin of the afflicted areas on the user  15  which enable a plurality of electrodes  30  to adhere to said skin and contract the desired muscles. The electrodes  30  are integrally molded between the respective pads  20 ,  22 , yet an upper surface of said electrodes  30  are exposed from the rear surface of each said pad  20 ,  22  which enables them to be in-contact with the user&#39;s  15  afflicted area when in use. The upper surface of the electrodes  30  must be in contact with the user  15  to enable the muscle stimulation to conduct properly. The electrodes  30  comprise a tacky upper surface to temporarily adhere to the user  15 . Each electrode  30  preferably comprises a wax paper-type removably replaceable cover  60  which comprises a circular-shape having a diameter able to fully cover the electrodes  30  to maintain the tacky surface while not in use, in a conventional manner, to enable said electrodes  30  to be reusable. Each electrode  30  is interconnected internally to each other via electrical wire  35  which is further connected to a controller  50  (see herein below). The controller  50  enables the user  15  to control the electrodes  30  to a desired setting. The upper pad  20  and lower pad  22  are comprised of a neoprene material, yet other elastic-type materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The rear surface of the upper pad  20  and the rear surface of the lower pad  22  may comprise a terry cloth covering to provide a cushioning and comforting surface against the skin of the user  15  without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     The upper pad  20  and lower pad  22  comprise a securing means  26  to fasten the apparatus  10  to the user  15 . The upper pad  20  comprises a pair of upper pad straps  21  attached to each opposing lateral perimeter edge of the upper pad  20 . The upper pad straps  21  further include the securing means  26  to attach the upper pad  20  around the desired afflicted area on the user  15 . The lower pad  22  comprises a pair of lower pad straps  23  attached to each opposing lateral perimeter edge of the lower pad  22 . The lower pad straps  23  also include the securing means  26  which provides a means to attach the lower pad  22  around the desired afflicted area on the user  15 . The straps  21 ,  23  are fabricated from a material similar to the pads  20 ,  22  and are attached to their respective areas via common sewing techniques. The straps  21 ,  23  comprise a length which is accommodating to various sized users  15  desired and positioning of the apparatus  10 . The securing means  26  is preferably a common hook-and-loop-type fastener, yet other fastening devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     The front surface of the upper pad  20  comprises a pocket  40  which provides a retaining member to retain the controller  50 . The pocket  40  is depicted as being located on the upper pad  20  for illustration purposes only; it is known that other locations may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The pocket  40  receives the controller  50  while the apparatus  10  is in-use or being stored. The pocket  40  includes an upper opening which receives the controller  50  and is preferably attached to the upper pad  20  along bottom and side edges via common sewing techniques. 
     The controller  50  comprises a rectangular body further comprising an operational switch  51 , an increment button  52 , a decrement button  53 , a battery  54 , and associated electrical and electronic components. The operational switch  51 , increment button  52 , and decrement button  53  are controlled via an internal control module  55  (see  FIG. 4 ). The operational switch  51  activates and deactivates the apparatus  10  as desired by the user  15 . The operational switch  51  is comprised of common pushbutton switch, yet other switching devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The increment button  52  and decrement button  53  provide the user  15  with a means to control the intensity of an electricity generator  56  which causes electrical impulses to contract muscles on the user  15  (see  FIG. 4 ). The buttons  52 ,  53  are also comprised of common pushbutton switches, yet other switching devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of the invention. The controller  50  is interconnected via wiring  35  to each electrode  30  which is further interconnected to the control module  55  and the electricity generator  56 . Current is supplied to the controller  50  and concurrently the apparatus  10  via common user replaceable batteries  54  (see  FIG. 4 ) which are accessed from a rear portion of the controller  50  via a battery compartment  57 . 
     The apparatus  10  also comprises an intermediate strap  24  which provides a means to conceal the wiring  35  which also interconnects the upper pad  20  and the lower pad  22 . The wiring passes through an aperture  27  of the intermediate strap  24 , which then travels to each upper pad  20  and lower pad  22 . The intermediate strap  24  is fastened to an intermediate front surface of the lower pad  22  via sewing techniques and is adjustably fastened to an intermediate front surface of the upper pad  20  via a perpendicularly orientated fastening loop  25 . Side edges of the fastening loop  25  are attached to the upper pad  20  via sewing techniques which enables the intermediate strap  24  to pass through and secure upon itself via another hook-and-loop-type fastener securing means  26 . This adjustable securing of the intermediate strap  24  adjusts the distance between the pads  20 ,  22  to correspond to various user  15  sizes and desired positioning of the apparatus  10 . An upper portion of the intermediate strap  24  enables the wiring  35  which leads to the controller  50  to egress. The intermediate strap  24  is fabricated from a similar material as the pads  20 ,  22  and may also provide a surface area for placement of indicia such as, but not limited to: sports names/logos, personal names, symbols, pictures, and the like to further customize and personalize the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an electrical block diagram depicting the major electrical components of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. A current is supplied to the apparatus  10  via the battery  54  housed within the battery compartment  57  further within the controller  50 . The battery  54  is a user replaceable electrochemical cell such which supplies an appropriate amount of current to power the apparatus  10 . The battery  54  is interconnected to the control module  55  and concurrently the operational switch  51 , increment button  52 , and decrement button  53  via appropriately gauged electrical wire  35 . The control module  55  comprises circuitry to manipulate the electrodes  30  via the input from the user  15 . Current is then sent to the electricity generator  56  upon each electrode  30  which stimulates the desired muscle to contract. The range of the electricity generator  56  is common to those currently on the market with a voltage range of approximately twenty-five (25) volts, a safe current output, and a suitable frequency range. The electricity generator  56  enables the muscle to depolarize itself which concurrently and constantly contracts said muscle at a desired strength as determined via the buttons  52 ,  53 , it is known that this procedure is common to many muscle stimulating devices existing in the field. The electrodes  30  provide an electrical conductor to enable contact with a nonmetallic portion such as the user&#39;s  15  skin. The contraction of the muscle is constantly repeated a desired amount of times until the user  15  remove each electrode  30  from the desired afflicted area and deactivates the apparatus  10  via the controller  50 . The constant muscle contraction relaxes the muscles and alleviates the bothersome consequences of RLS. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting placement upon a torso  18  and  FIG. 6 , yet another environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting placement upon a bicep  13  and a forearm  14 , according to alternate methods of use of the present invention, are disclosed.  FIGS. 5 and 6  depict use of the apparatus  10  upon other body parts which are not affected by RLS, yet benefit from the muscle stimulation which said apparatus  10  produces.  FIG. 5  depicts the apparatus  10  attached to the torso  18  of a user  15  which stimulates the abdominal muscles. Utilizing the apparatus  10  upon the torso  18  of the user  15  contributes in abdominal muscle enlargement. The upper pad  20  is orientated blow the user&#39;s  15  upper abdominal region and the lower pad  22  is orientated upon the lower abdominal region. The straps  21 ,  23  wrap around to a back region of the user  15  and attach via the securing means  26  as abovementioned.  FIG. 6  depicts the apparatus  10  attached to the arm of a user  15  to stimulate the muscles of the bicep  13  and the forearm  14 . The upper pad  20  is orientated upon the bicep  13  and the lower pad  22  is orientated upon the forearm  14 . The upper pad strap  21  is fastened around the bicep  13  and the lower pad strap  23  is fastened around the forearm  14 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; positioning the upper pad  20  on a desired location on the user  15  with the rear surface placed against the skin of the user  15  such that the electrodes  30  are against the afflicted area; fastening the upper pad  20  around the desired area on the user  15  via the upper pad straps  21  and securing via the securing means  26 ; positioning the lower pad  22  on a desired location on the user  15  with the rear surface placed against the skin of the user  15  such that the electrodes  30  are against the afflicted area; fastening the lower pad  22  around the desired area on the user  15  via the lower pad straps  23  and securing via the securing means  26 ; removing the controller  50  from the pocket  40 ; placing batteries  54  into the battery compartment  57  as necessary; depressing the operational switch  51  to activate the apparatus  10 ; depressing the buttons  52 ,  53  to a desired setting; positioning the controller  50  into the pocket  40  as desired; enabling the electricity generator  56  to transmit the desired signal to each electrode  30  which contracts the muscles in the desired area on the user  15 ; and, utilizing the apparatus  10  to provide relief from RLS or similar ailments in a manner which is simple, easy, effective, and comforting. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.