A compression device for a limb of a living being, with morphological adjustment to said limb.

Abstract

The invention relates to a compression device (1) intended to be arranged around a limb (M) of a living being, said compression device (1) comprising a sleeve (10) extending lengthwise around a longitudinal axis (X1) and having several compression rings (A) juxtaposed along said longitudinal axis, each compression ring (A) comprising a strip (2) of material developed at least partially around the longitudinal axis (X1), characterized in that the compression rings (A) are connected to each other by a first linkage (L1) along a first direction (X2) parallel to the longitudinal axis, and in that the strips (2) of material are connected to each other, along a second direction (X3) parallel to the longitudinal axis, distinct from the first direction (X2), by a second sliding linkage (L2) so as to form a scale-like structure. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Compression device for a limb of a living being with morphological adjustment to said limb. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for compressing a limb of a living being, equipped with a solution for adjusting to the morphology of the limb. Prior art

[0002] The treatment of a condition such as lymphedema is carried out using a compression device that wraps around the limb being treated. There are passive devices, such as those described in US patent application 2015 / 366720A1, which use a simple sleeve with several compression rings whose compression levels are manually adjusted using straps. There are also active treatment devices. Among the active devices, some use a pneumatic solution, such as the one described in US patent 6406445B1. This device consists of several rings placed side by side along the sleeve, each ring containing a pneumatically controlled bladder. Implementing a sequence allows one or more bladders to be inflated appropriately to circulate the lymphatic fluid.

[0003] Among active devices, there are also those that use shape-memory alloy actuators distributed along the sleeve. When heated, a wire made of this alloy contracts. By controlling each actuator individually, it is thus possible to apply localized compression. Such active compression devices are described, for example, in patent applications US2016 / 074234A1 and US2017 / 304136A1, as well as in US patent US5997465. This latter patent, US5997465, establishes the principle of using shape-memory alloys in compression devices. In addition to the principle of compression with shape-memory alloy actuators, US patent application US2016 / 074234A1 proposes providing thermal energy to enhance the processing performed by the device. Patent application US2016 / 074234A1 proposes mechanical solutions for locking the actuator in the retracted position.

[0004] Similar solutions are also described in earlier documents DE102008003124A1, US015 / 073318A1, US2018 / 242655A1 and US2018 / 177677A1.

[0005] Patent application WO2020 / 144437A1 describes a solution also using several juxtaposed clamping / loosening units, each unit comprising a plate cut in a way adapted to give it a spring function, the plate being inserted between two free edges of the sleeve. A wire made of an alloy The shape memory foam is electrically powered to retract and actuate the plate, thus ensuring compression of the limb.

[0006] A prior principle using a motor and a link has been incorporated into lymphatic drainage solutions, as described in US patent application 2021 / 121356A1. In this patent application, the device uses a simple wire pulled by a motor, the wire passing around a guide. The traction of the wire brings together two edges of a sleeve placed around the limb to be treated, thus allowing localized compression of the limb.

[0007] In all these systems, passive or active, there is a constraint of size. Depending on the patient being treated, the shape and size of the limb to be treated will differ, requiring adaptation of the compression device used. To address this constraint, a widespread solution is to use elastic materials capable of stretching in several directions to adapt to morphological variations. However, this solution significantly reduces the effectiveness of the compression devices.

[0008] To have an effective active or passive compression device, as described above, it is preferable for the sleeve to be made of an inelastic or nearly inelastic textile material to best transfer the compression forces to the limb being treated. However, this does not always allow for easy adaptation to the morphology of the limb being treated.

[0009] To meet this constraint, two options are possible: - Offer several device sizes, in length and cross-section, with means of adjustment; however, for some parts such as the calf, this requires a huge number of separate references to cover all morphologies; - Propose to make a custom-made device; however, this requires taking precise measurements of the limb to be treated and does not allow for mass production;

[0010] The object of the invention is to propose a compression device whose sleeve, which adapts around the limb to be treated, allows it to conform to the morphology of the limb to be treated, without complex adjustment means, without multiplying the number of sizes offered, this sleeve being able, in the case of an active device, to be made at least partially in an inelastic or quasi-inelastic textile material to best transfer the compression effects. Description of the invention

[0011] This objective is achieved by a compression device intended to be arranged around a limb of a living being, said compression device comprising a sleeve extending lengthwise around a longitudinal axis and having several compression rings juxtaposed along said longitudinal axis, each compression ring comprising a band of material developed at least partially around the longitudinal axis, the compression rings being connected to each other by a first bond along a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the bands of material being connected to each other, along a second direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, distinct from the first direction, by a second sliding bond so as to form a scale-like structure.

[0012] According to a particular feature, between two adjacent compression rings, called first compression ring and second compression ring, said second sliding connection is made by means of a connecting element linking said material strip of the first compression ring to said material strip of the second compression ring.

[0013] Advantageously, said connecting element is composed of a tab fixed at one end to the material strip of the first compression ring and mounted at a second free end to slide in a slot made in the material strip of the second compression ring.

[0014] According to one particular feature, the second end of said tongue has a sliding stop member in said slot.

[0015] According to another feature, the stop member is made by a T-shape.

[0016] According to another feature, said tongue is made of a plastic material.

[0017] According to another feature, for each compression ring, said material strip has two ends attached on either side of a clamping device, said clamping device being configured to pull at least one of the two ends of the material strip to adjust the level of compression applied by the compression ring.

[0018] According to another feature, for each compression ring, the clamping device is arranged on a support extending along said first connection.

[0019] According to another feature, each compression ring has at least one compression adjustment strap around the longitudinal axis.

[0020] According to another feature, the material band has an end forming said adjustment strap and arranged to attach in an adjustable manner to the clamping device.

[0021] According to another feature, each clamping device includes at least one clamping link extending between two separated edges of the sleeve.

[0022] According to a particular variant, each clamping device includes a rotating disc associated with said clamping link and actuable in rotation to wind or unwind said clamping link.

[0023] According to another variant, each clamping device includes an electric motor having a rotating shaft on which said clamping link is fixed, and which can be rotated to wind or unwind said clamping link.

[0024] According to another feature, the material band of each compression ring is made of an inelastic or quasi-inelastic textile material. Brief description of the figures

[0025] Other features and advantages will become apparent in the detailed description that follows, given in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Fig. 1 represents the compression device of the invention positioned around a limb to be treated; - Fig. 2 shows, in exploded view, the architecture of the compression device of the invention; - Fig. 3 shows, in perspective and assembled, the compression device of the invention; - Fig. 4 illustrates the assembly principle of the material strips of the compression rings of the compression device of the invention; - Fig. 5 shows the material strips of the compression rings of the compression device of the invention which are assembled together; - Fig. 6 schematically represents the principle of implementation of a compression device according to the invention; - Fig. 7 represents an example of the implementation of a clamping device that can be used in a compression device of the invention;

[0026] Detailed description of at least one embodiment Compression device

[0027] [Fig.1]

[0028] The invention relates to a compression device 1 for applying localized compression effects along a part of the body of a living being, for example, a human being. By way of example, the body part of a living being could be a limb M, but also any other part such as, for example, the torso, hand, or trunk. Without limitation, the limb M to be treated could be an arm (as in [Fig. 1]), a leg, a forearm of a living being...

[0029] By way of non-limitation, the compression device 1 is particularly well-suited for treating lymphedema and for activating the flow of lymphatic fluid in the limb M being treated, in order to drain it. As another example, it can also be used to stimulate venous and lymphatic flow to facilitate recovery after sports activity, as well as being used in the treatment of lipedema to promote the elimination of fat cells, or for the treatment of hematomas.

[0030] Within the framework of the invention, the compression device 1 can be said to be passive or said to be active.

[0031] In its passive mode, it performs passive compression of member M, with a determined and constant level of compression over time. This level of compression can nevertheless be adjusted, for example by using one or more clamping links, each associated, for example, with a separate, manually operated clamping device.

[0032] In its active mode, the compression device 1 automatically exerts repeated radial compression effects around the limb M over time. It may comprise several clamping devices D juxtaposed along a longitudinal direction (X2), for example, each individually controlled according to a predetermined command sequence managed by dedicated electronics.

[0033] It should be noted that it would also be possible to have a hybrid device, with both active clamping devices managed by electronics and totally passive and / or manually operable compression means.

[0034] In the following description, the compression device 1 of the invention is described as fitting onto a limb M of a living being.

[0035] A member M consists of a succession of cross-sections of varying shapes.

[0036] The compression device 1 is advantageously adapted to the limb being treated and will therefore have a particular configuration adapted to the shape and length of that limb. It will therefore be different for a calf, a forearm, or a thigh... Sleeve

[0037] [Fig.1]

[0038] [Fig.2]

[0039] [Fig.3]

[0040] [Fig.4]

[0041] [Fig.5]

[0042] According to the invention, the compression device 1 comprises a sleeve 10 positioned around the limb to be treated. The sleeve is developed around a longitudinal axis (XI), this longitudinal axis (XI) corresponding to that of the limb M to be treated when the sleeve 10 is fitted around this limb.

[0043] The sleeve comprises several compression rings juxtaposed along said longitudinal axis.

[0044] In the context of the invention, the sleeve 10 comprises at least two juxtaposed compression rings A. This number will be adapted to the length of the limb M to be treated and the desired level of compression sensitivity.

[0045] Each compression ring A comprises at least one band of material made of a flexible material, so that it can be placed around the limb to be treated. This flexible material is, for example, of a textile type.

[0046] To ensure better transfer of compression forces to the limb, this flexible material can be chosen to be inelastic or nearly inelastic. This material is then advantageously low in elasticity (maximum 10% extensional deformation) or even non-elastic (in other words, non-stretchable) to effectively transmit the compression force created by the system.

[0047] In the following description, the strip of material is referred to as textile strip 2. Each textile strip 2 has two opposite ends.

[0048] By material strip or textile strip, it is understood that this is an independent, elongated piece that can be shaped to fit around the limb. Advantageously, each strip is removable and replaceable independently.

[0049] According to the invention, the compression rings A are connected to each other along a direction (X2) parallel to the longitudinal axis, by a first link L1, forming a longitudinal connecting band. This first link is advantageously fixed so that all the compression rings A are joined together via this link L1.

[0050] Advantageously, said connecting band carries several juxtaposed clamping devices D, forming a single longitudinal clamping module M_S, each clamping device D being associated with at least one distinct compression ring A and dedicated to managing the level of compression applied by the compression ring A. Each clamping device D thus makes it possible to perform a radial compression force at the level of the compression ring A. It should be noted that a device D could also be associated with several compression rings A, while remaining within the scope of the invention.

[0051] As indicated above, the clamping device D can be passive and only allow adjustment to a given level of compression. In this first case, the clamping device D can consist of a lace, a rotating disc, a simple adjustable hook-and-loop fastener, or even no particular system at all, the level of compression then being achieved by the textile band 2 of the compression ring A. The clamping device D can also be active and allow repeated compression / release effects to be performed at the compression ring A, according to a given sequence, being managed by an electronic control unit 6.

[0052] Advantageously, the textile band 2 of each compression ring A attaches separately at its two ends to its clamping device D.

[0053] The fixation is advantageously achieved at least in part using an adjustment system, to adjust the initial radial compression level applied by the compression ring A on the limb.

[0054] This adjustment system may consist of adjustable and complementary temporary fastening means, such as hook and loop fasteners, permanent magnets, adjustable straps, hooks...

[0055] By way of example, along at least one free edge, the clamping module M_S of the device may include several juxtaposed loops 30, each intended for the passage of an adjustment strap 20 belonging to a compression ring. This adjustment strap 20 may be formed by at least one of the two ends of the textile band 2 of the compression ring.

[0056] In the attached figures, the clamping module M_S has loops 30 arranged symmetrically on each of its two free edges and the two ends of each textile band each form a separate strap 20, each attaching respectively to a loop of the first free edge and to the symmetrical loop made on the second free edge of the clamping module M_S.

[0057] The adjustment systems allow for easy placement of the sleeve 10 around the limb M to be treated and for adjusting the initial compression level of each compression ring A around the limb M.

[0058] The adjustment systems of the adjacent compression rings A are advantageously all positioned in the same longitudinal alignment, along the direction (X2).

[0059] According to a particular aspect of the invention, each textile strip 2 is cut into the desired shape. On the same sleeve 10, some textile strips 2 may be of different shapes to better adapt to the morphology of the limb being treated.

[0060] From one compression ring A to another, the shape of the textile band 2 can advantageously vary in circumference, to best fit the section of the limb M to be treated, its adjustment system then allowing the initial level of compression applied by the compression ring A on the limb M to be treated to be refined.

[0061] Advantageously, along the sleeve 10, the textile bands 2 of the compression rings A are juxtaposed in a scalloped pattern such that each textile band 2 has at least one overlapping area with an adjacent textile band 2. The dimension of each textile band along the (X2) direction is therefore adapted to provide this scalloped configuration.

[0062] Advantageously, the textile bands 2 of the compression rings A are also connected to each other by a second sliding connection. In this way, each textile band 2 of a first compression ring A_1 is connected to the textile band 2 of an adjacent second compression ring A_2 by a longitudinal sliding connection L2 between the two bands. This sliding connection L2 is made along a longitudinal direction (X3).

[0063] To achieve this sliding movement along this second connection L2, the two adjacent textile bands 2_1, 2_2 are attached to each other by a connecting element 4 ([Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5]). The connecting element 4 cooperates in longitudinal sliding with at least one of the two textile bands, for example, that of the second compression ring. The connecting element 4 is thus arranged to link the two textile bands while providing a degree of freedom in longitudinal sliding between the two compression rings.

[0064] More precisely, the connecting element links the textile band 2_1 of the first compression ring A_1 to the textile band 2_2 of the second compression ring A_2. In this way, the sliding degree of freedom provided by the connection of the textile bands 2 allows each textile band 2 to pivot around its attachment point on the compression module M_S, for example, via the adjustment system. This degree of freedom thus allows for both length and volume adjustment of the sleeve 1. The presence of this degree of freedom is particularly relevant for conforming to the shape of a limb M, such as, for example, that of the human calf. The pivoting of the textile band 2 is thus permitted around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X2) and passing through the two attachment points of the textile band 2 on the compression module M_S of the sleeve.

[0065] The proposed configuration is thus a configuration in scales or in tapir tail.

[0066] Advantageously, this linking system between two adjacent compression rings A_1, A_2 is duplicated for each additional compression ring of the sleeve. Each textile band 2 of a compression ring A is connected to the textile band of the next compression ring in the series by a linking element, along the same longitudinal direction (X3).

[0067] Thanks to this connection system, it should be noted that the greater the number of compression rings over a given length, the more the sleeve conforms to the shape of the limb being treated.

[0068] Advantageously, the connecting element comprises a tab 40 having a first end, for example, fixed to the textile band 2_1 of the first compression ring A_1 of the sleeve and a second end which is mounted freely sliding in a slot 21 of the textile band 2_2 of the second compression ring A_2. At its free end, the tab may include a locking stop 41 cooperating with the slot 21 to limit the degree of freedom during sliding. This stop may be T-shaped.

[0069] It should be noted that it would also be possible to leave the first end of the tab free to slide in a slot in the textile band of the first compression ring, with a locking stop of the same type. In this case, the tab could have a completely symmetrical shape and allow the two textile bands to slide relative to each other.

[0070] Advantageously, the tongue 40 is made of a chosen inelastic material, such as a plastic material. The plastic material is chosen to be sufficiently supple and flexible to conform to the contour of the limb, in length and volume.

[0071] Each connecting element could of course have another shape, for example a cord, a flexible band, an elastic band attached to the two compression rings...

[0072] The connecting elements 4 are advantageously all aligned along the same longitudinal axis (X3), advantageously located opposite the alignment along the direction (X2) of the clamping devices D arranged on the clamping module M_S, with respect to the longitudinal axis (XI).

[0073] This longitudinal adjustment principle allows the volume of the sleeve 10 to be adapted and to give it a curved area that can conform to the shape of a limb. The configuration with two opposing links L1, L2 relative to the axis of the limb further enhances this principle of conforming to the shape of the limb.

[0074] It should be noted that it would be possible to provide several other longitudinal sliding links arranged in parallel between the compression rings A of the sleeve 10. Passive and / or active compression device

[0075] [Fig.6]

[0076] [Fig.7]

[0077] As indicated above, this principle of longitudinal adjustment applies to a passive and / or active compression device.

[0078] The compression device may in particular have one or more clamping links 5. By way of example, it would be possible to associate at least one separate clamping link 5 for each compression ring A of the sleeve.

[0079] The compression device advantageously includes a clamping device D for each clamping link 5, and therefore for each compression ring A.

[0080] By way of example, in a passive compression device, the clamping device D may, for example, comprise a rotating disc 51 ([Fig.6]) on which the clamping link The 5 can wind or unwind, depending on the direction of rotation of the disc. This type of system is well known in the field of ski boot tightening, for example. Typically, the rotating disc is operated manually.

[0081] The clamping device D could take any other known conventional form.

[0082] By way of example, with reference to [Fig.6] and [Fig.7], in an active compression device, the clamping device D may include an electric motor 50 with a shaft 500 on which the clamping link is wound or unwound.

[0083] The clamping device D advantageously includes its own electronic control unit 6, responsible for controlling said electric motor.

[0084] Each clamping device D can be made independently and removably. It is intended to ensure a mechanical action and is advantageously controlled and powered by a central control and power supply circuit belonging to the device 1 and advantageously arranged on a support common to all the clamping devices, in this case on the clamping module M_S of the sleeve 10 described above, this clamping module M_S forming a link between all the compression rings A.

[0085] The central control and power supply circuit (not shown) is configured to apply a command sequence and send control commands to the electronic control units 6 of the clamping devices D.

[0086] The clamping module M_S thus carries several clamping devices D, advantageously all identical, juxtaposed along the longitudinal direction (X2) parallel to the longitudinal axis (XI) of the sleeve 10. Each of these clamping devices D is configured to exert, individually or in groups, a pull or a release along an axis perpendicular to this longitudinal direction (X2) and called the clamping axis (Y).

[0087] The clamping module M_S of the device 1 is advantageously presented in the form of a single assembly.

[0088] Without limitation, with reference to the figure, a clamping device D comprises a first traction element 300 and a second traction element 310, separated from each other and capable of translational movement relative to each other along its clamping axis (Y). The relative positions of the first traction element 300 and the second traction element 310 allow adjustment of the clamping force applied by the clamping device D.

[0089] The first traction element 300 and the second traction element 310 can be made in the form of two independent parts.

[0090] According to an advantageous embodiment, each traction element 300, 310 attaches to a loop or takes the form of the loop 30 on which is attached a separate end 20 of the textile band 2 of the compression ring A.

[0091] Thus, pulling on the first traction element 300 and on the second traction element 310, along the (Y) axis, pulls in opposite directions on the two ends of the textile band 2, thereby applying radial tightening and compression to the limb at the compression ring when the sleeve is fitted around the limb. Since the sleeve is made of a textile material with little or no stretch, the tightening force exerted by each tightening device is transmitted directly to the sleeve to compress the limb.

[0092] The clamping device may also include a support housing 32.

[0093] The electric motor 50 of the clamping device D is housed in said support housing 32.

[0094] The clamping link 5 winds or unwinds by action of the electric motor 50 on the output shaft 500 of the motor, to ensure the movement of the first traction element 300 and the second traction element 310. According to this embodiment, the clamping device thus actuates the two traction elements 300, 310 simultaneously, one towards the other in traction by means of its electric motor 50.

[0095] The principle of an active compression device is described in patent application FR3123202A1 and in patent application WO2023 / 213736A1.

[0096] The principle of the invention related to the sliding of the two compression rings relative to each other applies regardless of the type (active or passive) of compression device and its architecture. Active compression devices include those operating with shape-memory wires (see preamble to the description).

[0097] The invention thus offers numerous advantages, including: - It allows it to easily adapt to the shape of a limb, using a simple system; - It allows it to adapt to different limb shapes, with the same sleeve size; - It is suitable for use with any type of compression device, active or passive; - Each textile band is independent and can easily be replaced and adapted to the size of the limb;

Claims

Demands

1. Compression device (1) intended to be arranged around a limb (M) of a living being, said compression device (1) comprising a sleeve (10) extending lengthwise around a longitudinal axis (XI) and having several compression rings (A) juxtaposed along said longitudinal axis, each compression ring (A) comprising a strip (2) of material developed at least partially around the longitudinal axis (XI), characterized in that the compression rings (A) are connected to each other by a first bond (L1) along a first direction (X2) parallel to the longitudinal axis, and in that the strips (2) of material overlap each other to form a scale-like structure and are connected to each other, along a second direction (X3) parallel to the longitudinal axis, distinct from the first direction (X2), by a second sliding bond (L2) so as to form said scale-like structure.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that between two adjacent compression rings (A), said first compression ring (A_1) and second compression ring (A_2), said second sliding connection is made by means of a connecting element (4) linking said strip (2_1) of material of the first compression ring to said strip (2_2) of material of the second compression ring.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said connecting element is composed of a tab (40) fixed at one end to the material strip of the first compression ring and mounted at a second free end to slide in a slot (21) made in the material strip of the second compression ring.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second end of said tongue (40) comprises a stop member (41) sliding in said slot.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the stop member (41) is made by a T-shape.

6. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said tab (40) is made of a plastic material.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, for each compression ring, said band (2) of material has two ends attached each on either side of a clamping device (D), said clamping device (D) being configured to pull at least one of the two ends of the band (2) of material to set a level of compression applied by the compression ring (A).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that, for each compression ring (A), the clamping device (D) is arranged on a support extending along said first link (Ll).

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each compression ring (A) comprises at least one compression adjustment strap around the longitudinal axis.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the band (2) of material has an end (20) forming said adjustment strap and arranged to attach in an adjustable manner to the clamping device (D).

11. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that each clamping device (D) comprises at least one clamping link (5) extending between two widely spaced edges of the sleeve.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that each clamping device (D) comprises a rotating disc (51) associated with said clamping link (5) and actuable in rotation to wind or unwind said clamping link (5).

13. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that each clamping device (D) comprises an electric motor (50) having a rotating shaft (500) on which said clamping link (5) is fixed, and actuable in rotation to wind or unwind said clamping link (5).

14. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the band (2) of material of each compression ring is made of an inelastic textile material.

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