PORTABLE AND AUTONOMOUS DEVICE AND MUSCLE TREATMENT METHOD BY CRYOTHERAPY

Abstract

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: PORTABLE AND AUTONOMOUS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MUSCLE TREATMENT BY CRYOTHERAPY The portable and autonomous device (10) for muscle treatment by cryotherapy comprises: a pressurized fluid container (11), a pressurized fluid regulator (12) in fluidic connection with the container and equipped with an outlet (20) for expanded gas, a plate (13) of thermally conductive material configured to rest on the user's skin and equipped with a heat exchanger (14) positioned in the path of the expanded gas exiting the fluid regulator. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: PORTABLE AND AUTONOMOUS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MUSCLE TREATMENT BY CRYO THERAPY Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable and self-contained device and a method for muscle treatment by cryotherapy. It is particularly applicable to recovery following intense muscular exertion, typically associated with sports, and to the reduction of muscle pain and edema, regardless of their cause. More specifically, the invention relates to muscle recovery in various parts of the body, particularly the calves and thighs. State of the art

[0002] During intense physical exertion, the oxygen consumed by the muscles becomes greater than the oxygen supplied to these muscles by the arteries. Indeed, muscular exertion reduces venous pressure, and repeated muscle contractions compress the intramuscular blood vessels, thus limiting the supply of blood and oxygen.

[0003] This leads to an accumulation of toxins in the muscles, which the body attempts to eliminate by increasing fluid circulation through an inflammatory response. This results in muscle fatigue, pain, and stiffness.

[0004] In this context, the beneficial nature of cryotherapy is known, particularly for muscle recovery after significant physical exertion.

[0005] However, to observe a beneficial effect of cryotherapy on muscle recovery, it is necessary to create a thermal shock on the skin surface of the anatomical area to be treated. Such a thermal shock is obtained when the skin temperature is lowered to 0°C or below. However, cryotherapy requires travel to a facility equipped with the necessary equipment, which imposes a significant delay between muscle exertion and the cryo-therapeutic effect, resulting in a considerable loss of time.

[0006] Socks are also known which, in the part around the foot, have pockets inside which gel pads can be placed. These pads can be heated or cooled at will, depending on whether one wishes to warm or cool the feet and thus relieve them of temporary or chronic pain. Such a sock, by extending only around the foot, cannot contribute to the muscular recovery of a user's leg, particularly their calf. Moreover, this sock is limited to an action on the foot by providing cold and heat through The pads themselves are cooled or heated by external means, which therefore need to be found. These socks are thus not self-contained.

[0007] US patent 2016 / 0051400 is also known, describing a boot capable of containing a cold liquid, particularly ice water. Athletes can therefore put on such a boot immediately after physical exercise to begin the muscle recovery process. However, this boot has several drawbacks. The use of ice water does not create a sufficient thermal shock to produce significant physiological benefits. Furthermore, external means of cooling the water are necessary. Therefore, these boots are not self-contained.

[0008] This boot also includes means for ensuring the circulation of the cold fluid around the foot, these means often taking the form of an air pump. Furthermore, it offers little possibility of precisely targeting the areas of the leg to be cooled. Description of the invention

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0010] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a portable and self-contained device for muscle treatment by cryotherapy, which comprises:

[0011] - a pressurized fluid container, - a pressure regulator for the pressurized fluid, in fluidic connection with the container and equipped with an outlet for the released gas, - a plate of thermally conductive material configured to rest on the user's skin and equipped with a heat exchanger radiator positioned in the path of the expanded gas exiting the fluid regulator.

[0012] The expansion of the fluid causes significant cooling of the expanded gas escaping from the regulator. This gas heats up upon contact with the radiator, thereby cooling both the radiator and the plate in contact with the user's skin. The device of the invention requires no external means to operate and can have dimensions and weight similar to those of a water bottle. It is therefore portable and easily transportable.

[0013] In embodiments, the device further comprises a means for controlling the passage of fluid between the container and the regulator, the control means being configured to limit the average flow rate, during the period of use, of fluid exiting the container to a value lower than the maximum possible flow rate.

[0014] Thanks to these provisions, the risks of excessive cooling which could cause a "burn" of the user's skin are avoided.

[0015] In some embodiments, the device comprises at least one sensor of a temperature temperature representative of the temperature of the plate in contact with the skin, the control means being configured to control the flow of fluid exiting the container according to the temperature captured.

[0016] This allows control of the temperature applied to the user's skin, regardless of the outside temperature and, if necessary, to make this temperature applied to the skin follow a progressive and predetermined cooling curve.

[0017] In embodiments, the container includes a valve which opens by angular offset, the control means comprising a servomotor supported on the regulator and the control means being configured to control the movement of the servomotor.

[0018] In embodiments, the container includes a valve which opens by translation towards the container, the control means comprising a servomotor supported on the regulator and the control means being configured to control the movement of the servomotor.

[0019] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive material plate comprises aluminum.

[0020] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive material plate has a concave shape.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pressurized fluid in the container is hydrofluoroolefins in the form of a compressed gas.

[0022] HFOs (Hydrofluoroolefins) are 4th generation refrigerants. They offer low GWP alternatives that reduce environmental impact while providing energy efficiency.

[0023] In some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one self-gripping fabric strip.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a mechanical connector for a device which is the subject of the invention, configured to hold in position a container of pressurized fluid in a compartment of the device in such a way that the regulator is in fluidic connection with the container.

[0025] In embodiments, the mechanical connector has a general cylindrical shape with a circular directrix, a central opening and radial lugs extending beyond the generatrix of this cylindrical shape.

[0026] In embodiments, the mechanical connector has portions of spheres on the inner surface of the opening.

[0027] In embodiments, the mechanical connector has radial notches in its cylindrical wall, notches which define clips having retractable tabs oriented towards the central axis of the connector, notches whose free end has a chamfered shape.

[0028] Since the advantages, purposes, and specific characteristics of this mechanical connector are similar to those of the device that is the subject of the invention, they are not repeated here. Brief description of the figures

[0029] Other advantages, purposes and particular features of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device, method and kit of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] [fig. 1] represents, schematically, in perspective and in section, a first particular embodiment of the device,

[0031] [fig.2] represents, schematically, in side view, the device illustrated in [fig.1],

[0032] [fig.3] represents, schematically, in top view, the device illustrated in [fig.1],

[0033] [fig.4] schematically represents a temperature curve observed with a device which is the subject of the invention,

[0034] [fig.5] represents, in the form of a flowchart, the steps of a particular embodiment of the process that is the subject of the invention,

[0035] [fig.6] shows, in a view from below, a container adapter on the device that is the subject of the invention,

[0036] [fig.7] represents, in top view, the adapter illustrated in [fig.6],

[0037] [fig.8] represents, in side view, the adapter illustrated in figures 6 and 7,

[0038] [fig.9] represents a top view along section AA, identified in figures 6 and 8, of the adapter illustrated in figures 6 to 8,

[0039] [fig. 10] represents a detailed view identified as C in [fig. 8],

[0040] [fig.1 1] represents a detailed view identified as B in [fig.9] and

[0041] [fig. 12] schematically represents an adapter that is the subject of the invention in a partial view of the container and the device that is the subject of the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0042] The present description is given by way of non-limiting agreement, each feature of an embodiment being able to be advantageously combined with any other feature of any other embodiment.

[0043] Throughout this description, "upper" or "top" refers to what is at the top in Figures 1 and 2, and "lower" or "bottom" refers to what is at the bottom in these figures. Figures 1 and 2 show the orientation of the device in use. The "heights" are derived from these definitions. The "widths" are defined from top to bottom in [Fig. 3], which shows a top view of the device. "Internal" or "inside" refers to what is close to or facing the pressurized fluid container, and "external" or "outside" refers to what is far from this container or facing outwards from the device.

[0044] It is noted from the outset that figures 6 to 11 are to scale but that the other figures are not to scale.

[0045] Figures 1 to 3 show a particular embodiment 10 of the portable and self-contained cryotherapy muscle treatment device of the invention. The device 10 comprises, preferably removable by hand without breaking a part, a pressurized fluid container 11. This fluid may be a liquid. However, preferably, this fluid is a pressurized gas. More preferably, the pressurized gas in the container 11 is hydrofluoroolefins (“HFO”).

[0046] The device 10 also includes a pressure regulator 12 for the pressurized fluid, in fluidic connection with the container 11 and equipped with an outlet 20 for the expanded gas. Due to the laws of thermodynamics, the expanded gas is much colder than the fluid contained in the container 11.

[0047] The device 10 further comprises a plate 13 of thermally conductive material configured to rest on the user's skin and equipped with a heat exchanger radiator 14 positioned in the path of the expanded gas exiting the fluid regulator 12. The radiator 14 has, for example, vertical parallel metal fins between which the expanded gas from the outlet 20 of the regulator 12 flows.

[0048] The very cold gas escaping from outlet 20 of regulator 12 heats up upon contact with the radiator 14 and cools both the radiator 14 and the plate 13 in contact with the user's skin. The plate 13 can thus have a temperature of 0°C or lower. The device 10 requires no external means to operate and can have dimensions and weight similar to those of a water bottle. It is therefore portable and easily transportable.

[0049] In embodiments (not shown), the user can operate the regulator 12 himself to cause the cooling of the plate 13. However, such operation could prove dangerous because excessively low temperatures can cause skin burns.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the device 10 includes a control means 16 for the flow of fluid between the container 11 and the pressure regulator 12. The control means 16, preferably with a controller and program memory, is configured to limit the average flow rate of fluid exiting the container 11 during operation to a value lower than the maximum possible flow rate. A battery 15 provides electrical power to the control means 16.

[0051] To control the flow of expanded fluid at outlet 20 of the expansion valve 12, the control means 16 controls the opening of the valve 17 of the container 11.

[0052] In the device 10, the container 11 has a valve 17 which opens by offset angular and the control means 16 includes a servomotor 18 supported on the regulator 12. The regulator 12 is movable in rotation about an axis 24 and the cam of the servomotor 18, of oblong shape, is movable in rotation about an axis 25. The control means 16 is configured to control the movement of the servomotor 18.

[0053] In some embodiments (not shown), the container has a valve that opens by translation towards the container, the control means comprising a servomotor bearing against the pressure regulator. The control means is then also configured to control the movement of the servomotor.

[0054] Preferably, the device 10 includes at least one sensor 22 or 23 for a temperature representative of the temperature of the plate 13 in contact with the skin. In this case, the control means 16 is configured to regulate the fluid flow rate at the outlet 20 of the pressure regulator 13 according to at least one detected temperature. This controls the temperature applied by the plate 13 to the user's skin, regardless of the outside temperature, and optionally allows this skin temperature to follow a progressive and predetermined cooling curve (see [Fig. 4]). Preferably, at least two temperature sensors, for example thermistors, are positioned at different locations on the plate 13. In the figures, the temperature sensor 22 is positioned near one end of the plate 13 and the temperature sensor 23 is positioned in the center of the plate 13.

[0055] A mechanical connector or adapter 50 (see figures 6 to 12), in a housing 19, holds in place, in a removable manner by hand without breaking any part, the valve 17 of the container 11 opposite the regulator 12. This mechanical connector 50 is preferably made of a thermally insulating material.

[0056] To hold the device 10 on a limb of the user, and more particularly against the muscles of his body, the device 10 includes at least one belt 21 (not shown in [fig.1]), preferably a self-gripping fabric strip, commonly called "scratch".

[0057] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive material plate 13 comprises aluminum. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive material plate 13 has a concave shape, visible in Figures 1 and 3. This concave shape, here cylindrical with a vertical axis, conforms to the shape of a limb of the user and increases the transmission of cooling from the plate 13 to the limb in question.

[0058] It is noted that the device of the invention can be used in cryotherapy mode and / or in cryotherapy mode with compression thanks to at least one compression textile, for example the sports compression textile.

[0059] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a muscle treatment kit element by cryotherapy, which includes a pressurized fluid regulator equipped with a mechanically expanded gas outlet linked to a plate of thermally conductive material configured to rest on the user's skin and equipped with a heat exchanger radiator positioned in the path of the expanded gas exiting the fluid regulator, and a mechanical connector configured to hold a pressurized fluid container in position within a compartment such that the regulator is in fluidic connection with the container.

[0060] Figure 4 illustrates the sequence of a 21-minute cryotherapy muscle treatment session. The x-axis represents the temperature measured by a temperature sensor, for example sensor 23, in degrees Celsius. The y-axis represents time, in seconds. The temperature-time curve 30 comprises a first sequence 31, extending from time 0 to approximately 230 seconds, of which approximately 180 seconds are spent with a temperature oscillating around 0°C, following an initial abrupt temperature drop controlled by the control means 16 until the measured temperature is less than or equal to 0°C. The control means 16 then triggers a gas release pulse each time the measured temperature exceeds 0°C. The inventor has observed that these pulses are monitored approximately every 20 seconds.During a second sequence 32 extending substantially from second 230 to second 780, no gas expansion is commanded by the control means 16. The third sequence 33 is similar to the first sequence 31, except that it extends substantially from second 780 to second 1140. During the last sequence 34, no gas expansion is commanded by the control means 16.

[0061] With a container temperature of 15°C and an ambient temperature of 19°C, a calf temperature of 31°C was observed at the beginning of the session and a temperature of 15°C at the end of the session, with the user experiencing a sensation of local anesthesia. This treatment session consumes approximately 90 grams of compressed gas.

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates the steps of operation 40 of the device of the invention. During a step 41, the user, after positioning the plate 13 against the muscle to be treated, triggers the operation of the device and, in particular, the power supply to the control means 16 by the battery 15. This control means 16 causes the gas to expand through the regulator 12.

[0063] During steps 42 and 43, the temperature of the plate 13 is measured continuously. During step 43, for an initial period (approximately 230 seconds in [Fig. 4]), the control means 16, via the servomotor 18, controls the opening of the valve 17 based on the measured temperature. As soon as the temperature falls below or equal to 0°C, the control means 16 stops the gas expansion, and as soon as the temperature rises above or equal to 0°C, the control means 16 causes a gas release pulse.

[0064] During a step 44, at the end of the first duration, the control means stops the expansion of the gas for a second duration (approximately 550 seconds in [fig.4]).

[0065] During a step 45 following the end of step 44, the control means 16 triggers the gas expansion. The temperature measurement is carried out continuously during steps 46 and 47. During step 47 and for a third duration (approximately 360 seconds in [Fig. 4]), the control means 16, via the servomotor 18, controls the opening of the valve 17 based on the measured temperature. As soon as the temperature falls below 0°C, the control means 16 stops the gas expansion, and as soon as the temperature rises above 0°C, the control means 16 triggers a gas expansion pulse.

[0066] Finally, the device 10 comes to a stop during a step 48.

[0067] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0068] - continuous operation for at least 10 minutes with a 100 mL container full,

[0069] - possible operation with different container formats ranging from 100 ml to 600 ml,

[0070] - an anesthetic effect,

[0071] Figures 6 to 12 show an adapter 50 positioned as a mechanical interface between the container 11 and the device 10. The mechanical connector 50 for a device 10 of the invention is configured to hold a container 11 of pressurized fluid in position within the compartment 19 of the device 10 such that the pressure regulator is in fluidic connection with the container. The adapter 50 is made of plastic, for example ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PA (polyamide).

[0072] The adapter 50 has a general cylindrical shape with a circular base, between two planes perpendicular to the generatrices, the distance of which is on the order of half the radius of the cylindrical shape of the adapter 50. This shape has external protrusions 51 and recesses.

[0073] The radial protrusions 51 extend perpendicularly to the generatrix (vertical in figures 8 and 9) and extend beyond the generatrix of this cylindrical shape. These protrusions or lugs 51, preferably cylindrical and three in number, participate in a bayonet movement: guiding the adapter 50 in translation and then in rotation in grooves or channels (not shown) of the body of the device 10, screwing the head of the container 11 into the body of the device 10 to place the nozzle 17 of the container 11 at the correct height, relative to the degassing nozzle or regulator 12, immobilizing the head of the container 11 in the body of the device 10.

[0074] A central through opening 52 allows the nozzle 17 of the container 11 to pass from the body of the container 11 to the degassing nozzle of the regulator 12. The central opening 52 has a shoulder 57. Portions of spheres 56, present on the inner cylindrical face of the opening 52, serve to prevent deformations in the crimping of the valve of the container 11 and / or to prevent rotation of the adapter 50 on the container 11.

[0075] Radial notches 53 (here six in number) allow lateral deformation of the clips 54 of the adapter 50 formed by the periphery of the adapter 50 between the notches 53. These clips 54, the cross-section of which is shown in [Fig. 11], have

[0076] - grooves 58 corresponding to the upper crimp of the container body 11 and - retractable tabs 55 which grip the head of the container 11 and mechanically retain the container 11 in the device 10. These retractable tabs 55 are oriented towards the central axis of the connector 50.

[0077] The notches 53 preferentially have a rounded end 59 to avoid stress concentrations, as illustrated in [fig.10]. The clips 54 have a free end 60 with a chamfered shape giving them a triangular cross-section, to facilitate the penetration of the clips 54 into the upper relief of the container 11.

Claims

Claims

1. Nomadic and autonomous device (10) for muscle treatment by cryotherapy, characterized in that it comprises: - a container (11) of pressurized fluid, - a pressure regulator (12) for the pressurized fluid, in fluid connection with the container and provided with an outlet (20) for expanded gas, - a plate (13) of thermally conductive material configured to rest on the user's skin and provided with a heat exchanger radiator (14) positioned on the path of the expanded gas leaving the fluid regulator.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, which further comprises means (16) for controlling the passage of fluid between the container (11) and the regulator (12), the control means being configured to limit the average flow rate, during the period of use, of fluid leaving the container to a value lower than the maximum possible flow rate.

3. Device (10) according to claim 2, which further comprises at least one sensor (22, 23) of a temperature representative of the temperature of the plate (13) in contact with the skin, the control means (16) being configured to control the flow of fluid leaving the container (11) to the temperature detected.

4. Device (10) according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which the container (11) comprises a valve (17) which opens by angular offset, the control means (16) comprising a servomotor (18) bearing on the regulator (12) and the control means being configured to control the movement of the servomotor.

5. Device according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which the container comprises a valve which opens by translation towards the container, the control means comprising a servomotor resting on the regulator and the control means being configured to control the movement of the servomotor.

6. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the plate (13) of thermally conductive material comprises aluminum.

7. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the plate (13) of thermally conductive material has a concave shape.

8. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the pressurized fluid in the container (11) is hydrofluoroolefins in the form of compressed gas.

9. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which further comprises at least one strip of self-gripping fabric (21).

10. Mechanical connector (50) for a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, configured to hold in position a container (11) of pressurized fluid in a compartment (19) of the device (10) such that the regulator is in fluid connection with the container.

11. Mechanical connector (50) according to claim 10, which has a generally cylindrical shape with a circular director, a central opening (52) and radial lugs (51) extending beyond the generatrix of this cylindrical shape.

12. Mechanical connector (50) according to claim 11, which has, on the inner surface of the opening (52) portions of spheres (56).

13. Mechanical connector (50) according to one of claims 10 to 12, which comprises radial notches (53) in its cylindrical wall, notches which define clips (54) having retracting tabs (55) oriented towards the central axis of the connector, notches whose free end (60) has a chamfered shape.

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