A blood flow restriction garment and a blood flow restriction garment system

Abstract

A blood flow restriction garment, a blood flow restriction garment system and a blood flow restriction garment controller are disclosed. The blood flow restriction garment comprising: an air bladder comprising: a container for storing air; a first air bladder connector for removably connecting to a connector for a pump of a blood flow restriction garment controller; a dock attached to the air bladder, wherein the dock comprises a flange plate, a raised portion protruding from the flange plate and a recessed portion within the raised portion; wherein the recessed portion comprises a first connector aperture through which the first air bladder connector protrudes; wherein the blood flow restriction garment additionally comprises: at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion located within the recessed portion, each of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion being arranged for attracting a corresponding magnet or paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion on the blood flow restriction garment controller; a stiffener attached to the air bladder and the dock, wherein the stiffener comprises a raised portion aperture, wherein the raised portion of the dock protrudes through the raised portion aperture, and wherein the first air bladder connector is accessible through the raised portion aperture; wherein the flange plate of the dock is sandwiched between the air bladder and the stiffener.

Description

A blood flow restriction garment and a blood flow restriction garment system

[0001] This invention relates to a blood flow restriction garment and a blood flow restriction garment system.BACKGROUND

[0002] Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training is a widely documented practice whereby a garment, such as a tourniquet or cuff is applied to a person’s limb(s) to restrict an amount of blood that can flow through it. The most accurate way to determine how much to restrict the blood flow requires calculating the person’s limb occlusion pressure (LOP) , and using a pump (manual or automatic) to inflate the cuff to a certain percentage of this value. Typically, a pressure of 40% to 80% is applied. The two primary variables affecting LOP are limb circumference and tourniquet design. A person’s LOP should be calculated frequently using the same tourniquet that will then be worn throughout BFR training.

[0003] Valid BFR applications include use for injury rehabilitation, chronic disease rehabilitation, and exercise recovery. Already, the American medical community is accepting BFR as part of the gold standard of practice.

[0004] Historically, BFR solutions have been extremely expensive and not portable, therefore inaccessible for most individuals. In recent years, more portable options have become available, but these have limitations. For example, the most compact solutions are not suitable for large limbs, with customer reports of solutions breaking down mid-use. Cheaper solutions that have tried to address the cost burden compromise on product quality and integrity and are therefore unacceptable for the medical market. Non-digital solutions, like a hand-held pump and tourniquet combination, can be used, but these fail to measure LOP accurately, ultimately posing safety concerns. Furthermore, these solutions have the burden of a logistically infeasible setup time for a busy clinic environment.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a blood flow restriction garment, a blood flow restriction garment system and a blood flow restriction garment controller.

[0006] In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a blood flow restriction garment comprising: an air bladder comprising: a container for storing air; a first air bladder connector for removably connecting to a connector for a pump of a blood flow restriction garment controller; a dock attached to the air bladder, wherein the dock comprises a flange plate, a raised portion protruding from the flange plate and a recessed portion within the raised portion; wherein the recessed portion comprises a first connector aperture through which the first air bladder connector protrudes; wherein the blood flow restrictiongarment additionally comprises: at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion located within the recessed portion, each of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion being arranged for attracting a corresponding magnet or paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion on the blood flow restriction garment controller; a stiffener attached to the air bladder and the dock, wherein the stiffener comprises a raised portion aperture, wherein the raised portion of the dock protrudes through the raised portion aperture, and wherein the first air bladder connector is accessible through the raised portion aperture; wherein the flange plate of the dock is sandwiched between the air bladder and the stiffener.

[0007] In some examples, the raised portion of the dock comprises two planar surfaces either side of the recessed portion, the two planar surfaces arranged to abut against the blood flow restriction garment controller when the first air bladder connector is connected to the connector for the pump.

[0008] In some examples, the recessed portion is oblong in shape.

[0009] In some examples, the oblong shape of the recessed portion comprises two rounded ends.

[0010] In some examples, the recessed portion is orientated so that the oblong shape extends at least substantially perpendicularly to a direction extending parallel to the length of the air bladder, wherein the length of the air bladder is larger than a width of the air bladder.

[0011] In some examples, one of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion is located at a first end of the oblong shape, and another of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion is located at the second end of the oblong shape.

[0012] In some examples, the raised portion of the dock is oblong in shape.

[0013] In some examples, the stiffener overlies all or substantially all of the air bladder.

[0014] In some examples the air bladder is elongated, for wrapping around a limb of a person.

[0015] In some examples, the blood flow restriction garment additionally comprising a fabric outer layer, wherein the air bladder and the stiffener are encased within the fabric; wherein the fabric is shaped to allow access to the raised portion of the dock, the recessed portion, the first air bladder connector.

[0016] In some examples, the fabric comprises a Thermoplastic Polyurethane Fabric.

[0017] In some examples, at least the flange plate of the dock comprises polypropylene.

[0018] In some examples, the blood flow restriction garment additionally comprises a second air bladder connector for removably connecting to a connector for an air pressure sensor of the blood flow restriction garment controller, wherein the recessed portion comprises a second connector aperture through which the second air bladder connector protrudes; wherein the second air bladder connector is accessible through the raised portion aperture.

[0019] In some examples, the first air bladder connector and the second air bladder connector each comprise a cylindrical hole which are arranged, when pushed against the connector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor, to stretch over the connector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor to each provide a friction fit to the connector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor.

[0020] In some examples, the fabric is shaped to allow access to the second air bladder connector.

[0021] In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a blood flow restriction garment system comprising a blood flow restriction garment of any preceding paragraph and the blood flow restriction garment controller, wherein the blood flow restriction controller comprises: the pump, the pump being arranged to increase a pressure in the air bladder; the connector for the pump; a mating portion, wherein the mating portion houses the connector for the pump and is shaped to enter and mate with the recessed portion of the blood flow restriction garment to enable connection of the connector for the pump to the first air bladder connector; at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion located on the mating portion arranged to be magnetically attracted to the corresponding at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion on the blood flow restriction garment when the mating portion is mated with the recessed portion.

[0022] In some examples, the blood flow restriction garment controller additionally comprises: the air pressure sensor arranged to measure a pressure of the air bladder; the connector for the air pressure sensor; wherein the connector for the air pressure sensor is arranged to removably connect to the second air bladder connector; wherein the mating portion houses the connector for the air pressure sensor; wherein the entering and mating of the mating portion with the recessed portion enables connection of the connector for the air pressure sensor to the second air bladder connector.

[0023] In some examples, the mating of the mating portion and the recessed portion in a direction along a first orthogonal axis prevents displacement of the blood flow restriction garment controller relative to the blood flow restriction garment in directions parallel to the other two orthogonal axes.

[0024] In some examples, the blood flow restriction garment controller comprises abutment portions arranged to abut against the two planar surfaces either side of the recessed portion.

[0025] In some examples, each of the at least one magnet and / or the or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions of the blood flow restriction garment are mounted to the blood flow restriction garment with a threaded post and nut; wherein each of the at least one magnet and / or the or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions of the blood flow restriction garment controller are mounted to the blood flow restriction garment controller with a threaded post and nut.

[0026] In some examples, the mating portion is oblong in shape.

[0027] In some examples, the oblong shape of the mating portion comprises two rounded ends.

[0028] In some examples, one of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion on the mating portion is located at a first end of the oblong shape, and another of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion of the mating portion is located at the second end of the oblong shape.

[0029] In some examples, the system comprises two magnets, either on the blood flow restriction garment or the blood flow restriction garment controller, and two corresponding paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions on the other of the blood flow restriction garment and the blood flow restriction garment controller, wherein each of the two magnets has a pulling force more than 1.5kg and less than 4kg.

[0030] In some examples, the two magnets comprise potted magnets and the two corresponding paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions comprise steel discs as ferromagnetic portions.

[0031] In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a blood flow restriction controller for use with a blood flow restriction garment, the controller comprising: a pump, the pump being arranged to increase a pressure in an air bladder of the blood flow restriction garment; a connector for the pump; a mating portion, wherein the mating portion houses the connector for the pump and is shaped to enter and mate with a recessed portion of the blood flow restriction garment to enable connection of the connector for the pump to a first air bladder connector of the blood flow restriction garment; at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion located on the mating portion arranged to be magnetically attracted to a corresponding at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion on the blood flow restrictiongarment when the mating portion is mated with the recessed portion of the blood flow restriction garment.

[0032] In some examples, the blood flow restriction garment controller additionally comprises: a air pressure sensor arranged to measure a pressure of the air bladder; a connector for the air pressure sensor; wherein the connector for the air pressure sensor is arranged to removably connect to a second air bladder connector of the blood flow restriction garment; wherein the mating portion houses the connector for the air pressure sensor; wherein the entering and mating of the mating portion with the recessed portion enables connection of the connector for the air pressure sensor to the second air bladder connector.

[0033] In some examples, the blood flow restriction garment controller is as described in any preceding paragraph, or any paragraph provided below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 shows an exploded view of part of a blood flow restriction garment according to examples disclosed herein;Figure 2 shows part of a blood flow restriction garment according to examples disclosed herein;Figure 3 shows part of a blood flow restriction garment according to examples disclosed herein;Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of part of blood flow restriction garment according to examples disclosed herein;Figure 5 shows part of a blood flow restriction garment system according to examples disclosed herein;Figure 6 shows a blood flow restriction garment controller according to examples disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] As blood flow restriction training becomes more widespread and expands into new markets, there is a need for a safe, accurate, compact, and cost effective Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) system.

[0036] Current BFR systems are too expensive and not portable. Surgical tourniquets cost in excess of $6000, require specialist training and are restricted to the healthcare setting. Digital tourniquets on the market are portable but have a cost burden due to the pumps being non detachable. A non-detachable pump forces the user to purchase a pump and cuff set for every cuff size desired. This type of system is more cumbersome, for example, the pumps must be charged individually whilst attached to cuffs and the system requires more storage space. In addition, a permanently attached pump means there is no means to instantly deflate the cuff in an emergency, which could pose safety risks.

[0037] An effective BFR system requires a pump which can quickly and securely connect to an air bladder, allowing the user to inflate the bladder to a determined pressure for BFR training. To maximise safety, the pump is preferably operated by a digital system which can accurately determine each user’s individual LOP and inflate to that pressure, with a fast and intuitive method of deflating the cuff.

[0038] Unlike blood pressure monitors, BFR systems are exposed to higher external pressures on the inside of the cuff, for example, when positioned on an athlete’s leg during a squat. They are also more likely to be knocked and / or exposed to external forces during use, which will often be during exercise and involve dynamic movement. An effective, removable BFR system must be able to balance these pressures and forces with a quick and intuitive removable method i.e. it cannot be so securely attached that a typical user is unable to remove it with reasonable force.

[0039] The present applicant has developed a compact and modular system made up of a removable air pump (also referred to as a blood flow restriction garment controller throughout) which can be connected to an air bladder (within a garment, also referred to as a blood flow restriction garment throughout) and removed for charging and storage. According to examples disclosed herein, the pump is held securely on the garment using a combination of magnets and a friction fit to provide an air tight connection. There is an interlocking male I female feature on the mating parts which prevents shear movement (as described below) when the pump is in place. These features also locate the pump into the correct position on the cuff.

[0040] Examples disclosed herein provide a blood flow restriction garment comprising: an air bladder comprising: a container for storing air; a first air bladder connector for removably connecting to a connector for a pump of a blood flow restriction garment controller; a dock attached to the air bladder, wherein the dock comprises a flange plate, a raised portion protruding from the flange plate and a recessed portion within the raised portion. The recessed portion comprises a first connector aperture through which the first air bladder connector protrudes. The blood flow restriction garment additionally comprises:at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion located within the recessed portion, each of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion being arranged for attracting a corresponding magnet or paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion on the blood flow restriction garment controller. The blood flow restriction garment additionally comprises a stiffener attached to the air bladder and the dock, wherein the stiffener comprises a raised portion aperture, wherein the raised portion of the dock protrudes through the raised portion aperture, and wherein the first air bladder connector is accessible through the raised portion aperture; wherein the flange plate of the dock is sandwiched between the air bladder and the stiffener.

[0041] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of part of a blood flow restriction garment according to examples disclosed herein.

[0042] According to Figure 1 , a blood flow restriction garment 100 is provided. The blood flow restriction garment 100 comprises an air bladder 110, a dock 120, a stiffener 130.

[0043] The air bladder 110 is a container for storing air in order to enable a pump of a blood flow restriction garment controller to inflate the container to a target pressure to achieve a target limb occlusion pressure (LOP) when using the garment 100 for BFR training.

[0044] An example blood flow restriction garment 100 as shown in Figure 1 comprises a first air bladder connector 111 and a second air bladder connector 112. The first air bladder connector 111 is for connecting to a connector for the pump of the blood flow restriction garment controller and the second air bladder connector 112 is for connecting to a connector for an air pressure sensor of the blood flow restriction garment controller. As discussed above, in other examples only the first air bladder connector 111 is provided. In such examples, either an air pressure sensor is not required for the particular application of the blood flow restriction garment system, or the first air bladder connector 111 can also serve as the connection point for enabling measurement of air pressure using an air pressure sensor, either alternatively or simultaneously as being used as the connection for the pump of the blood flow restriction controller.

[0045] The dock 120 comprises a flange plate 121 , a raised portion 122 protruding from the flange plate 121 and a recessed portion 123 within the raised portion 122. Figure 2 shows a closer view of the raised portion 122 and the recessed portion 123. The flange plate 121 provides wide flanges either side of the raised portion 122 to hold it securely within the garment 100. In some examples, at least the flange plate 121 of the dock 120 comprises polypropylene. In other examples the raised portion 122 and the recessed portion 123 comprise polypropylene as well. It is envisaged that the flange plate 121 of thedock 120, the raised portion 122 and the recessed portion 123 can comprise other materials besides polypropylene according to examples disclosed herein. For example, another material may be a plastic which returns to its original shape after being deformed.

[0046] The stiffener 130 comprises a raised portion aperture 140 (which can also be referred to as an aperture 140 for the raised portion), which in some examples can be a cutout. The raised portion 122 of the dock 120 protrudes through the raised portion aperture 140. The first air bladder connector 111 and the second air bladder connector 112 are accessible through the raised portion aperture 140. The flange plate 121 of the dock 120 is sandwiched between the air bladder 110 and the stiffener 130.

[0047] In an example, the raised portion aperture 140 in the stiffener 130 is 34mm wide, but the full width of the dock 120 (with the flange plate 121) is 120mm. Advantageously, in examples where at least the flange plate 121 is made from polypropylene, the dock 120 is flexible enough to allow the flanges of the flange plate 121 to bend around the limb when in use, but is also strong enough to maintain the integrity of the mating feature provided by the raised portion 122 and the recessed portion 123, even under pressure, and also maintain the integrity necessary to not get pushed through the raised portion aperture 140. It was technically challenging during the devising of this invention to provide a structure of the blood flow restriction garment 100 to ensure that the dock 120 would remain secure in the garment 100 when exposed to high pressures and also maintain the flat mating surface provided by the raised portion 122 and the recessed portion 123 required to properly connect with the magnets on the blood flow restriction garment controller or blood flow restriction garment 100 and the connector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor on the blood flow restriction controller.

[0048] The flanges of the flange plate 121 are therefore, according to examples described above, each 60mm wide. In an example, the flanges of the flange plate 121 are 1mm thick, which advantageously provides good flexibility to bend around a limb as required.

[0049] In examples according to the present disclose, the stiffener 130 overlies all or substantially all of the air bladder 110.

[0050] The dock 120 on the garment 100 is positioned behind the garment’s stiffener 130. The raised portion aperture 140 (cut-out in some examples) allows only the raised portion 122 through. This keeps the dock 120 secure inside the garment 100 even when the garment 100 is pressurised. In examples, the dock 120 is preferably bonded to the back of stiffener 130 for extra strength.

[0051] In examples, the stiffener 130 is made of polypropylene so can also be bent around limbs but it is relatively thick at 1.5mm. Therefore in some examples it is thicker than the flanges of the flange plate 121, which make it less malleable and therefore able to withstand high internal pressures. The stiffener’s purpose is twofold - it provides rigidity to the garment 100 by preventing the air bladder 110 from ‘ballooning’ when inflated and it also keeps the dock 120 secure. Due to the dock 120 being wider than the raised portion aperture 140, the dock 120 cannot be pushed through the raised portion aperture 140 even when under high pressures from within (for example up to 1200mmHg).

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, in some examples the air bladder 110 is elongated, for wrapping around a limb of a person. Additionally, in examples where the stiffener 130 overlies at least a significant portion of the air bladder 110, the stiffener 130 is elongated as well, as shown in Figure 1.

[0053] Although not shown in Figure 1, the blood flow restriction garment 100 can comprise a fabric outer layer. The air bladder 110 and the stiffener 130 are encased within the fabric. The fabric is shaped to allow access to the raised portion 122 of the dock, the recessed portion 123, the first air bladder connector 111 , and optionally the second air bladder connector 112 in examples including the second air bladder connector 112.

[0054] The fabric outer layer can comprise a Thermoplastic Polyurethane Fabric (TPU). Other appropriate materials are envisaged as alternative examples.

[0055] As discussed above, in some examples, such as the example shown in Figure 1, the blood flow restriction garment 100 additionally comprises a second air bladder connector 112 for removably connecting to a connector for an air pressure sensor of the blood flow restriction garment controller. The recessed portion 123 comprises a second connector aperture through which the second air bladder connector protrudes. The second air bladder connector 112 is accessible through the raised portion aperture 140 of the stiffener 130.

[0056] In examples disclosed herein, the first air bladder connector 111, and the second air bladder connector 112 in examples including the second air bladder connector 112, each comprise a cylindrical hole which are arranged, when pushed against the connector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor, to stretch over the connector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor to each provide a friction fit to the connector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor.

[0057] The first air bladder connector 111 and the second air bladder connector 112, which can be referred to as nibs, can be made from an elastomer to allow them to stretch over the connector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor. Theconnector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor can be posts. The first air bladder connector 111 and the second air bladder connector 112 can have a shore hardness of 90. The friction fit provides an additional pull force to help keep the blood flow restriction controller in position on the garment 100.

[0058] In examples, the friction fit of the first air bladder connector 111 and the second air bladder connector needs to be air tight enough for the air bladder pressure to be effectively controlled but does not have to be 100% air tight and can deflate naturally over time.

[0059] Figure 2 shows part of a blood flow restriction garment 100 according to examples disclosed herein. In particular it shows a closer view of the raised portion 122 and the recessed portion 123.

[0060] In examples disclosed herein, the raised portion 122 of the dock 120 can comprise two planar surfaces 210, 220 either side of the recessed portion 123. The two planar surfaces 210, 220 are arranged to abut against the blood flow restriction garment controller when the first air bladder connector 111 is connected to the connector for the pump, and optionally when the second air bladder connector 112 is connected to the connector for the air pressure sensor in examples comprising a second air bladder connector 112.

[0061] The two planar surfaces 210, 220 function as a locating feature on the dock 120. The two planar surfaces 210, 220 are together wider than the recessed portion 123, which combined with the two planar surfaces 210, 220 being either side of the recessed portion 123 and raised with respect to the recessed portion 123 prevent the pump from being able to pivot around the vertical y-axis and therefore be knocked off by accident.

[0062] In examples disclosed herein, the recessed portion 123 is oblong in shape, as shown in Figure 2. In some examples, the oblong shape of the recessed portion comprises two rounded ends as shown in Figure 2.

[0063] In examples disclosed herein and as shown in Figure 2, one of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion is located at a first end of the oblong shape, and another of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion is located at the second end of the oblong shape. In some examples, a further third of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion is provided in the centre or near centre of the oblong shape.

[0064] In other examples disclosed herein, a single magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion is provided which fits in the entirety of the oblongshape, with apertures for enabling access to the first air bladder connector 111 , and in appropriate examples, the second air bladder connector 112 as well.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, in some examples where the oblong shape has rounded ends, one of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion is located at least partially within one of the rounded ends of the recessed portion, and another of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion is located at least partially within the second of the rounded ends of the recessed portion.

[0066] In Figure 2, the recessed portion 123 comprises a first ferromagnetic portion 230 and a second ferromagnetic portion 240. In some examples the first ferromagnetic portion 230 and the second ferromagnetic portion 240 each comprise a steel disk.

[0067] According to examples disclosed herein, the recessed portion 123 is orientated so that the oblong shape extends at least substantially perpendicularly to a direction extending parallel to the length of the air bladder 110. In such examples the length of the air bladder 110 can be larger than a width of the air bladder 110. For example as shown in Figure 2, the oblong shape extends in a direction substantially parallel to the y-axis in Figure 2, and the length of the air bladder 110, referring to Figure 1, extends in a direction substantially parallel to the x axis. Therefore, the oblong shape and its orientation has the additional benefit of serving as an orientation guide for connecting to the blood flow restriction garment controller to the blood flow restriction garment 100.

[0068] As shown in Figure 2, the recessed portion 123 comprises a first connector aperture 250 through which the first air bladder connector 111 can protrude, and a second connector aperture 260 through which the second air bladder connector 112 can protrude.

[0069] As shown in Figure 2, in some examples the raised portion 122 of the dock 120 is oblong in shape, and can comprise one rounded end and one flat end. This particular shape is optimized for connection and stable mounting of the heart-like shape of the blood flow restriction garment controller as shown in Figures 5 and 6, but other shapes are envisaged.

[0070] Figure 3 shows part of a blood flow restriction garment 100 according to examples disclosed herein. In particular Figure 3 shows the dock 120 sandwiched between the air bladder 110 and the stiffener 130 with the raised portion 122 of the dock 120 protruding through the stiffener 130. The flange plate 121 is hidden behind the stiffener 130. The recessed portion 123 with the first ferromagnetic portion 230, the second ferromagnetic portion 240, the first air bladder connector 111 and the second air bladder connector 112 are accessible for connecting to the blood flow restriction controller.

[0071] Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of part of blood flow restriction garment 100 according to examples disclosed herein. In particular, Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view taken through a line which intersects through the middle of the recessed portion 123.

[0072] Figure 4 shows the raised portion 122 protruding through the stiffener 130 with the flange plate 121 of the dock 120 sandwiched between the stiffener 130 and the air bladder 110.

[0073] Figure 4 also shows an example of how the at least one magnet and / or the or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions of the blood flow restriction garment 100 are mounted. In particular, Figure 4 shows nuts 410, 420. Combined with a threaded post 411 , 421 provided for each nut 410, 420, the at least one magnet and / or the or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions of the blood flow restriction garment 100 are secured by being fixedly attached to the nuts 410, 420 and threaded posts 411 , 421 which are secured to the dock 120. In some examples, the at least one magnet and / or the or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions of the blood flow restriction garment 100 are attached to a post 411 , 421 respectively as one piece. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the first ferromagnetic portion 230 and the second ferromagnetic portion 240 are mounted using nuts 410, 420 and corresponding threaded posts 411, 421.

[0074] During the devising of this invention, it was established that adhesive backings and glue provided a weak connection as the magnets were repeatedly falling out of place. However other methods of attaching the magnets and ferromagnetic / paramagnetic portions are envisaged.

[0075] Figure 5 shows part of a blood flow restriction garment system 500 according to examples disclosed herein. In particular, it shows a system 500 comprising a blood flow restriction garment 100 according to the examples disclosed herein and a blood flow restriction garment controller 510 according to examples disclosed herein.

[0076] Figure 6 shows a blood flow restriction garment controller 510 according to examples disclosed herein. In particular it shows a rear view of the blood flow restriction garment controller 510, in other words the side of the controller 510 which connects to the blood flow restriction garment 100.

[0077] According to examples disclosed herein, the blood flow restriction garment controller 510 comprises a pump (not visible in the Figures). The pump is arranged to increase a pressure in the air bladder 110. The controller 510 comprises a connector 610 for the pump.

[0078] The controller 510 also comprises a mating portion 630 (which can be referred to as an embossed portion). The mating portion 630 houses the connector 610 for the pumpand is shaped to enter and mate with the recessed 123 portion of the blood flow restriction garment 100 to enable connection of the connector 610 for the pump to the first air bladder connector 111.

[0079] At least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion is located on the mating portion 630 arranged to be magnetically attracted to the corresponding at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion on the blood flow restriction garment 100 when the mating portion 630 is mated with the recessed portion 123.

[0080] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the mating portion 630 can comprise a first magnet 640 and a second magnet 650. The first magnet 640 and the first ferromagnetic portion 230 are attracted to each other and the second magnet 650 and the second ferromagnetic portion 240 are attracted to each other when the mating portion 630 and the recessed portion 123 are mated to cause connection of at least the first air bladder connector 111 and the connector 610 for the pump.

[0081] In some examples, a further third magnet is provided in the centre or near centre of the mating portion 230.

[0082] In other examples disclosed herein, a single magnet is provided which fits across the entirety of the mating portion 630, for example across the entire oblong shape of the mating portion 630 in appropriate examples, with apertures for enabling mating connection of the first air bladder connector 111 with the connector 610 for the pump, and in appropriate examples, the second air bladder connector 112 with the connector 620 for the air pressure sensor.

[0083] In other examples, the blood flow restriction garment 100 comprises one or more magnet and the blood flow restriction garment controller 510 comprises one or more ferromagnetic portions (or paramagnetic portions), or a mixture thereof.

[0084] In examples according to the present disclosure, when the system 500 comprises two magnets, each magnet has a pulling force more than 1.5kg and less than 4kg. Preferably each magnet has a pulling force of 3kg.

[0085] During the devising of the present invention, the pulling force of more than 1 ,5kg but less than 4kg was discovered to be strong enough to hold the controller 510 secure when the system 500 is under pressure and being used during vigorous exercise, but not so strong that the controller 510 cannot be removed by typical user. 2kg was discovered to be satisfactory for many applications, although 3kg gave more security for use during extreme exercise. The choice of strength of the magnets took extensive testing time and various factors had to be considered including the frictional force of the friction fits betweenthe first air bladder connector 111 and the connector 610 for the pump and between the second air bladder connector 112 and the connector 620 for the air pressure sensor.

[0086] In examples according to the present disclosure, the two magnets 640, 650 comprise potted magnets and the two corresponding paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions comprise steel discs as ferromagnetic portions.

[0087] According to examples disclosed herein, potted magnets and steel discs (not neodymium magnets) were discovered to be optimal for longevity and maximum pull force to size ratio. Neodymium magnets were found to crack and degrade over time due to repeated engagement.

[0088] According to examples, the magnets are positioned along the mid line of the controller 510 and at the very top and bottom of the mating portion 630. For example, where the mating portion 630 is oblong in shape, the oblong shape can also be positioned along the mid line of the controller 510. In some examples they are 10mm in diameter, 4mm thick. The central positioning means the garment 100 can be bent evenly around small limbs without the magnets disengaging.

[0089] According to examples disclosed herein and as shown in Figure 6, the blood flow restriction garment controller 510 can additionally comprise: the air pressure sensor (not shown) arranged to measure a pressure of the air bladder 110; the connector 620 for the air pressure sensor. The connector 620 for the air pressure sensor is arranged to removably connect to the second air bladder connector 112. The mating portion 630 houses the connector 620 for the air pressure sensor. When the mating portion 630 enters and mates with the recessed portion 123 this enables connection of the connector 620 for the air pressure sensor to the second air bladder connector 112.

[0090] According to examples disclosed herein, the mating portion 630 comprises a raised portion which is raised above the rest of the back of the controller 510. The shape of the mating portion 630 corresponds with the shape of the recessed portion 123 to aid in creating a secure connection, in combination with the friction fits of the first air bladder connector 111 and the second air bladder connector 112, as well as the magnetic attraction between the at least one magnet and / or ferromagnetic or paramagnetic portions of the garment 100 and the controller 510.

[0091] The mating of the mating portion 630 and the recessed portion 123 can be seen as being in a direction along a first orthogonal axis (z-axis in Figure 2) which prevents displacement of the blood flow restriction garment controller 510 relative to the blood flow restriction garment 100 in directions parallel to the other two orthogonal axes (the x-axisand y-axis in Figure 2). The mating connection can therefore be seen as preventing shear movement with respect to the z-axis.

[0092] According to examples disclosed herein, the blood flow restriction garment controller 510 comprises abutment portions 660, 670 arranged to abut against the two planar surfaces 210, 220 either side of the recessed portion 123. In Figure 6, these abutment portions 660, 670 are shown as planar surfaces, which when abutting against the planar surfaces 210, 220 prevent dislodging of the controller 510 from the garment 100 when mated.

[0093] According to examples disclosed herein, each of the at least one magnet and / or the or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions of the blood flow restriction garment controller 510 can be mounted to the blood flow restriction garment controller 510 with a threaded post and nut, for example as used on the garment 100 in examples disclosed herein. This was found to be advantageous for the same reasons as the threaded post and nuts used on the garment 100.

[0094] The mating portion 630 corresponds in shape to the recessed portion 123 and as shown in Figure 6, in examples the mating portion 630 is oblong in shape. The oblong shape of the mating portion 630 can comprise two rounded ends.

[0095] According to examples, the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion on the mating portion 630 (one of magnets 640, 650 in the example of Figure 6) is located at a first end of the oblong shape, and another of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion of the mating portion 630 (the other magnet 640, 650) is located at the second end of the oblong shape.

[0096] The magnets in examples disclosed herein are stacked vertically to aid in bending the garment round a limb and to avoid restricting the size of limbs the garment 100 would fit on. For example 10mm max width for the magnets may be used.

[0097] Thus examples disclosed herein provide a blood flow restriction garment 100, a blood flow restriction garment controller 510, and a blood flow restriction garment system 500 which uses a combination of a magnetic connection alongside an interlocking male / female feature as well as a friction fit between the controller 510 and the garment 100 to provide a secure, but removable attachment which is optimised for use during BFR training.

[0098] According to examples disclosed herein, the controller 510 can enclose the pump, a valve, a battery and a PCBA which includes the pressure sensor.

[0099] By having the controller 510 with the pump positioned directly on the garment 100, rather than connected via an air hose, the recorded pressure readings are moreaccurate and therefore safer for the user. It also allows the user to very quickly toggle the pressure up or down. Furthermore, in the event of an emergency, it is possible to instantly deflate the garment 100 by simply pulling the controller 510 off versus having to reconnect the air hose or unstrap the garment 100 as is the case in other BFR products.

[0100] According to examples, the controller 510 can be charged using a custom “charging case” which houses two controllers 510 and allows both to be charged using one LISB-C cable. Pogo pins in the case connect with brass contact points on the controller 510. The case utilises the magnets on the controller 510 to locate the devices into the correct position for charging, which provides an additional advantage of the magnets.

[0101] The controller 510 can be connected to any appropriate garment 100, which can for example come as a cuff in a range of sizes from 18” to 38’, allowing the user to mix and match the system 500 to suit their requirements. By allowing the user to customise their purchase bundle, this makes BFR more cost effective and therefore more accessible to a range of users.

[0102] If a user was purchasing a system 500 according to the examples disclosed herein and wanted cuffs for both arms and legs but did not require four controllers 510 each comprising a pump, they would have the option of only purchasing two controllers 510 which can then be swapped between the different cuffs on the arms and legs. For individual users who only require one cuff and one controller 510, the system provides an ultra compact and lower cost package. Other previous systems have required the user to buy at least two cuffs and two pumps as a minimum.

[0103] In a clinic setting, the user can customise their order to suit their business needs. For example, they could purchase four sets of cuffs to allow for different sized patients, but would only need to buy one set of controllers 510.

[0104] The controller 510 according to examples disclosed herein is the only removable pump that connects directly to a cuff or other garment currently available for BFR training. Other solutions which connect to the cuff / garment directly are not removable which makes it harder to charge, store and travel with the product. From a safety perspective, the ability to easily pull the controller 510 off the garment 100 is beneficial as it provides a very fast way to deflate the garment 100 if needed.

[0105] The magnetic connection with interlocking docking feature is a user friendly, intuitive way of connecting the controller 510 to the garment 100. According to examples disclosed herein, the controller 510 can only be connected in one orientation and the combination of magnets and interlocking features helps to pull the controller 510 into thecorrect position. When connected, the magnets make an audible click which provides psychological feedback to the user that the controller 510 is in place correctly.

[0106] The connection method and layered design of the garment 100 means that the device is secure even when exposed to very high pressures from within the cuff (in excess of lOOOmmHg) and when the user is doing vigorous exercise. This is essential for any BFR equipment which has a much more extreme use case than a typical blood pressure sensor.

[0107] Throughout this disclosure, reference has been made to a garment 100 which can include any appropriate cuffs, tourniquets or other garments. It is also envisaged that the controllers 510, air bladders 110, docks 120 and stiffeners 130 disclosed herein could be used for other applications.

[0108] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0109] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0110] It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A blood flow restriction garment comprising: an air bladder comprising: a container for storing air; a first air bladder connector for removably connecting to a connector for a pump of a blood flow restriction garment controller; a dock attached to the air bladder, wherein the dock comprises a flange plate, a raised portion protruding from the flange plate and a recessed portion within the raised portion; wherein the recessed portion comprises a first connector aperture through which the first air bladder connector protrudes; wherein the blood flow restriction garment additionally comprises: at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion located within the recessed portion, each of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion being arranged for attracting a corresponding magnet or paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion on the blood flow restriction garment controller; a stiffener attached to the air bladder and the dock, wherein the stiffener comprises a raised portion aperture, wherein the raised portion of the dock protrudes through the raised portion aperture, and wherein the first air bladder connector is accessible through the raised portion aperture; wherein the flange plate of the dock is sandwiched between the air bladder and the stiffener.

2. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the raised portion of the dock comprises two planar surfaces either side of the recessed portion, the two planar surfaces arranged to abut against the blood flow restriction garment controller when the first air bladder connector is connected to the connector for the pump.

3. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the recessed portion is oblong in shape.

4. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in claim 3, wherein the oblong shape of the recessed portion comprises two rounded ends.

5. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in claims 3 or 4, wherein the recessed portion is orientated so that the oblong shape extends at least substantially perpendicularly to a direction extending parallel to the length of the air bladder, wherein the length of the air bladder is larger than a width of the air bladder.

6. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in any of claims 3-5, wherein one of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion is located at a first end of the oblong shape, and another of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion is located at the second end of the oblong shape.

7. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the raised portion of the dock is oblong in shape.

8. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the stiffener overlies all or substantially all of the air bladder.

9. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the air bladder is elongated, for wrapping around a limb of a person.

10. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in any preceding claim additionally comprising a fabric outer layer, wherein the air bladder and the stiffener are encased within the fabric; wherein the fabric is shaped to allow access to the raised portion of the dock, the recessed portion, the first air bladder connector.

11. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fabric comprises a Thermoplastic Polyurethane Fabric.

12. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least the flange plate of the dock comprises polypropylene.

13. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in any preceding claim, additionally comprising a second air bladder connector for removably connecting to a connector for an air pressure sensor of the blood flow restriction garment controller, wherein the recessed portion comprises a second connector aperture through which thesecond air bladder connector protrudes; wherein the second air bladder connector is accessible through the raised portion aperture.

14. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first air bladder connector and the second air bladder connector each comprise a cylindrical hole which are arranged, when pushed against the connector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor, to stretch over the connector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor to each provide a friction fit to the connector for the pump and the connector for the air pressure sensor.

15. A blood flow restriction garment as claimed in claim 13 or 14, when dependent on claim 10, wherein the fabric is shaped to allow access to the second air bladder connector.

16. A blood flow restriction garment system comprising a blood flow restriction garment as claimed in any preceding claim and the blood flow restriction garment controller, wherein the blood flow restriction controller comprises: the pump, the pump being arranged to increase a pressure in the air bladder; the connector for the pump; a mating portion, wherein the mating portion houses the connector for the pump and is shaped to enter and mate with the recessed portion of the blood flow restriction garment to enable connection of the connector for the pump to the first air bladder connector; at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion located on the mating portion arranged to be magnetically attracted to the corresponding at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion on the blood flow restriction garment when the mating portion is mated with the recessed portion.

17. A blood flow restriction garment system as claimed in claim 16, when dependent upon claim 13, wherein the blood flow restriction garment controller additionally comprises: the air pressure sensor arranged to measure a pressure of the air bladder; the connector for the air pressure sensor;wherein the connector for the air pressure sensor is arranged to removably connect to the second air bladder connector; wherein the mating portion houses the connector for the air pressure sensor; wherein the entering and mating of the mating portion with the recessed portion enables connection of the connector for the air pressure sensor to the second air bladder connector.

18. A blood flow restriction garment system as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the mating of the mating portion and the recessed portion in a direction along a first orthogonal axis prevents displacement of the blood flow restriction garment controller relative to the blood flow restriction garment in directions parallel to the other two orthogonal axes.

19. A blood flow restriction garment system as claimed in any or claims 16-18, when dependent upon claim 2, wherein the blood flow restriction garment controller comprises abutment portions arranged to abut against the two planar surfaces either side of the recessed portion.

20. A blood flow restriction garment system as claimed in any of claims 16 to19, wherein each of the at least one magnet and / or the or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions of the blood flow restriction garment are mounted to the blood flow restriction garment with a threaded post and nut; wherein each of the at least one magnet and / or the or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions of the blood flow restriction garment controller are mounted to the blood flow restriction garment controller with a threaded post and nut.

21. A blood flow restriction garment system as claimed in any or claims 16 to20, wherein the mating portion is oblong in shape.

22. A blood flow restriction garment system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the oblong shape of the mating portion comprises two rounded ends.

23. A blood flow restriction garment system as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein one of the at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion on the mating portion is located at a first end of the oblong shape, and another ofthe at least one magnet and / or at least one paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portion of the mating portion is located at the second end of the oblong shape.

24. A blood flow restriction garment system as claimed in any of claims 16 to 23, wherein the system comprises two magnets, either on the blood flow restriction garment or the blood flow restriction garment controller, and two corresponding paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions on the other of the blood flow restriction garment and the blood flow restriction garment controller, wherein each of the two magnets has a pulling force more than 1.5kg and less than 4kg.

25. A blood flow restriction garment system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the two magnets comprise potted magnets and the two corresponding paramagnetic or ferromagnetic portions comprise steel discs as ferromagnetic portions.

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