Apparatus for enhancing venous circulation and massage

A method and apparatus for enhancing venous circulation in persons having venous insufficiencies and/or for effecting muscular massage for preventing muscle atrophy. This is attained by a wrap or sleeve adapted to circumscribe the portion of the body to be treated which includes an inflatable flexible tubing or tube which is inflated and deflated for producing a smooth, progressive massaging force on the body portion being treated. In operation, a fluid pressure inflates the respective tubes in a progressive manner whereby a massaging force is progressively applied against the body part as the tubes are sequentially inflated and which massaging force is relieved when the tubes are deflated. A control circuit is provided to control the inflation and deflation of the flexible tubing to effect a repetitive cycle in a predetermined time sequence. In one form of the invention, a wrap or sleeve circumscribes two body parts to be treated, each wrap or sleeve including a plurality of inflatable flexible tubes which are progressively inflated in an alternating sequence. Associated with the respective wrap or sleeve is a control manifold with a reciprocating valving member operating to effect a progressive inflation of the respective tubes in one sleeve as all the inflatable tubes in the other sleeve are simultaneously deflated, and the cycle repeated.

This invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for improving or 
enhancing venous circulation in persons having venous insufficiencies and 
for providing muscular massage to prevent muscle atrophy. 
PRIOR ART 
Heretofore, various types of appliances have been conceived to facilitate 
rehabilitations of injured body parts by promoting venous blood flow. A 
number of such therapeutic devices are known, as evidenced by U.S. Pat. 
Nos. 2,168,611; 2,531,074; 3,824,992; 4,370,975; 3,094,116; 4,702,232; 
4,805,601; U.S. Pat. Nos. Re. 32,939 and 32,940. Other therapeutic 
appliances are evidenced by U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,888,242 and 4,573,453, which 
relate primarily to massaging various body appendages. U.S. Pat. No. 
4,421,109 is directed to an apparatus for simulating gravitational forces 
on the body and U.S. Pat. No. 3,908,642 is a means for applying forced air 
in a body cast to alleviate the discomfort of a body part confined to a 
cast for a considerable period of time. For the most part, the prior known 
devices as noted are relatively complex in structure and costly to 
fabricate. 
OBJECTS 
An object of this invention is to provide a relatively simple and 
inexpensive appliance for enhancing venous circulation and/or for massage. 
Another object is to provide an appliance and method for subjecting the 
body part to be treated to a progressively applied positive pressure in a 
predetermined timed cyclical sequence that enhances venous circulation 
with a comforting massage effect. 
Another object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for 
applying a progressive wave-like massaging effect on a body part to be 
treated by progressively inflating an inflatable member circumscribing the 
body part to impart a positive pressure thereon and thereafter deflating 
the inflatable member and repeating the cycle in a timed sequence. 
Another object of this invention is to provide a pair of wraps or sleeves 
for encircling at least one or two body parts to be treated. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a massaging apparatus and 
method for alternately massaging at least two body parts where one body 
part is being progressively massaged while the applied progressive 
massaging force previously applied to the other body part is 
simultaneously relieved; and which cycle is alternately repeated. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained by a 
wrap or sleeve which is adapted to circumscribe the body part to be 
treated and which has connected thereto an inflatable tube. In one form of 
the invention, the inflatable tube includes a plurality of independent 
tubes adapted to circumscribe a body part at predetermined spaced 
intervals. Each of the independent tubes are connected in communication 
with a fluid supply manifold. Reciprocally mounted within the supply 
manifold is a slidable piston to sequentially valve the inlet of the 
independent tubes. The arrangement is such that the respective tubes are 
sequentially inflated to impart a pressure on the body part with a 
wave-like massaging rhythm. The piston is connected to a motor or spring 
for effecting the return stroke of the piston. Fluid pressure is applied 
to the supply manifold through a solenoid valve controlled by a suitable 
timer. The arrangement is such that fluid pressure is supplied to the 
manifold when the solenoid valve is actuated to effect the displacement of 
the piston. The displacement of the piston effects a sequential opening of 
the inlet to each of the independent inflative tubes to effect the 
successive inflation thereof to impart a wave-like massage effect on the 
body part. At the end of the piston stroke, the solenoid valve is shifted 
to an exhaust position whereby the inflatable tubes are simultaneously 
deflated, whereupon the piston is returned to its initial position, either 
under a spring action or by a drive motor; and the cycle repeated. 
In another form of the invention, the sleeve is defined by a wrap having 
connected thereto a continuous inflatable tube disposed in a zigzag 
pattern. A cord is threaded through the inflatable tube to insure against 
total closing of the tube at the reverse bends thereof. In this form of 
the invention, when the solenoid valve is actuated, fluid pressure will 
progressively inflate the successive bends of the zigzag tube to impart a 
continuous wave-like pressure to the body part. Upon the complete 
inflation of the tube, the solenoid valve is shifted to exhaust the fluid 
pressure within the tube to effect the deflation thereof, and the cycle is 
repeated in a timed sequence. 
In another form of the invention, a pair of wraps or sleeves are arranged 
to encircle a pair of body parts, each wrap or sleeve including a 
plurality of inflatable tubes operatively connected to a fluid supply 
manifold. 
The fluid supply manifold includes two independent chambers having a 
slidable piston disposed in each. Each chamber is operatively connected to 
one of the wraps or sleeves for controlling the inflation and deflation of 
the plurality of inflatable tubes in the respective wraps or sleeves. The 
respective pistons are interconnected so that as one chamber is operating 
to effect inflation of one of the wraps or sleeves for imparting a 
massaging action on one of the body parts, the other sleeve is being 
deflated to release the massaging force applied to the other body part; 
and in which the cycle is repeated so as to effect an alternating 
massaging force on the respective body part or limbs. 
FEATURES 
A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a shell or wrap 
arrange to circumscribe a portion of the body and having connected thereto 
an inflatable tube which is progressively inflated to impart a wave-like 
massaging pressure on the body part. 
Another feature resides in the provision of a plurality of inflatable tubes 
disposed in a shell circumscribing a body part wherein the respective 
tubes are sequentially inflated to provide a wave-like massaging pressure 
on the body part. 
Another feature resides in the provisions of a body wrap having connected 
thereto a continuous inflatable tube disposed in a zigzag pattern in which 
the respective sections of the inflatable tube are sequentially inflated 
to provide the wave-like massaging pressure on the body part. 
Another feature resides in the provision of a cord threaded through the 
inflatable tube when disposed in a zigzag pattern to prohibit total 
closing of the tube at the reverse bends thereof. 
Another feature resides in the provision of a pair of wraps or sleeves, 
each operatively connected to a manifold which are alternately actuated 
for alternating the massaging force applied to a pair of body parts. 
Another feature resides in the provision of a pair of manifolds for 
applying a fluid pressure to an associated sleeve or wrap in which the 
respective pistons valving the flow of fluid to the respective sleeves or 
wrap are interconnected.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION 
Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 an 
embodiment of the invention. As shown, the invention comprises a shell or 
wrap 10 which is adapted to encircle a body portion or part to be treated. 
In the illustrated embodiment, the shell 10 is adapted to encircle a leg. 
To facilitate applying the shell 10 to the body part, e.g. a leg, the 
shell is formed of two half sections 10A, 10B connected by a suitable 
hinge 11 whereby the respective sections can be readily applied to and 
removed from the body part. Preferably, the respective shell sections 10A 
and 10B are formed of a suitable rigid material, e.g. plastic or light 
weight metal. A suitable latch 12 and complementary catch is provided for 
latching the respective shell section onto the body part when a massaging 
pressure is to be applied to the body part. Secured to the respective 
sections 10A and 10B are a plurality of inflatable tubes 14. As best seen 
in FIG. 3, the respective tubes are longitudinally spaced along the length 
of the shell; with a suitable spacer 15 disposed between adjacent pairs of 
inflatable tubes. As best seen in FIG. 2, each tube 14 comprises an 
elongated inflatable tube which is closed at its ends 14A, 14B. The tube 
14 is formed of readily flexible material so that when the shell is closed 
about the body part, the tube 14 can readily encircle the body part to be 
treated. The respective tubes are suitably connected to the respective 
shell sections 10A, 10B by any suitable means. While the shell 10 is 
illustrated as being generally cylindrical, it will be understood that the 
shell 10 may be formed to substantially conform to the shape of the body 
part being treated. The shell is also proportioned so that when the tubes 
14 are inflated as hereinafter described, a pressure is applied to the 
adjacent body part. 
In the illustrated embodiment and as best seen in FIG. 1, each inflatable 
tube 14 is provided with a nipple 15 through which a fluid pressure is 
permitted to flow to inflate and deflate the tube 14. Connected in 
communication with each of the nipples is a supply manifold 16. The supply 
manifold 16, in turn, is connected to a source of fluid pressure, e.g. an 
air compressor 17 or other suitable source of an actuating fluid by means 
of a connecting conduit 18. Disposed in the conduit 18 is a suitable 
regulator 19, pressure gauge 20 and a solenoid valve 21, as best seen in 
FIG. 3. The solenoid valve 21 is a suitable electrically controlled valve 
having a first position for directing fluid pressure to tubes 14 when 
actuated to inflate the tubes and a second position to effect deflation of 
the tubes 14. The actuation of the solenoid valve is effected by a 
suitable timer 22 connected to a circuit therewith as shown in FIG. 3 to 
effect actuation of the solenoid valve between its inflating and deflating 
positions in a controlled timed sequence. 
Slidably disposed within the supply manifold 16 is a reciprocating piston 
23. In the normal inoperative position, the piston 23 is disposed between 
the pressure supply inlet 18A to the manifold 16 and the first nipple or 
fluid inlet 15 of the lowermost tub 14. The arrangement is such that when 
the solenoid valve 21 is actuated to its inflating position, the fluid or 
air pressure is directed into the manifold through inlet 18A causing the 
piston to be displaced upwardly as seen in FIG. 1. Thus, as the piston 
passes each of the nipples 15, the associated tube will be inflated 
causing the inflated tube to exert a massaging pressure on the adjacent 
body part. It will be noted that each tube 15 is successively inflated as 
the piston is displaced from its lowermost position to its highest most 
position as viewed in FIG. 1 to impart a soothing massaging effect on the 
adjacent body part. 
The upper end of the manifold is vented by a suitable vent 25 to the 
atmosphere. An alternate means for venting the manifold can be achieved by 
simply providing the manifold with an opening to atmosphere at the upper 
end thereof. 
As the piston reaches or valves the last or uppermost nipple 15B, the timer 
will cause the solenoid valve 21 to shift to a deflating position whereby 
the fluid pressure in the manifold and connecting inflatable tubes 15 is 
exhausted to atmosphere through the solenoid valve. 
To return the piston 23 to its initial position as shown in FIG. 1 after 
reaching the end of its travel, a suitable return means is provided. In 
the illustrated embodiment, an intermittent motor 26 is provided. It will 
be understood that the motor is connected in circuit with the timer 22 so 
as to time its actuation with that of the solenoid valve. In the 
illustrated embodiment, the motor actuates a spindle 26A, about which a 
cord 27 is wound, the end of which is connected to the piston 23. The 
spindle 26A is free to rotate in one direction and is motor driven in the 
other or reverse direction. Thus, when the piston 23 is displaced under 
fluid pressure, the cord 27 is free to unwind from the spindle 26A. When 
the piston 23 reaches its high point and the solenoid 21 is shifted to the 
deflation position, the motor 26 is activated to drive the spindle 26A in 
the opposite direction causing the cord 27 to be rewound thereon to pull 
the piston 23 back to its initial inoperative position. Upon return of the 
piston 23, the cycle is repeated. 
In lieu of a motor, the piston 23 may be connected to a spring means for 
effecting the return thereof. 
From the foregoing, it will be apparent that in operation, the successive 
inflation of the respective tubes 14 by the action of the piston valving 
the respective nipples or inlets 15 thereto causes the respective tubes 14 
to be successively and progressively inflated in a timed sequence which 
will impart a pressure on the adjacent body part in a wave-like action. 
This wave-like action or pressure enhances venous circulation and/or 
effects a soothing muscular massage on the body part to prevent muscle 
atrophy. 
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. In this form 
of the invention, the shell takes the form of a flat flexible wrap 30, 
which may be formed of a suitable fabric material. The opposed 
longitudinal edges of the wrap 30 may be provided with a strip 30A, 30B of 
a complementary "Velcro" type material. Such strips 30A, 30B comprise a 
fastening means whereby the wrap 30 when placed about the body part, e.g., 
a leg, and securely fastened by the interlocking or overlapping of the 
"Velcro" strips 30A, 30B, as best seen in FIG. 5. 
Connected to the inner surface of the wrap 30 is a continuous inflatable 
tube 32 which is secured thereto in a zigzag pattern, as best seen in FIG. 
4. The lower end 32A is connected to a supply conduit 33, which in turn, 
is connected to a source of fluid supply, e.g. an air compressor. The 
other end 32B of the tube 32 is suitably sealed, e.g. by a plug 34. Or, in 
the alternative, the end 32B of the tube can be welded or fusion sealed 
closed. It will be understood that the supply conduit 33 is connected to a 
solenoid valve 21 and an associated pressure regulator and pressure gauge, 
similar as described and shown in FIG. 3. Also connected in circuit with 
the solenoid valve is a timer 22, as hereinbefore described. 
Because the tube 32 is normally flattened in its deflated state, causing 
the return bends 32C to be crimped as shown, a cord 35 is threaded through 
the tube 32. The cord 35, having a diameter functions to ensure the 
maintenance of an open passageway within the tube in the deflated 
position; and thus prevents total closing of the tube 32 at the return 
bends 32C, which could prevent inflation of the tube when the solenoid 
valve is actuated. 
When the wrap 30 is secured to the body part as shown in FIG. 5, the 
operation is similar to that hereinbefore described. With the air 
compressor operating and the solenoid valve 21 actuated to its inflating 
position, fluid pressure is directed by means of conduit 33 to the 
lowermost section of the inflatable tube 32 causing it to inflate. Each 
section of the zigzag pattern is thereafter successively inflated to 
impart to the adjacent body part a continuous, wave-like massaging 
pressure. Positive inflation of each section is assured by the cord 35 
threaded thereto. After the last section of the zigzag pattern has been 
inflated, the timer causes the solenoid valve 21 to shift to its exhaust 
mode, whereby the fluid pressure within tube 32 is exhausted through the 
solenoid valve to atmosphere to effect deflation of the tube 32. 
Thereafter, the cycle is repeated and continued as long as desirable. In 
this form of the invention, there is a continuous wave-like massaging 
pressure applied to the body part to enhance circulation and/or to apply a 
soothing massage on the body part. 
If desired, the circuit can be readily connected to a pair of shells or 
wraps, whereby one of the shells or wrap can be applied, to each leg or 
arm of a person and be alternately actuated. That is, as one shell is 
applying a massaging effect to one leg, the other shell is being deflated 
so that each leg is provided with an alternating body massage pressure. 
The tubes are formed of a thin flexible, expandable material which 
functions as a balloon when inflated to impart a pressure on the body 
part, and whereby the pressure on the body part is released when the tube 
is deflated. 
From the foregoing, it will be apparent that a relatively simple and 
positive pressure applying or massaging device is provided for imparting a 
wave-like pressure on the body part which enhances circulation. 
FIGS. 7 to 11 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. In this 
form of the invention, the arrangement is such that a massaging effect can 
be applied to two body parts, e.g. both legs of a patient, in a manner in 
which one leg is massaged when the massaging effect is relieved on the 
other leg or body part in an alternating manner. Also in this embodiment, 
the massaging effect, when applied to one body part, is imparted thereto 
in a progressive or wave-like motion, while the release of the massaging 
effect on the other body part is simultaneously, i.e. the entire massaging 
pressure on the body part is released instantaneously over the entire body 
part. 
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the massaging appliance 50 comprises a supply 
manifold 51 which includes two independent cylinders 52 and 53. In the 
illustrated embodiment, the cylinders 52 and 53 are juxtadisposed in side 
by side relationship. A piston 52A and 53A is reciprocally disposed in 
cylinders 52 and 53 respectively. The cylinders 52 and 53 are connected to 
a base or housing 54 which has rotatably mounted therein a pulley 55. In 
this form of the invention, the respective pistons 52A and 53A are 
connected by a flexible cord or cable 56 which is threaded about pulley 
55, the opposed ends of the cord or cable 56 being connected to the 
respective pistons 52A, 53A. 
Connected to the outerside of each cylinder 52, 53 is a mounting bar or 
fixture 52B, 53B to which the sleeves or wraps 57 and 58 are attached, as 
will be hereinafter described. The respective mounting bars 52B, 53B are 
preferably formed of a rigid plastic in which a series of tapped holes 59 
are formed at spaced apart intervals and in communication with the 
associated cylinder. The tapped holes 59 are disposed in alignment with a 
series of holes 60 spaced longitudinally along the length of the 
respective cylinders 52, 53. Disposed at the bottom of each cylinder 
mounting bar is a fluid inlet 52C, 53C disposed in communication with its 
corresponding cylinder 52, 53. It will be understood that a suitable 
supply conduit S.sub.1, S.sub.2 is adapted to be detachably connected to 
each of the fluid inlets 52C, 53C. The tops of the respective cylinders 
are closed by an end wall 61, 62, each of which is provided with a venting 
port 63, 64. 
In this form of the invention, the respective wraps or sleeves 57, 58 are 
similarly constructed. Each wrap 57, 58 comprises a flexible sheet 
material 57A, 58A which is adapted to be folded about a body part to be 
massaged, e.g. a leg. The longitudinal edges of the wrap 57, 58 are 
provided with complimentary fastening means, e.g. the hook and loop type 
material commonly referred to as "Velcro." Such fastening strips are shown 
at 65, 66. In FIGS. 7 and 8, wrap 58 is shown in its open or inoperative 
position; and wrap or sleeve 57 is shown in its operative position. 
Connected to the internal surface of the respective wraps or sleeves 57, 58 
are a plurality of spaced apart inflatable tubes 67. The inflatable tubes 
67 are horizontally disposed and are arranged to encircle the body part to 
be massaged in the operative position of the respective wrap. The 
respective inflatable tubes are in the form of an elongated tube or 
balloon having the fluid inlet disposed intermediate the opposed ends 
thereof. Referring to FIG. 11, the fluid inlet to each of the respective 
inflatable tubes comprises a stem 69 having a flange 69A arranged to be 
disposed within the inflatable tube with the stem 69 projecting outwardly 
of the inflatable tube. The exposed end of the stem is threaded. Threaded 
onto the stem 69 is a lock nut 70 for securing the stem to the balloon or 
tube 69. To perfect the seal between the stem 69 and the inflatable tube, 
a sealing washer 71 is interposed between the nut 70 and the inflatable 
tube 67. The outer end of the stem is threaded into the tapped hole 59 of 
the corresponding mounting bar. Thus, it will be apparent that each 
inflatable tube 67 is disposed in communication with the associated 
cylinder 52, 53 respectively. With the appropriate fluid lines S.sub.1, 
S.sub.2 connected to each of the respective cylinders 52, 53, the 
operation of the apparatus is as follows. 
Wraps 57, 58 are wrapped and secured about the two body parts to be 
massaged, e.g. the legs of a patient. Referring to FIG. 7, when a pressure 
fluid, e.g. compressed air, is introduced into inlet 53C of cylinder 53, 
the air forces the piston 53A upwardly, causing the respective inlets to 
each of the inflatable tubes of wrap 58 to be progressively inflated. In 
doing so, a wave-like massaging effect is imparted to the body part 
enclosed by wrap 58. As the piston 53A rises, any air in the cylinder 
above piston 53A is vented through port 64. As piston 53A rises to 
successively inflate the inflatable tubes 67, the piston 52A in cylinder 
52 is lowered, as piston 52A is interconnected to piston 53A by the 
connecting cord 56. Thus, one piston is always the slave to the other. As 
piston 52A lowers in respect to the rising of piston 53A, all the 
inflatable tubes 67 of wrap 57 are simultaneously deflated. Thus, as the 
tubes 67 of wrap 58 are being progressively inflated, the tubes 67 of the 
other wrap 57 are simultaneously deflated. This is effected by the fluid 
pressure in tubes 67 of wrap 57 being exhausted through port 63 and port 
52C. It will be understood that the inlet 52C, 53C of the respective 
cylinders are connected to an exhaust valve 77 which is actuated to an 
open position by control valve 78 when either piston is moving in the 
exhaust stroke or direction. Through an appropriate timing and control 
circuit, the respective wraps 57 and 58 are alternately actuated, i.e. 
when one wrap is inflating, the other is exhausting, and the cycle being 
repeated in an alternating sequence. 
It will be understood that the inflation and deflation is automatically 
accomplished by the control circuit diametrically disclosed in FIG. 12. As 
shown, the outlet 72 of a fluid source, e.g. an air compressor 73, is 
connected through a suitable pressure regulator 74 by conduit 75 to the 
inlet of a control valve 78. Operatively connected to the control valve 78 
is a suitable timer 76 to control the sequencing of the valve in a 
predetermined timed sequence. When the control valve 78 is actuated by a 
solenoid 78A to a first position to inflate the tubes of wrap 57, the 
control valve 78 is shifted to a first position to connect a supply line 
75 into communication with supply conduit S.sub.1 connected between the 
outlet of the control valve 78 and the inlet to cylinder 52. At the same 
time, the control valve 78 places cylinder 53 in an exhaust mode 
connecting chamber 53 to conduit S.sub.2 to deflate wrap 58 through the 
exhaust valve 77. After the massaging stroke of wrap 57 has been complete, 
the control valve 78 is shifted to a second position in the opposite 
direction (to the left as seen in FIG. 12 by the broken line position) to 
connect supply line S.sub.1 in communication with the exhaust means 77 and 
placing the supply conduit 75 in communication with supply line S.sub.2 to 
effect the inflation of wrap 58 and the deflation of wrap 57. Accordingly, 
the cycle is repeated for a predetermined amount of time as may be 
required by the needs of a particular patient. 
While the invention has been described with respect to particular 
embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated and understood that variations 
and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope 
of the invention.