Abstract:
A therapeutic pressure strap for applying pressure across a muscle or muscle groups on a mammalian limb is described. The strap is particularly well suited for treating “tennis elbow”. The strap contains an adjustable fastening means for securing and tightening the strap around a limb. The strap also possesses a plurality of pressure members (e.g., elongated rubber tubes) that apply separate and discrete areas or points of pressure in a line across a muscle or muscle group and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/731,289, filed Dec. 31, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to therapeutic devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a therapeutic pressure strap for applying pressure to a mammalian limb. Particularly, the invention relates to a therapeutic pressure strap for applying pressure across muscles near the insertion point of those muscles (i.e., above muscle tendons). Such devices are commonly used to provide pain relief for inflamed and painful muscles, tendons and joint capsules and are especially used for treating lateral epicondylitis, also known as “tennis elbow”. 
         [0003]    The pathological condition generally known as tennis elbow afflicts many people. In many instances, tennis elbow (and other forms of tendonitis) is caused by overexertion and overuse of a muscle group during exercise, sports or simple repetitive motion. For example, the repeated movement of the human forearm during tennis combined with the repetitive trauma caused by the transfer of forces from the tennis racket to the forearm causes inflammation and pain that radiates from the insertion point of the common extensor tendon on the lateral portion of the forearm near the elbow. 
         [0004]    Orthopedists observe that many patients having various forms of tendonitis, and particularly those having tennis elbow, experience pain relief when pressure is applied across the inflamed muscles and tendons. For those patients with tennis elbow this is traditionally accomplished by placing a compressive strap around the forearm just distal to the elbow joint. Such straps are also utilized during use of the arm (e.g., playing tennis or repetitive movement at work) to dampen muscle movement and thereby reduce additional inflammation of the muscles and tendons. 
         [0005]    Many variations of such straps are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,028 is an example of such a strap. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,152,302 and 5,372,575 show alternative designs. These designs, like many others, focus pressure over a single spot or area of the forearm. 
         [0006]    However, the mammalian body is a very dynamic system. Treatments, braces, and straps that provide relief for one patient often do not provide relief for another, which is one reason there is such a large number of orthopedic devices on the market for all types of orthopedic conditions. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for new and innovative orthopedic devices to provide treatment and relief to those patients that do not respond to known treatment methods. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one aspect, the invention is a therapeutic pressure strap for applying pressure to the muscles of a mammalian limb. The pressure strap comprises an elongated flexible band for encircling a limb. The band has an adjustable cooperative fastening means proximate the ends of the band for adjustably fastening the band about the limb and adjusting the pressure the strap applies to the limb. A plurality of elongated pressure members are attached to the band. The pressure members are separated from each other by a distance and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb. During use each pressure member creates a discrete line of pressure across the muscles of the limb. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, the invention is a method of simultaneously applying a plurality of discrete lines of pressure across the muscles of a limb. The method comprises the steps of encircling a limb with an elongated strap where the strap has an adjustable cooperative fastening means proximate the ends of the strap for adjustably fastening the strap about the limb. The strap also has a plurality of elongated pressure members. The pressure members are separated from each other by a distance and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb when the strap is in use. The method also includes the step of adjusting the cooperative fastening means to tighten the strap around the limb thereby compressing each pressure member against the limb to create discrete lines of pressure across the muscles of the limb. 
         [0009]    A still further aspect of the invention is a method of simultaneously applying a plurality of discrete lines of pressure to the muscles of a limb. The method comprises the steps of placing a plurality of discrete elongated pressure members against a muscle of a limb where the elongated pressure members are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb. The elongated pressure members are separated from each other by a distance. The pressure members possess a force transfer surface that extends for a distance across the surface of the limb. The method continues by creating a circumferential compressive force around the limb and concentrating a portion of the compressive force applied to the limb at the force transfer surface of the pressure members. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    These and other more detailed and specific features of the present invention are more fully disclosed in the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1B . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a view taken on lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a view taken on lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1B . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth, such as device configurations and movements, to provide an understanding of one or more embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         [0017]    While the invention is described with respect to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit, scope, and teaching of the invention. Accordingly, the invention herein disclosed is limited only as specified in the claims. 
         [0018]    Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements, there is shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  a therapeutic pressure strap generally designated by the numeral  10 . The pressure strap  10  is designed to apply pressure to the muscles of a limb (not shown). For ease of discussion the detailed description describes an embodiment of the invention in the context of a strap used in the treatment of tennis elbow in a human. This narrative convenience should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. 
         [0019]    Broadly speaking, the pressure strap  10  according to the invention comprises an elongated flexible band  12  of sufficient length to encircle the limb to be treated. The pressure strap also comprises an adjustable cooperative fastening means proximate the ends of the band for adjustably fastening the band about the limb, for creating a compressive force or pressure about the limb, and for adjusting the force/pressure applied to the limb. The pressure strap contains a plurality of pockets  26 ,  26   a  that are integral with the band  12  where the pockets are separated from each other by a distance  32 . An elongated pressure member  34 ,  34   a  is contained within each of the pockets. During use of the strap  10 , the pressure members  34 ,  34   a  are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb and each pressure member creates a distinct line of pressure across the muscles of the limb. Each element is discussed in more detail below. 
         [0020]    The band  12  may be constructed of any suitable flexible material such as woven fabric, vinyl, leather, neoprene, nylon, etc. The material utilized to construct the band may be mostly inelastic or the material can have some elastic qualities. If elastic materials are utilized then care should be taken when the strap is applied to a limb because elastic materials make it easier to inadvertently cut off the circulation to a limb. The flexible band  12  may be made of a single material for ease of manufacture or it can be made from a combination of materials where the materials are chosen for specific purposes. For example, one portion of the band may be made from relatively inelastic leather while another portion is made from somewhat elastic neoprene. In addition, a portion or multiple portions of the band  12  can be formed of solid materials (e.g., thin polymer sheets) to add strength to the strap or focus pressure in a particular area. 
         [0021]    The architecture of the band  12  can vary considerably. The band  12  can be made of a single layer of material or it can be made of multiple layers of material. If a single layer of material is used, slight adjustments in the manner of attaching the pressure members  34 ,  34   a  (discussed below) to the strap  10  may be necessary. Such adjustments are well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
         [0022]    In preferred embodiments the band  12  is formed of multiple layers as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The band  12  shown in the figures comprises a first layer  28  attached to a second layer  30 . Additional layers can be utilized if desired. For example a layer of foam could be added to provide comfort for the user. 
         [0023]    The therapeutic pressure strap  10  includes an adjustable cooperative fastening means proximate the ends of the ends of the band  12  for adjustably fastening the band about the limb to create a compressive force or pressure about the limb and for adjusting the force/pressure applied to the limb. Suitable cooperative fastening means may include, for example, a metal or polymeric loop  16  attached to the band  12  via a small tube  20  extending across one end of the band and through which the metal loop extends. A Velcro type fastener may be utilized on the opposite end of the band, including a strip of hook portion  22  and a strip of fiber loop portion  24 . The fiber loop portion  24  may extend substantially along the length of the band to provide the maximum range of adjustment. Although Velcro type fasteners are preferred due to ease of use, other types of fasteners such as buckles and snaps can be used in the practice of the invention. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates the engagement of the fastening means and how it can create compressive forces/pressures around a limb. As one end  22  of the strap  10  is pulled through and away from the loop  16  the circumference of the strap  10  contracts causing compressive forces around the interior of the strap. These forces are illustrated by the force vector arrows  14  shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  and are discussed in more detail below. 
         [0025]    The strap  10  of the present invention includes means for applying a plurality of discrete lines of pressure to the muscles of a limb. Those skilled in the art recognize that depending upon the placement of the strap, the lines of pressure provided by the strap will be above muscle, or tendon or the transition area between the two. Therefore, as used herein and for clarity, the term muscle or muscles includes the primarily fibrous portions of a muscle, commonly known as tendons, which attach the muscle to bone as well as the contractive tissue commonly referred to as muscle. 
         [0026]    In one embodiment of the strap according to the invention the means for applying a plurality of discrete lines of pressure to a limb comprise a plurality of pockets  26 ,  26   a  that are integral to a portion of the band  10 . The pockets  26 ,  26   a  can be formed within the band  12  or formed separately and attached to the band  12 . 
         [0027]    The manner in which the pockets  26 ,  26   a  are formed can vary with the methods used to manufacture the strap. For example, in the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1A and 3 , the strap  10  is formed of multiple layers of material. In this embodiment the strap  10 , and more specifically the band  12 , is formed of a first layer  28  of material attached to a second layer  30  of material. The method of attaching the first layer  28  to the second layer  30  can be any method known in the art such as sewing or gluing. Those skilled in the art can pick the method of attachment that is most suitable for the materials used to construct the strap  10 . 
         [0028]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  the first  28  and second  30  layers are joined by sewing the layers together. The pockets  26  are located intermediate the first and second layer in the potential space that exists between the layers. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  there exist two pockets  26  formed by two pairs of parallel stitching  44  along the longitudinal axis of the band  12 . The pockets  26  can be completely enclosed or they can have small openings (not shown) at one end. Providing small openings allows the user to change out the pressure members (described in more detail below) that reside therein (e.g., remove a more rigid member for a more compliant member). 
         [0029]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , in an alternative embodiment, the pressure strap  10 , and more specifically the band  12 , is constructed such that the pockets  26   a  are primarily arranged to be on one side of the strap  10 . In both embodiments and particularly the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the pressure strap  10  can be described as having an inside surface  36  and an outside surface  38  where the inside surface  36  faces the limb as shown in  FIG. 2 . The pockets  26   a  are positioned primarily on the inside surface  36  of the strap. The pockets  26   a  in this embodiment can also have small openings (not shown) that allow a user to change out pressure members. 
         [0030]    The pockets  26   a  shown in  FIG. 4  are similar to the pockets shown in  FIG. 3  in that they are positioned intermediate a first  28  and second  30  layer. They are different in that the portion of the strap  12  that is between pressure members  34   a  and the outside surface  38  is reinforced to be more rigid and less capable of deforming to conform to the shape of the pressure member  34   a  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0031]    The reinforcement of the strap to form the style of pocket  26   a  shown in  FIG. 4  can take several forms. One option is to place a backing plate  40  intermediate the pressure members  34   a  and the outside surface  38 . The backing plate  40  could be semi-flexible (for example, a thin piece of plastic) or made of a rigid material that has a curvature to conform to the natural curvature of the limb. Another alternative for reinforcing the strap is to use multiple layers of material (e.g., fabric, leather) to create the “outer” portion the strap. Either method of reinforcement, results in pockets  26   a  that generally protrude toward the inside of the strap  10 . 
         [0032]    The pressure members  34 ,  34   a  used in the practice of the invention are sized to fit within the pockets  26 ,  26   a.  The pressure members are elongated to provide continuous lines of pressure that extend for a distance across a muscle or muscle group. Those skilled in the art recognize that the pressure (and force vectors) applied by the pressure members  34 ,  34   a  to a limb extends along lines that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb. 
         [0033]    Pressure members having a circular or hemispherical cross-section are preferred because they create a generally smooth and uniform force transfer surface (generally represented by numeral  42 ) when compressed against a limb. Other cross sections (for example, hexagonal or star shaped) can be used in the practice of the invention and may provide more relief for some patients. In addition, the pressure members  34 ,  34   a  can be solid or hollow as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  respectively. Similarly, the material used to construct the pressure members can vary depending upon the amount of pressure desired. For example, a hollow tube of very flexible and soft rubber would have a pressure distribution profile that is different from a solid tube of fairly rigid nylon. One patient may prefer one type of pressure member over another. 
         [0034]    In all embodiments of the strap  10 , the pockets  26 ,  26   a  are separated from each other by a distance  32 . The length of the distance  32  is that which is sufficient to create a plurality of separate and discrete lines of pressure across the width of the strap  10 . Stated alternatively, the pressure members do not touch or adjoin or abut to create a single, concentrated, uniform area of pressure when the strap is applied to a limb. Stated in yet a further alternative, the lines of force vectors  14  created by the pressure members  34 ,  34   a  and which are directed toward the limb are separated by a distance “D” that is greater than the sum of the radii of any two adjacent pressure members  34 . Stated more simply, there is a gap between the pressure members  34 ,  34   a.    
         [0035]    The distance between the pockets and pressure members can vary depending upon the size of the pressure members, the width of the strap, the pocket material thickness, and the size of the limb. For those straps used in the treatment of tennis elbow, the distance  32  might range between ¼ inch and 1 inch or greater. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the gap distance  32  that provides relief for some patients will not provide relief for other patients. Thus, it is expected that straps  10  of various sizes and gap distances  32  will be manufactured in accordance with the practice of the invention. 
         [0036]    Another aspect of the invention is a method of simultaneously applying a plurality of discrete lines of pressure to the muscles of a limb such as a human forearm. The method comprises the step of encircling a limb with an elongated strap such as the strap  10  discussed above. In particular, the strap utilized in the method has an adjustable cooperative fastening means proximate the ends of the strap for adjustably fastening the strap about the limb. The strap also possesses a plurality of elongated pressure members, such as those described previously, where the pressure members are separated by a distance and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb when the strap is in use. The pressure members are preferably retained within discrete pockets that are integral to the strap as discussed previously. 
         [0037]    The method continues by adjusting the cooperative fastening means to tighten the strap around the limb thereby compressing each pressure member against the limb to create discrete lines of pressure across the muscles of the limb where the lines of pressure are separated by a distance. 
         [0038]    In yet another aspect, the invention is a method of simultaneously applying a plurality of discrete lines of pressure to the muscles of a limb. The method comprises the step of placing a plurality of discrete elongated pressure members against a muscle of a limb where the elongated pressure members are the same as those discussed in relation to the pressure strap  10  according to the invention. When the strap is in use the elongated pressure members are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb and are separated from each other by a distance. The pressure members also have a force transfer surface that extends for a distance across the surface of the limb. 
         [0039]    The method continues with the step of creating a circumferential compressive force around the limb. This step is typically accomplished by tightening the strap  10  around the limb to create compressive forces similar to those illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Tightening the strap  10  forces the pressure members, more specifically the force transfer surfaces  42  of the pressure members  34 ,  34   a  into the limb, which concentrates a portion of the compressive force applied to the limb at the force transfer surface  42 . This in turn creates the continuous lines of pressure that aid in dampening movement of the muscles and tendons. 
         [0040]    In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typical embodiments on the invention and, although specific terms have been employed, they have been used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.