PRESSOTHERAPY AND PHOTOBIOMODULATION DEVICE AND BOOT CONTAINING SUCH A DEVICE

Abstract

A pressotherapy device comprising a treatment chamber to be placed around a part of a user's body, said chamber housing or being formed of a plurality of air chambers, means for inflating and deflating said air chambers, said means comprising a compressor and hoses conveying air from said compressor to said air chambers, at least one radiation source, comprising at least one light-emitting diode configured to emit light or infrared radiation, said radiation source being intended to be positioned opposite a predetermined area of ​​the user's skin for the purpose of irradiating it before, during, or after a pressotherapy treatment, and a control means configured to control the means for inflating and deflating the air chambers and to control the light intensity emitted by the at least one radiation source. Figure for the abbreviation: [Fig 2]

Description

Title of the invention: PRESSOTHERAPY AND PHOTOBIOMODULATION DEVICE AND BOOT CONTAINING SUCH A DEVICE. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device configured to perform a lymphatic massage on a user and configured to expose the user's skin to light or infrared radiation. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Photobiomodulation is a therapeutic treatment method involving the emission of electromagnetic waves onto the user's body, aiming, among other things, to promote cell regeneration. This emission of waves, sometimes called "cold light," involves radiation at various wavelengths, depending on the type of treatment, which penetrates the skin to varying depths in order to trigger a biochemical reaction, for example, by influencing mitochondrial function and the respiratory chain within them. Photobiomodulation generally involves the application of monochromatic light, or infrared radiation, produced by LEDs (Light-emitting diodes) to one or more predefined areas of the body.

[0003] The prior art includes photobiomodulation devices comprising one or more interconnected panels, each panel containing numerous LEDs. During a photobiomodulation treatment, the panels are positioned to expose the user's skin to the light emitted by the LEDs. The prior art also includes more specialized devices allowing for more targeted exposure of the user's body to radiation, such as a bracelet or a mask. Finally, the prior art includes photobiomodulation devices designed to be handheld by a practitioner or by the user themselves.

[0004] Pressotherapy is a practice designed to replicate the movements performed during lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage consists of a gentle massage intended to promote the circulation of lymph. Pressotherapy requires the use of sleeves, boots, or belts, for example, which are worn by the user. These devices contain air pockets that are sequentially inflated and then deflated in order to exert pressure on the user's skin.

[0005] Pressotherapy is used to help the user overcome certain conditions, particularly those associated with circulatory disorders of the lower limbs. Sessions Pressotherapy can also be recommended to aid recovery following an injury, or to improve the user's mobility. Finally, pressotherapy is sometimes used for cosmetic purposes. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The applicant company observed that combining photobiomodulation and pressotherapy could produce synergistic effects in certain treatments. However, to the inventors' knowledge, no device currently exists that allows a user or practitioner to combine these two practices.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a practical, compact and efficient device, configured to allow the successive or simultaneous implementation of a photobiomodulation treatment and a pressotherapy treatment, on a human or animal user.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a pressotherapy device comprising: - a treatment chamber to be placed around a part of a user's body, said chamber housing or being formed of a plurality of air chambers, - means for inflating and deflating said air chambers, said means comprising a compressor and pipes conveying air from said compressor to said air chambers, - at least one radiation source, comprising at least one light-emitting diode configured to emit light or infrared radiation, said radiation source being intended to be positioned opposite a predetermined area of ​​the user's skin in order to irradiate it before, during or after a pressotherapy treatment and - a control means configured to control the means for inflating and deflating the air chambers and to control the light intensity emitted by at least one radiation source.

[0009] Thanks to these provisions, the same device can be used to perform the inflation and deflation steps of air chambers, which constitute pressotherapy, and the steps of exposing the user's body to light, which constitute photobiomodulation. Exposure of the user's skin to light or infrared radiation can be carried out before, during, or after pressotherapy, depending on the treatment performed.

[0010] The pressotherapy device includes a control means configured to control the means for inflating and deflating the air chambers and to control the light intensity emitted by at least one radiation source. This means controls both the inflation and deflation of the chambers associated with pressotherapy and the light intensity emitted by the light-emitting diodes. Combined with photobiomodulation, these two treatments can be coordinated by, for example, scheduling time intervals between light exposure and inflation and deflation stages of the air chambers, or by determining the light intensity emitted by the LEDs according to the pressotherapy program.

[0011] It should be noted at this stage that the enclosure of the pressotherapy device can be formed by the air chambers attached to each other by permanent or temporary fasteners. Alternatively, the enclosure of the pressotherapy device can be formed by a rigid or semi-rigid frame to which the air chambers are attached. In all cases, at least one face of each air chamber is positioned to press directly or indirectly against the user's skin when the air chamber is inflated.

[0012] In embodiments, less a radiation source is mounted on said enclosure or on one of the air chambers.

[0013] Thanks to these arrangements, the light or infrared radiation sources are integrated directly into the casing or frame of the pressotherapy device. These arrangements allow the user to benefit from a more compact and user-friendly device. They also reduce user errors, as the radiation sources are fixed in place and not freely positioned by the user. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the part of the body to be exposed to light is the same as the part of the body to be compressed during the operation of the pressotherapy device.

[0014] Alternatively, the pressotherapy device may comprise, on the one hand, a chamber containing air chambers and, on the other hand, radiation sources separate from the air chambers. In this case, the radiation sources may be freely positioned on the user's body, either by the user themselves or by a practitioner. This alternative embodiment is advantageous when the treatment protocol requires exposing one or more areas of skin on a part of the user's body distinct from the part of the body compressed by the air chambers.

[0015] Preferably, the radiation emitted by the light-emitting diodes is radiation with a wavelength between 600 nanometers and 900 nanometers.

[0016] In embodiments, at least one radiation source is mounted on one of the air chambers and said air chamber, when at least partially inflated, forms a housing intended to accommodate the radiation source.

[0017] Thanks to these arrangements, the radiation source can be at least partially embedded in the inner tube, so that the radiation source does not create a raised area relative to the surface of the inner tube that presses against the user's body, or so that this raised area is reduced. These arrangements improve user comfort by preventing a radiation source protruding part presses against the user's skin when the air chamber carrying the radiation source inflates.

[0018] It is specified that the housing can form in the inner tube only when the inner tube is inflated or partially inflated, by methods well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the inner tube has several zones of different rigidities, so that the inner tube adopts a predetermined shape when the inner tube is inflated.

[0019] In some embodiments, the enclosure has a boot shape, or has an extended boot shape to cover all or part of the leg and possibly cover all or part of the pelvis of a user.

[0020] In other embodiments, the device has a belt-like shape, particularly for applying pressotherapy and / or photobiomodulation treatments to the abdomen and back. In other embodiments, the device has a shape adapted for wearing on the user's arm. It is also noted that the shape of the device can be adapted for wearing by an animal, particularly a pet such as a dog, cat, or horse.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pressotherapy device includes a memory connected to the control means so as to allow data transfer between the memory and the control means. This memory is configured to record at least one treatment program comprising at least one irradiation step of a predetermined skin area of ​​the user and at least several inflation and deflation steps of air chambers.

[0022] Thanks to these provisions, treatment programs involving compression of the user's body and exposure of the user's body to light radiation can be implemented. Advantageously, several treatment programs are stored in memory.

[0023] In some embodiments, the pressotherapy device includes at least one electrical cable connecting the radiation source to the control means and enabling the transfer of digital data and / or electrical current. Advantageously, said cable is, at least along part of its length, bundled with hoses carrying air from said compressor to said air chambers.

[0024] Thanks to these arrangements, the installation and handling of the pressotherapy device are made more convenient for the user. Since the air hoses and at least one cable are bundled together, they are easier to move and form a compact unit, less bulky than individual hoses and cables.

[0025] In some embodiments, the pressotherapy device comprises at least one optical fiber connecting the radiation source to the control means and allowing the transfer of digital data and / or light. Advantageously, at least one fiber is, at least over part of its length, bundled with pipes carrying air from said compressor to said air chambers.

[0026] In embodiments, the pressotherapy device comprises a housing containing said control means and said compressor, said housing comprising a plurality of air connections for connecting said hoses to the compressor.

[0027] Advantageously, the housing includes at least one electrical connection for connecting the control means to an electrical cable connected to at least one radiation source. The housing may also include wireless communication means for controlling and commanding the radiation sources and / or for controlling and commanding the compressor. For example, an antenna enabling wireless communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) protocol, the Wi-Fi protocol, or any other communication protocol well known to those skilled in the art.

[0028] In some embodiments, the housing includes human-machine interface elements for controlling the compressor and radiation sources, and / or for displaying information concerning the operation of the pressotherapy device. Alternatively or in addition, means for remotely controlling the pressotherapy device are implemented. For example, the device includes wireless communication means with a smart portable terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0029] In embodiments, the bundle comprises several pipes and at least one electrical cable and has at one of its ends a male or female connector having a plurality of air connections and at least one electrical connection, the connector of the bundle being configured to cooperate with a complementary connector provided on the housing.

[0030] Thanks to these arrangements, the connection of the air supply pipes and the electrical cable carrying current and / or data between the harness and the housing can be made quickly, simply by connecting the harness connector to the housing connector.

[0031] In some embodiments, at least one light-emitting diode of at least one radiation source is positioned inside an air chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] 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 pressotherapy device that is the subject of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] [Fig.1] schematically represents a particular embodiment of a pressotherapy device according to a particular embodiment of the invention, [Fig.2] schematically represents a first particular embodiment of a housing and a bundle of pipes and cables, equipped with a connector, configured to be connected to the housing, [Fig.3] represents a detail of the housing shown in [Fig.2]. [Fig.4] represents a detail of the connector shown in [Fig.2] and, [Fig.5] represents, schematically, a cross-sectional view of the bundle of pipes and cables shown in figures 1, 2 and 4.

[0034] The reference numbers mentioned in the figures refer to: 10 Pressotherapy device 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118 Inner Tubes 120 Support 121 Envelope of a radiation source 124 Housing built into the wall of an inner tube 131, 132, 133, 134, 145, 136 Source of radiation 137, 138, 139 Light-emitting diodes 140 Bundle of pipes and cable 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 Air hoses 140 Air hose bundle 160 Electrical cable 161a, 162a, 163a, 164a, 165a Wiring harness connector lead wire connection 161b, 165b Connection of the housing connector's lead wire 170 Harness Connector 171a, 172a, 173a, 174a, 175a, 176a, 177a, 178a Air connection of the harness connector 171b, 174b Housing connector air connection 180 Control box 190 Female connector on the control box 901 User DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The present description is given by way of non-limiting grammar, each feature of an embodiment being able to be advantageously combined with any other feature of any other embodiment.

[0036] We observe in [Fig. 1] a particular embodiment of a pressotherapy device 10 intended to be placed around the leg of a user 901.

[0037] The device comprises eight air chambers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118. Each air chamber is shaped like a sleeve or sock and surrounds a portion of the leg at a given height. The first two air chambers, 111 and 112, surround the leg above the knee. A third air chamber, 113, surrounds the leg at knee level. Four other air chambers, 114, 115, 116, 117, surround the leg between the knee. Finally, a sock-shaped air chamber, 118, is designed to be positioned around the user's foot.

[0038] It is noted that other configurations of inner tubes can be implemented, without deviating from the invention.

[0039] In other embodiments (not shown), the pressotherapy device has a shape compatible with use on other parts of the body. For example, the pressotherapy device has a shape adapted for positioning on the arm or torso.

[0040] The air chambers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118 are attached to each other or each attached to a frame (not shown), so as to form a single unit that creates an enclosure in which a part of the user's body can be placed. The compression therapy device is configured to allow the user to place their leg against the air chambers, so that the inflation of the air chambers compresses the user's leg.

[0041] During the use of the pressotherapy device, the air chambers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118 are inflated and then deflated one by one or in groups, according to a predetermined sequence. The predetermined sequence aims, for example, to reproduce a massage movement that promotes blood and lymphatic circulation.

[0042] Each air chamber of the pressotherapy device 10 is connected to an air hose. According to an embodiment not shown, an air hose is provided to convey air to several air chambers and remotely controlled valves are implemented to control the inflation and deflation of the air chambers.

[0043] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, each air chamber 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118 is connected to a dedicated hose 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148. These air hoses are grouped together in a bundle 140 of hoses. The pressotherapy device 10 includes means for controlling the air pressure in each of the hoses and thus controlling the inflation and deflation of the air chambers. The control of the air pressure in each air chamber is, for example, achieved by means of a compressor (not shown) and valves.

[0044] By way of example, the means for controlling the inflation of the air chambers may be configured to maintain an air chamber pressure between 20 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and 80 mmHg, preferably between 20 mmHg and 60 mmHg, when said chambers are inflated.

[0045] The pressotherapy device 10 comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of radiation sources, 131, 132, 133, 134, 145, 136, placed at different locations within the enclosure formed by the air chambers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118. According to the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], a first and a second radiation source, 131 and 132, are positioned respectively on the front and back of the thigh. A third and a fourth radiation source, 133 and 134, are positioned respectively on the back and front of the calf. Finally, a radiation source 135 is placed at the level of the Achilles tendon and a radiation source 136 is placed at the level of the foot.

[0046] It is emphasized that other placements of the radiation sources can be implemented without departing from the invention. For example, according to a particular embodiment (not illustrated), the pressotherapy device comprises at least three radiation sources, the first of which is positioned at the level of the groin, the second is positioned behind the knee, and the third is positioned at the level of the malleolus.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more radiation sources are placed outside the enclosure of the pressotherapy device. In this case, the device comprises the pressotherapy enclosure on the one hand and, on the other hand, one or more radiation sources that can be positioned in contact with the user's skin at predetermined locations. For example, radiation sources designed to be placed on the user's stomach, collarbone, or abdomen are provided.

[0048] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the radiation sources are fixed to the air chambers. In other embodiments, the radiation sources are fixed to a frame that also supports the air chambers. In still other embodiments, the radiation sources are independent of the air chambers and are not fixed, so that they can be freely positioned by the user.

[0049] The structure of each radiation source will be better understood with regard to the detail of the radiation source 133, which is shown in greater detail in an enlarged view to the right of the drawing in [Fig. 1]. The radiation source 133 comprises an enclosure 121 housing a support 120. The radiation source 133 includes several light-emitting diodes (LEDs), 137, 138, and 139, mounted on the support and oriented towards the user's body when the compression therapy device is worn by the user. Advantageously, the support 120 is a printed circuit board configured to support the LEDs and to carry to them an electric current and / or control signals for the light intensity emitted by the LEDs.

[0050] Each LED is configured to emit light or infrared radiation. For example, the LEDs emit light with a wavelength between 600 nanometers and 900 nanometers.

[0051] In some embodiments (not shown), the pressotherapy device 10 comprises at least one radiation source including a first LED and a second LED. The first LED is configured to emit radiation at a first wavelength and the second LED is configured to emit radiation at a second wavelength distinct from the first. For example, the first LED emits red light and the second LED emits infrared radiation.

[0052] Advantageously, the radiation source 133 is positioned in a housing 124 provided on the surface of an air chamber, so that the surface of the casing 121 of the radiation source 133 is flush with the surface of the air chamber 114. Thus, the radiation source does not form a relief that could press against the user's skin and create a feeling of discomfort when inflating the air chamber 114.

[0053] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the radiation sources are add-on components placed in the pressotherapy device 10 that can be easily placed in or removed from the device's enclosure. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the device 10 has more compartments than radiation sources. In this case, the user can move the radiation sources from one compartment to another as needed for the treatment to be performed.

[0054] In other embodiments (not illustrated), the radiation sources are permanently mounted to the enclosure or to the air chambers. For example, the radiation sources are thin, flexible printed circuits placed in a lining provided on the air chambers or sewn onto a lining provided on the air chambers.

[0055] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], at least one conducting wire carrying electric current and / or LED control signals connects each radiation source 131, 132, 133, 134, 145, 136 to the control means of the device 10. These conducting wires are shown as dashed lines. Note that the cables connecting the radiation sources 132, 133, and 135 are not shown in [Fig. 1] to make the drawing more legible. Advantageously, the conducting wires connecting each radiation source to the control means are grouped together in a single electrical cable 160. Advantageously, the electrical cable is bundled with the bundle 140 of tubing.

[0056] Figures 2 and 3 show a particular embodiment of a housing 180 that can be used with the pressotherapy device described above. The housing 180 includes control means for adjusting the light intensity emitted by each radiation source 131, 132, 133, 134, 145, 136. The housing 180 also includes means for inflating and deflating the air chambers, which comprise at least one compressor and a plurality of valves. Advantageously, this compressor and these valves are integrated into the housing.

[0057] Advantageously, the unit includes a memory connected to the control means to allow data transfer between the memory and the control means. The memory is configured to record at least one treatment program comprising at least one irradiation step of a predetermined skin area of ​​the user and at least several inflation and deflation steps of air chambers.

[0058] The housing 180 includes a female connector 190 configured to be connected to a male connector 170 of complementary shape, fixed to the end of the bundle 140 of tubing. The connector 190 is formed by a housing in which eight air connections, 171b and 174b, are located. The eight air connections, 171b and 174b, of the housing 180 are configured to establish a leak-proof connection with eight air connections, 171a, 172a, 173a and 174a, provided on the connector 170.

[0059] The male connector 170 attached to the end of the hose bundle 140 will be better understood with reference to [Fig. 4]. It should be noted at this point that the arrangement of the connections on the connector 170 of the bundle and the connector 190 of the housing 180 allows the eight air hoses of the bundle to be easily connected to the compressor installed in the housing in a single step. This arrangement allows for quick handling of the pressotherapy device, which is easy to install before each use and to dismantle afterward.

[0060] The connector 170 of the harness 140 further includes five electrical connections, 161a, 162a, 163a, 164a, and 165a, configured to be electrically connected to complementary connections, 161b and 165a, provided on the female connector 190 of the housing. The conductors passing through these connections and then through the cable 160 are connected to the radiation sources. These conductors and cables allow the transfer of electrical current and / or control signals for the light intensity of the LEDs in the radiation sources. It should be noted that each electrical wire of the cable 160 can be used to power one or more radiation sources arranged in series. Advantageously, at least one of the electrical wires of the cable 160 is a grounding or earthing wire.

[0061] We observe in [Fig.5] a cross-sectional view of a bundle 140 comprising eight pipes, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147 and 148 and a cable 160 described opposite the previous figures.

[0062] In embodiments (not shown), the pressotherapy device comprises at least one optical fiber connecting at least one of the radiation sources to the control means. Advantageously, the optical fiber allows light to be delivered to the user's skin. Advantageously, at least one optical fiber is bundled with the pipes carrying air from the compressor to the air chambers.

[0063] In embodiments (not shown), at least one light-emitting diode of at least one radiation source is positioned inside an air chamber 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118. In this case, the material forming the chamber is a transparent or translucent material, allowing the user's skin to be exposed to the light or infrared radiation emitted by the light-emitting diode.

Claims

Demands

1. A pressotherapy device (10) characterized in that it comprises: - a treatment chamber to be placed around a part of a user's body, said chamber housing or being formed of a plurality of air chambers (111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118), - means for inflating and deflating said air chambers, said means comprising a compressor and hoses (141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148) conveying air from said compressor to said air chambers, - at least one radiation source (131, 132, 133, 134, 145, 136), comprising at least one light-emitting diode (137, 138, 139) configured to to emit light or infrared radiation, said radiation source being intended to be positioned opposite a predetermined area of ​​the user's skin in order to irradiate it beforehand,during or after a pressotherapy treatment and - a control means configured to control the means for inflating and deflating the air chambers and for controlling the light intensity emitted by at least one radiation source.

2. Pressotherapy device (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one radiation source is mounted on said enclosure or on one of the air chambers.

3. Pressotherapy device (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one radiation source is mounted on one of the air chambers and wherein said air chamber forms, when at least partially inflated, a housing (124) intended to house the radiation source.

4. Pressotherapy device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the enclosure has a boot shape, or wherein the enclosure has a boot shape extended to cover all or part of the leg (901) and optionally cover all or part of the pelvis of a user.

5. A pressotherapy device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a memory connected to the control means to allow data transfer, said memory being configured to store at least one program of care comprising at least one irradiation step of a predetermined area of ​​the user's skin and at least several inflation and deflation steps of air chambers.

6. Pressotherapy device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which includes at least one electrical cable (160) connecting the radiation source to the control means and enabling the transfer of digital data and / or current, in which at least one cable is, at least over a part of its length, bundled (140) with pipes leading from said compressor to said air chambers for the passage of air.

7. Pressotherapy device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one optical fiber connecting the radiation source to the control means and enabling the transfer of digital data and / or light, wherein at least one fiber is, at least over a part of its length, bundled with pipes leading from said compressor to said air chambers for the passage of air.

8. Pressotherapy device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a housing (180) housing said control means and said compressor, said housing comprising a plurality of air connections for connecting said hoses to the compressor and at least one electrical connection for connecting the control means to an electrical cable connected to at least one radiation source.

9. Pressotherapy device (10) according to claims 6 and 8, wherein the bundle comprises several hoses and at least one electrical cable, has at one of its ends a male or female connector comprising a plurality of air connections and at least one electrical connection, the connector of the bundle being configured to cooperate with a complementary connector provided on the housing.

10. Pressotherapy device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one light-emitting diode of at least one radiation source is positioned inside an air chamber.

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