Abstract:
A device for enhancing blood and lymph circulation, including, two opposing surfaces for placing on opposite sides of a user&#39;s limb, a mechanism for connecting between two or more edges of the two opposing surfaces to effectively encircle the user&#39;s limb, and wherein the mechanism is adapted to pull the surfaces closer together and release them intermittently, when deployed on the user&#39;s limb.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority from Israeli patent application no. 164284 filed Sep. 26, 2004, titled “A PORTABLE DEVICE FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF CIRCULATION”.  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to enhancement of blood and lymph flow in a limb. Specifically, the present invention relates to a portable device for enhancing the blood flow in a limb.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Long periods of immobility cause a slow down in blood and lymph flow and may be hazardous to a persons health. Typically when people move, their muscle press on the blood veins and increase the blood flow. In contrast long periods of immobilization lead to stasis (reduced blood flow), which can induce blood clotting (thrombosis) or other problems, for example Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in a limb.  
         [0004]     Certain people or people in certain conditions are known to be more prone to the effects of stasis, for example a person undergoing a long period of travel (e.g. by airplane, train), a person working long hours in a set position, people suffering from diabetes. Typically, people in such conditions or incapacitated people are known to suffer from pains in their limbs due to immobility. Additionally, it is believed that 5% of manifested DVT originates from travel as a result of lack of movement.  
         [0005]     Increasing blood flow during long periods of immobility, for example by massaging the persons muscles, using warm compresses and/or medication., is know to reduce the risk of blood clotting and to ease pain. Additionally, improving blood circulation has a positive effect on diseased and damaged blood vessels. Existing devices for enhancing circulation are generally large and cumbersome and require trained medical personal to operate them.  
         [0006]     The embodiments described in the present application are related to the following applications which are incorporated herein by reference:  
         [0007]     Israeli Patent Application no. 160185 filed on Feb. 2, 2004 titled “A PORTABLE DEVICE FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF CIRCULATION OF BLOOD AND LYMPH FLOW IN A LIMB”.  
         [0008]     Israeli Patent Application no. 160214 filed on Feb. 4, 2004 titled “A PORTABLE DEVICE FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF CIRCULATION OF BLOOD AND LYMPH FLOW IN A LIMB”.  
         [0009]     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/469,685 titled “A PORTABLE DEVICE FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF CIRCULATION AND FOR THE PREVENTION OF STASIS RELATED DVT” filed Sep. 3, 2003 and published as 2004/0073146 on Mar. 15, 2004.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     An aspect of an embodiment of the invention, relates to a portable device for enhancing blood and/or lymph circulation in a users body. The device is provided with two opposite surfaces that are placed against opposite sides of the users limb. The two opposite surfaces of the device are connected together on both their sides with a mechanism that applies a force to pull the surfaces closer together and release them intermittently, while deployed on the user&#39;s limb.  
         [0011]     In some embodiments of the invention, the device is used for healing damaged and diseased blood vessels. Alternatively or additionally, the device is used for easing pain.  
         [0012]     In some embodiments of the invention, the mechanism comprises a linear solenoid to pull the two opposite surfaces together or release them. In some embodiments of the invention, the mechanism comprises multiple linear solenoids.  
         [0013]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the surfaces are made from a material, which is comfortable when deployed on a user&#39;s limb, for example rubber or cloth.  
         [0014]     In some embodiments of the invention, the mechanism functions at a preset duty cycle. Optionally, the duty cycle is user selectable.  
         [0015]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mechanism comprises a power supply, for example a battery. Alternatively, the device is connected to an external power source, for example a main power socket in a house or a car power outlet.  
         [0016]     In some embodiments of the invention, said mechanism is activated when connecting a power supply. Optionally, the device comprises an activation switch. In some embodiments of the invention, the device is controlled by an external control. Optionally, the external control is connected by a wire. Alternatively, the external control is connected by a wireless connection, for example RF, Infra-Red or audio. In some embodiments of the invention, the device is controlled by a computer.  
         [0017]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device performs intermittently based on the settings of the mechanism. Alternatively, the device comprises a control circuit to control activation of the mechanism.  
         [0018]     There is thus provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, A device for enhancing blood and lymph circulation, including, two opposing surfaces for placing on opposite sides of a user&#39;s limb, a mechanism for connecting between two or more edges of the two opposing surfaces to effectively encircle the user&#39;s limb, and wherein the mechanism is adapted to pull the surfaces closer together and release them intermittently, when deployed on the user&#39;s limb.  
         [0019]     Optionally, the mechanism comprises a linear solenoid to pull the surfaces closer together. In some embodiments of the invention, the mechanism functions at a preset duty cycle. Optionally, the mechanism functions at a user selectable duty cycle.  
         [0020]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mechanism comprises a power supply. Optionally, the power supply is a battery. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the power supply is internal to the mechanism. Alternatively, the power supply is external to the mechanism.  
         [0021]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mechanism is activated when connecting the power supply. Optionally, the device further comprises an activation switch. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mechanism is activated by a control that is connected to the device by a wire. Optionally, the mechanism is activated by a wireless remote control.  
         [0022]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mechanism is covered so it is not viewable. Optionally, the mechanism is controlled by a computer. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mechanism comprises multiple linear solenoids. Optionally, the mechanism comprises a control circuit to synchronize between the linear solenoids. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the surfaces are coated with a soft material. Optionally, the surfaces are arched.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]     The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings. Identical structures, elements or parts, which appear in more than one figure, are generally labeled with a same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, wherein:  
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a device for circulation enhancement, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of a device for circulation enhancement in a deployed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of a cross section view of a device for circulation enhancement in a de-energized state according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of a cross section view of a device for circulation enhancement in an energized state according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of a device for circulation enhancement with miniaturized components, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of a wireless controlled device for circulation enhancement in a deployed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of a hardwired remote controlled device for circulation enhancement in a deployed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0031]      FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of a wireless controlled device for circulation enhancement in a deployed position with a remote controlling computer, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0032]     The present invention describes a portable device that is deployed by encircling a user&#39;s limb to enhance blood or lymph circulation in the user&#39;s body.  FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a device  12  for circulation enhancement, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, device  12  comprises two opposing surfaces  14 ,  16  for attaching device  12  around a user&#39;s limb. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, surfaces  14  and  16  are arched (e.g. one is concave and one is convex or both are concave) in order to grasp the user&#39;s limb securely. In some embodiments of the invention, the surfaces are manufactured from a soft material or a rigid material coated with a soft material to provide a soft contact with the user&#39;s limb. In some embodiments of the invention, the surfaces are flexible.  
         [0033]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, two sides of surface  14  are connected to opposing sides of surface  16  to form a device that encircles the user&#39;s limb. Optionally, the connection between the two surfaces comprises a mechanism for pulling surfaces  14  and  16  closer together and releasing them back to their original position. The pulling and releasing action causes surfaces  14  and  16  to press on the user&#39;s limb and relax the pressure in order to enhance blood flow. In some embodiments of the invention, both sides comprise a pull release mechanism. Alternatively, only one side comprises a pull release mechanism and the other side is connected with a rigid connection or a flexible or elastic connection.  
         [0034]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mechanism uses linear solenoids (tubular or of other shape) in order to minimize dependency on the use of mechanical parts, which can wear out, for example gears and wheels. A linear solenoid uses electromagnetic energy to move a piston in and out of the linear solenoid. When power is applied to the linear solenoid it is energized and the piston is pulled into the linear solenoid. When the power is turned off the piston moves back out to its original position. It should be noted that some linear solenoids perform the opposite function.  
         [0035]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, device  12  is built up from four linear solenoids  18 ,  20 ,  28 ,  32  to stabilize device  12 . Optionally, each linear solenoid comprises a piston  34 ,  24 ,  26 ,  36 , which goes in and out of its matching linear solenoid. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one surface ( 16 ) is connected to the body of the linear solenoids and one surface ( 14 ) is connected to the piston of the linear solenoid. Optionally, the connection can be by an adhesive (e.g. glue, or tape) or by an attachment element, for example a screw, nail or dowel. Alternatively, other attachment methods are used, for example string or snaps.  
         [0036]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, linear solenoids  18 ,  20 ,  28 ,  32  are powered by a power source, for example a battery. Optionally, multiple power sources are positioned in multiple encasements  22  and  30 , in close proximity to linear solenoids  18 ,  20 ,  28  and  32 . In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one encasement  22  is positioned between linear solenoids  18  and  20  and one encasement  30  is positioned between linear solenoids  28  and  32 . Optionally, the power source in each encasement powers the adjacent linear solenoids. Alternatively, one power source can power all the linear solenoids ( 18 ,  20 ,  28  and  32 ) or both power sources can power all solenoids.  
         [0037]     In some embodiments of the invention, a control circuit is used to accept the power from the battery, synchronize between the linear solenoids and define a duty cycle for linear solenoids  18 ,  20 ,  28  and  32 . Optionally, the control circuit defines the duration for energizing the linear solenoid and the duration for keeping the linear solenoid in a de-energized state. In some embodiments of the invention, the control circuit is built into the linear solenoid. Alternatively, the control circuit is attached to the linear solenoid. In some embodiments of the invention, one control circuit is used for multiple linear solenoids.  
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of device  12 , in a deployed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the connection between linear solenoids  18 ,  20 ,  28  and  32  and surface  16  is a temporary connection, which can be opened to deploy device  12  on a user&#39;s limb  10 . Alternatively, the connection between linear solenoids  18 ,  20 ,  28  and  32  and surface  16  is a permanent connection and device  12  is deployed by pulling it over user&#39;s limb  10 . Optionally, device  12  is positioned over the muscle of user&#39;s limb  10  to maximize effectiveness of device  12 .  
         [0039]     In some embodiments of the invention, device  12  is deployed over a user&#39;s garments to prevent friction with the user&#39;s skin. In some embodiments of the invention, a bandage is placed under device  12  over the user&#39;s skin for example in order to protect the user from friction, heat and/or prevent skin or hair from being caught by the moving parts. Optionally, the bandage is disposable for hygienic reasons.  
         [0040]      FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of a cross section view of device  12  for circulation enhancement in a de-energized state according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention and  FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of a cross section view of a device  12  for circulation enhancement in an energized state according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0041]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a pull type of linear solenoid is used, for example such as manufactured by Ledex and Dormeyer (www.ledex.com). As shown in  FIG. 3  in the de-energized state pistons  26  and  24  are pushed out from the solenoid. In contrast in  FIG. 4  in the energized state pistons  26  and  24  are pulled into the solenoid body.  
         [0042]     In some embodiments of the invention, pistons  24 ,  26 ,  34 ,  36  are connected directly to surface  14 , however in some embodiments an elastic connector  50 ,  52  is placed between pistons  24 ,  26 ,  34 ,  36  and surface  14  in order to smoothen the motion caused by the force exerted on the user&#39;s limb when changing from state to state.  
         [0043]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, pistons  24 ,  26 ,  34 ,  36  typically extend out of linear solenoids  18 ,  20 ,  28 ,  30  by 1 to 5 cm, however some pistons may extend out by more or less than these values.  
         [0044]     In some embodiments of the invention, the linear solenoids  18 ,  20 ,  28 ,  30  are activated with a typical duty cycle ranging from 10% to 100%. Optionally, in the case of a 10% duty cycle the piston is pulled in to the solenoid, exerting pressure on the user&#39;s limb, 10% of the time. In the case of a 100% duty cycle device  12  exerts continuous pressure on the user&#39;s limb until it is shut off.  
         [0045]     In some cases the duty cycle is selectable by the user. Alternatively, the duty cycle is preset when manufacturing device  12 .  
         [0046]     In some embodiments of the invention, the solenoid is activated for 1-5 seconds every 1-5 minutes in order to maximize efficiency in matching human needs.  
         [0047]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in the cross sectional views shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 a  battery  40  is shown in encasement  22 , serving as the power source as mentioned above. In some embodiments of the invention, device  12  is activated by inserting battery  40  into encasement  22 . Alternatively, device  12  is activated by a switch or a remote signal as described below.  
         [0048]     In some embodiments of the invention, it is desirable to minimize the size of the elements connecting between surface  14  and surface  16 , to reduce annoyance to the user. Optionally, connecting between them with a simple elastic band would be desirable.  FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of a device for circulation enhancement with miniaturized components, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, surfaces  14  and  16  are connected by one wide elastic band or two less wide elastic bands  80 . Optionally, the band or bands  80  are comprised from an elastic fabric. In some embodiments of the invention, the bands  80  form a hollow tube which covers elements required for the functionality of device  12 . In some embodiments of the invention, bands  80  comprise non-elastic fabric covering over the elements required for the functionality of device  12 , to make them un-viewable.  
         [0049]     Optionally, a small sized linear solenoid  60  is inserted into bands  80 . In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one side of linear solenoid  60  is attached by a string  90  to surface  16  and the other side is attached by a string or elastic band  85  to surface  14 .  
         [0050]     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, device  12  additionally comprises an activation switch  70  to start and stop intermittent motion of linear solenoid  60 . Optionally, the power source (e.g. battery  40 ) in some embodiments is enveloped similar to linear solenoid  60 , for example inserted into bands  80  or in a separate enveloping fabric compartment  45  as shown in  FIG. 5 . In some embodiments of the invention, battery  40  is a standard 1.5V cylindrical battery. Alternatively, battery  40  is a flat circular battery or a battery of any other shape. In some embodiments of the invention, the battery is external to device  12  and supplies power through a cable (e.g. cable  98  as shown in  FIG. 7 ). Optionally, the external power source is a car power supply (e.g. lighter) or a transformer connected to a standard main power source.  
         [0051]     In some embodiments of the invention, device  12  comprises other elements, for example a control circuit  93  to control activation rate or other parameters of device  12 .  
         [0052]     In some embodiments of the invention, device  12  is activated remotely in order enhance the ease of use of device  12  by the user, for example by saving the user the need to bend over to activate device  12 .  FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of a wireless controlled device for circulation enhancement in a deployed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Optionally, a user of device  12  can activate and deactivate the device using a remote controller  97 . In some embodiments of the invention, remote controller  97  controls other parameters such as the intermittent action rate. In some embodiments of the invention, remote controller  97  transmits instructions to device  12  using RF. Optionally, device  12  comprises an antenna  95  to receive the transmissions. In some embodiments of the invention, remote controller  97  transmits to device  12  using audio signals or infrared signals instead of RF signals in order to reduce interference to other devices and susceptibility to transmissions from other devices.  
         [0053]      FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of a hardwired remote controlled device for circulation enhancement in a deployed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Optionally, remote controller  97  is connected by a wire  98  to device  12 , in order to prevent interference to other devices. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a user can hold remote controller  97  in his hand and control device  12  without looking or touching device  12 . Alternatively or additionally, device  12  can be controlled by another person, for example a nurse or caretaker.  
         [0054]      FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of a wireless controlled device for circulation enhancement in a deployed position with a remote controlling computer  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, device  12  can be controlled by commands given by a computer, for example setting the duty cycle used by device  12 . Optionally, device  12  is activated and deactivated at scheduled times and/or activated or deactivated by a remote computer, for example from a station over a local network or over the Internet.  
         [0055]     In some embodiments of the invention, other pull release mechanisms are used, for example a small motor, which pulls the sides together and releases them. In some embodiments of the invention the mechanism may be based on electromagnetic forces. Alternatively or additionally, the mechanism may be based on mechanical means such as a spring. In some embodiments of the invention, the mechanism may comprise springs to oppose compression forces so that in the released state device  12  is in a more relaxed position.  
         [0056]     It should be appreciated that the above described methods and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting or adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices used. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every embodiment of the invention. Further combinations of the above features are also considered to be within the scope of some embodiments of the invention.  
         [0057]     Section headings are provided for assistance in navigation and should not be considered as necessarily limiting the contents of the section.  
         [0058]     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims, which follow.