Pneumatic compression device with vibration and temperature control

Abstract

A pneumatic compression assembly 10, comprising a sleeve that includes an outer layer 26 and an inner layer 28 that define a sleeve interior configured to receive a body part of a user. A plurality of

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application chin® the beneUi of U.S; Provisional Application. No, u3 / 238,354, .filed August 30,2021, U:S.'.Provisional Application No. 63 / 167,533; filed March 29,2021, U,S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 3 26,954, filed December 17,2020, and U.S. Provisional Application Nq. 63 / 126,968, Filed December 17, 202(6 the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein. FJELD OF THE INVENTION Ths present invention relates to a pneumatic compression assembly, and more particularly to a pneumatic compression assembly with one or more therapeutic features, such -as temperature control, vibration, pneumatic, compression, infrared and the ri te. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Pneumatic compression devices are characterized by bulky, invasive devices and typically only include compression without focusing on any other therapeutic technology, such as temperature, vibration or the like. The background description disclosed anywhere in this patent application includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the pres® Uy claimed invmtion, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In accordance with a .first aspect of the present invention then? is provided a pneumatic compression assembly that includes a sleeve (hat includes an outer layer and an mnef layer that defines a sleeve interior configured io receive a body past of a user; a phsralitv of inflatable compartments arranged longitudinally along the sleeve between the inner layer and the outer layer, and at least a first vibration assembly configured to provide vibration to the body part of the user, The first vibration assembly includes, a plurality of vibration motors posi boned between die inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve. In a preferred embodiment the first vibration assembly includes a first earner layer and a first motor securement member. The first motor securement member secures at least a first of the plurality of vibration motors to the first carrier layer. Preferably, the first carrier layer includes a first carrier layer motor opening defined therein. The first motor securemem member includes upper and lower securing portions and a motor portion extending between the upper and lower securing portions. The upper and lower securing portions are positioned on a first side of the first carrier layer and wherein al least a portion of the motor portion of the first securement member and at least a portion of the vibration motor extend through the first carrier layer motor opening. 0006] In a preferred embodiment,, the .first carrier layer includes one or more heating elements thereon. Preferably, a second carrier layer is petitioned between the inner layer and lire outer layer of the sl eeve. The second carrier layer is secured to the first carrier layer to k» a carrier assembly and .sandwich the heating element therebetween, Tire second carrier layer includes a second carrier layer motor opening defined therein , tire upper and lower securing portions are positioned on a first side of the carrier assembly, and st least a portion of the vibration portion of the first securemem member and at least a portion of the vibration motor extend through the first and second vibration openings Preferably, at least one of lira first mid second carrier layers is a far infrared layer. Preferably, a reflective foil layer is positioned between the far iafiared layer and lira outer layer of the sleeve. [W7] In a preferred embodimmt. the pneumatic compression assembly includes at least a first heating assembly configured to provide heat to the body part, rf the user. 'The first heating assembly is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve. The first heating assembly caw be any:of the components or layers discussed.. herein (e,g., the first and / or second carrier layers) that include heating elements thereon or firemm.

[0008] in accordance with mother aspect of the present invention there is provided a pneumatic compression assembly that includes a sleeve that includes an outer layer and an inner layer that defines a sleeve interior configured to wcei w a body part of a user, a plurality of inflatable compartments arranged longitudinally along the sleeve between the inner layer and die outer layer,, and a remperaUffe control module coupled to or within the sleeve. The temperature control module includes a housing, a controllable temperature Moment. stud a spreader member, A lower surface of the spreader mem ber is positioned to contact Hie user's body part, and the controllable temperature element, is configured to transfer thermal energy to an upper surface of the spreader member. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature control module includes a heat sink that is positioned within a first of the plurality of inflatable compartments so that air moving through the first MSMabie compartment pulls or dissipates heat 'from the heat sink. Preferably, the temperature control module includes at least a first finger spreader pivotably attached to the spreader member. The spreader member is configured to conduct thermal energy to the first finger spreader. [W09] The present invention is pneumatic compression device that can be used for recovery after physical activities, among other uses Pneumatic compression devices are known. For example, see U.S PatenfNos. 5,014,681, 5,092317, 6,406.445, 6,558,338, 6346,295, 8,313,450, and 4,622,943, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0010] Pneumatic compression applied to ths human body oft® includes a fluid pump module (main unit) that is connected to an inflatable garment (le., full leg boots,, core, or arm and. shoulder sleeve) through one or multiple pipes.. The air pumped from the module flows into the garment inflating it and compressing the body part that is inside. There are many different methods for inflating the garment and determining how much pressure is applied and how quickly it inflates and deflates. Many boots are divided into four compartments that inflate sequentially starting with the lowest one (foot) and going up towards the hips. [0011 ] In ihe present invention,. one or more of vibration, heating, coding ami other features are included in a pneumatic compression device to provide more options for .recovery. In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic compression device or assembly includes healing and- codling modules within the device and the devices can be cooled via the air flow generated by the .inflation pump io dissipate heat from the module and specifically the pettier module and / or heat sink.

[0012] In a preferred. embodiment,, the pneumatic compression assembly includes a sleeve ■feat, includes a plurality of cells, chambers or compartments defined therein. In a preferred embodiment fee compartments inflatable sequentially to provide compression to a user’s foot and leg (when the invention is embodied in a bool), it will be appreciated that the pneumatic compression assembly cm be sized, designed and utilized on any body part.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, one or more temperature control modules are included or posi tioned in one or more of the compartments. The temperature control modules may include a module housing that houses a Dm. heat sink and pettier module In a preferred embodiment there is no garment or fabric layer .between the temperature- control module and the user's skin. Instead, the bottom layer or lower surface of the temperature control module or some other heat conductive portion or material contacts the user’s skin, in another embodiment, a layer can be included between the module and the user's skin. In a preferred embodiment, the tempera!ore control module may also include one or more vibration motors or devices (that may include a counterweight or eccentric therein. In another preferred embodiment, the tan and all or .part of the module housing of the temperature control module can be omitted and the air moving within, the compartment as a result of the air pump. In another-embodiment the beat sink can also be omitted with tire air in die sleeve cooling the politer device. As shown, the sleeve includes an inner layer and an outer layer. [00} 5] in another preferred embodi ment of a temperature control module that includes a concave module structure or bottom surface so that it can adapt to the contour of different portions of the body, such as the thigh, calf, etc. Preferably, the module housing includes a lower portion that includes the concave surface on a bottom thereof. The lower portion also includes a conductive member that conducts heat or cold from the pettier device to the concave bottom surface. The upper and lower homing .portions of the pettier housing define a motor recess. [Oil 16j In another embodiment, the temperature control modal® .may include the fan next to tie heat sink instead of ba top of the heat sink. AH tempemture control modules herein, include vents or openings in th® module housing to allow heat to be dissipated therefrom. It will be appreciated that the module housing ora portion thereof can be omitted or the fans can be emitted (or can remain included) so that the air movement within the sleeve can cool the components of the module, as needed. pM)1.7j In another embodiment, hot and / or cold air can be pumped directly into thevteeve or into individual compartments to provide hot and cold therapy, tn another embodiment. one or more pumps or compressors can be incorporated into the sleeve (to inflate the sleeve or individualcompartments) as opposed to being separate therefrom. In a preferred embodimmt the pneumatic compression assembly includes tofrarsd LEDs or an infrared fabric that are embedded in positioned on or otherwise associated with the outer or upper layer and that shine or emit light through the compartnwf s) and through the inner layer that is clearer at least .partially clear so that the infrared light reaches the wearer's skin The infrared lights can be positioned anywhere or in the sleeve or compartment (e.g., on the inner layer, the module or somewhere else in the compartment). Vibration devices / moiors IS may also be embedded on or in the inner layer Iw 'providing vibration to the user; Vibratai devices can be positioned as desired throughout the sleeve. The vibration devices can be arranged in patterns to help with or stimulate blood flow and to aid with recovery-. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system includes the ability to insert liquid nitregen or another cooling fluid therein to cool the air that gets pumped into fee compression sleeve. This can create a homogeneous and fast cooling feeling when using the gReumaiic compression device. In a preferred erubodimem. the cooling fluid is added to or included iu the compressor module Preferably, fee compressor module or pump has a cavity therein designed Io receive and fee replaceable liquid bottle where it can be connected for use. hi use. when the user selects fee cooling mode the valve of the bottle is opened and fee liquid nitrogen flows from tubes feat go from fee compressor to fee compartments of fee sleeve. The low temperature provides a pool feeling throughout the entire surface nftlie bbol / ganneut. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The in rental may be more readily understood by refening to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pneumatic compression assembly in accordance with a preferred. embodiment of the present invention attached thereto,

[0023] FIG. 2is an exploded view of the pneumatic compression assembly;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a portion of a vibration assembly; KX>25| FIG 4 is a cross-section through a wall of the sleeve;

[0026] FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-section of the components in FIG. 4 before being assembled:

[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pneumatic compression assembly showing tire leg controller and system controller,

[0028] FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting the control system; 10029] FIG. 8 is cross-section through the sleeve viewed from the top and showing a ■temperature control module therein;

[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a temperature control module;

[0031] FIG. 10 i$ an exploded perspective view of the temperature control module, and

[0032] FIG. 1 i is a schematic view of a pneumatic compression, assembly’ wi th temperature control modules therein and showing air flow therethrough,

[0033] Like numerals refer to tike parts throughout the se veral views of the drawings. DMTAJLBb DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-know or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodirnenl in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to ths same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.. If a component is not shown in a drawing then this provides support fora negative limitation in the claims slating that that component is ’’not" present However, the above statement is not limiting and in another embodiment., the missing component can be included in a claimed embodiment Reference in this specification to "one embodiment / “an embodiment." "a preferred embodimenf or any other phrase mentioning the word "embodiment” means that a particular feature, stroclute, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure and also means that any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection wuh one embodiment can be included in any embodiment or can be omitted or excluded from any embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment nor are separaic or alternative embodiments mutually exClusfe other embodiments. Moreover; various .features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and mn by others and my be omitted from any embodiment Fmfeermore, am particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein, may be optional. Similarly, various requirements are described which may' be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments. Where appropriate any of the features discussed herein in relation to one aspect or embodhaeni of die invention may be applied to another aspect or embodiment of die invemion. Similarly, where appropriate aw of the features discussed herein, in relation to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be optional with respect to and / o r omitted from that aspect or eirfeodiment of the invention or any other aspect or embodiment of the invention discussed or disclosed herein. The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings m the art, within the context of the disclosure,. and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that, are used to describe fee disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner 'regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted., for example wing italics and / or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

[0037] It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, allemanve language and synonyms may be used for any one w more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed, herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude die use of other synonyms. The use of examples ■any where in this specification including examples of any 'terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited io various embodiments given in this specification.

[0038] Wi thout intent, to further limi t the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results aceordirig to die embodiments, of the present disclosure are given below. Note that trite or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope-of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same menning as commonly understood by one of 'ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, lit the case of conflict the present document, including definitions, will control.

[0039] it will be appreciated that terms.such as ".front.'' "back," “top,” '''bottom,1' ’’side," "short" Tong? "up," "down," "all” "forward,” "inboard," "outboard” and “below" used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures, It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention (0040] Described herein and shown in FIGS. 1-7 is a pneumatic compression garment or assembly 10 that preferably includes one ar more of vibration. heahngfcooling and infrared in addition to pneumatic compressioi therapy. FIGS I -7 show the pneumatic compression assembly embodied in. a closeabte sleeve or boot that is configured to be used or wore on a user's leg. However it will be appreciated that this is not a limitation on the present in vention and the pneumabe -compression assembly W csn be any type of wearable garment wrap or sleeve that is worn around or against a user's body pari, or body parts. [OiHij FIG. I shows the pneumatic compression assembly 10 including a sleeve 12, a foot portion 14, a leg portion 16 and a system controller 18 with electrical cabling 20 for d«trical and data communicaiibn with the various portions, components or assemblies discussed herein. Hoses 22 for connection to a pneumatic pump and inflation of (he inflatable compartments are also shown. The sleeve 12 also includes a closure system, such as a zipper 24.

[0042] As shown in HGS. 2-5, m a prefened embodiment, the sleeve 23 includes an outer layer 2(5 and an inner 28 layer that defines a.sleeve inferior 30 configured- to receive a body-part of a user. A phaallty of inflatable compartments 32 are arranged longitudinally along (he sleeve 23 between the .inner layer 28 and the outer layer 26. The plurality of Inflatable compartments 32, together with any layers related thereto may be referred to herein as the pneumatic compression portion34. [u{)43] In u preferred embodiment, the pneumatic compression assembly I () includes first, second and third vibration assemblies 36, 38 and 4f). The first vibration assembly 36 is associated with the foot -portion 14, the second vibration assembly 38 is associated with the lower leg arid the third vibration assembly 40 .is associated with the upper leg / Each of the vibration assemblies include one or more vibration motors 42 or vibration devices associated there with [0044) Each of the first, second and third vibration assemW ies 36, 38 dad 40 ind odes first and second carrier layers 44 and 46 that are preferably made of fabric. In. a preferred, one of the first and second carrier layers 44 and 46 is a far infrared or FIR layer. In other words., the layer includes a for infrared fabric (or can include far infrared / infrared LEDs). In another embodiment, the carrier layer may not include FIR. In a preferred embodiment the other of the fi rst and second carrier layers. 44 and 46 includes me or more heating elements 48 thereon. Hie heating elements 48 are positioned or Sandwiched between the first and second carrier layers 44 and 46, and the first and second carrier layers 44 and 46 are secured to one another to form a carrier assembly 49. In s preferred embodiment, the heating elemems 48 are embfoidererl on ths first or second earner layer. However, lit® healing elements can be attached using other methods, such as adhering; gluing, etc. in a preferred embodirneol the motor seewemem members and / or inner layer are heat pressed to the carrier assembly and all of (he various layers are sewn to one another to create the sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, each of the first carrier layers 44 or healing panel (e.g., foot, calf and thigh) have the heating elements 48 embroidered thereon. The second carrier layer 46, which may be a Kymim FIR fabric is sewn onto the first carrier layer 44. covering the heating elements 48. Thermistors 57 io provide temperature sensing and control are then sewn sn on the FIR fabric side at preferably a minimum 5 mm separation from any heating element 44 (and are electrically connected to one oi more of the leg and system controller.

[6945] in a preferred embodiment each-of (he first, second and third vibration assemblies 36,38 and 46 includes a plurality of motor securement members 50 for securing vibration motors 42 to one or both of the first and second carrier layers 44 and 46, In a preferred embodiment the first carrier layer 44 includes a first carrier layer motor opening 52 defined therein and the second carrier layer 46 includes a second carrier layer motor Opening 54 defined therein. When the first and second carrier layers are-secured to one another (e.g„ sewn to one another), the first and second carrier layer motor openings are aligned or registered with one another. As shown in FIG 3, the .motor seeuremem member 50 include? first and second securing portions 56 and a motor portion 58 extending between ths first and second securing portions 56. The lot and second securing portions 56 are positioned on a first side of one of the carrier assembly 49 and- secured thereto. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the motor portion 58 of the motor securenuuu member 50 and al least a portion of the vibration motor 42 extend through the first and second"carrier layer motor openings 52 and 54, as is best shown in 'FIG. 1. Tire motor secutement members 50 (as well <as other layers, such as the inner and outer layers) can be made of nylon or other fabric. The vibration motors 42 can include double sided tape or other adhering member, glue, etc. thereon to connect os secure to fe motor portion 58 of the motor secure member 5(1 Stitching can also be used. [0046| As shown in FIG, 3, in a preferred embodiment, the motor portion 58 extends from otte ridd of die carrier assembly to the opposite side of the earner assembly, which defines a vibration motor pocket 61. In a preferred embodiment, die wires 59 or electrical contacts extend out of the vibration motor pocket 61 on the side of the carrier assembly 49 opposite fee first and second securing portions 56. (0047} Each of the second arid third vibration assemblies 38 and 40 includes apt mality of vibration motors 42 that are each secured to the earner assembly 49 and within the aligned first and second carrier layer motor openings by a pl oral Uy of motor securemeat members 50. hi a. preferred embodiment, the fori vibration assembly 36 includes a multiple motor securement member 60 that comprises a central portion 62 and includes four motor portions 58 and four seeming portions 56. With this arrangement, ail four vibration rwtois can be secured, within the first vibration assembly 36 using a single multiple .motor 5ecwiw.m member 60, Each of the earner assemblies 49 can also include one or more thermistors 57.

[0048] In. assembling the inner layer or leg facing layer with the carrier assembly,, motor sesuremont members, etc., ths nylon motor securenrem members am placed in. contact with the nylon inner or leg-facing layer, the thermistor and vibration motor electrical contacts or wires are accessible from the first currier layer side, the thermistors ate placed between the FIR fabric and foe nylon inner layer, and heat press the panels to the nylon layer. In an exemplary embodiment medium pressure is used for fifteen seconds at around 162X.

[0040] it will be appreciated that the vibration motors 42 can be grouped into sets that can be vibraled or controlled sepwteiy In a preferred embodiment four sets of vibration motors are included, one set for the foot (the first vibration assembly 36), one set for lire calf (fire second vibration assembly 38) and two (e.g., upper and lower) sets for foe thigh (the third vibration assembly 40). In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic compression assembly 10 includes the same number sets of vibr^ion motors as inflatable compartments 32 fe.g;, four sets of vibration motors and four inflatable compartraerits - one for the foot, one for the calf and two for the upper leg). Any number of sets are within foe scope of the present invention. As is shown hi FIG. 2, foe healing elements 48 are arranged with a plurality of bends, etc. to maximize coverage within the carrier assembly 49, vibration assembly or heating assembly. However, as is evident by the gaps between the heating elements in FIG. 2, gaps are provided so tbm there is no overlap of vibration motors with healing elements. [0050j fa a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic compression assembly 10 or sleeve 12 includes a reflective layer 64 (that may be a reflective foil) positioned between foe carrier assembly 49 when one of the first and second carder layers is a far infrared layer and the outer layer 26 of the sleeve. The reflective layer 64 reflects the infrared light or energy emitted from 'the infrared layer, fabric orlights and / or fee wds tody pari and also helps maintain the heat between the reflective layer and the user's body part. The reflective layer acts as a passive infrared layer that holds or reflects infrared energy and heat (or cold) within the interior defined by the reflective layer. It wit I be appreciated that the pneumatic compression assembly can include any or ail of vibration, heating and / or infixed .therapy. Accordingly, in another embodimem the vibration motors and associated motor securement members and motor openings can be omitted and the earner assembly or a single carrier lay er can mclude the heating elements) thereon (referred to as a heat assembly). In another embodiment, the carrier assembly ora single carrier layer can be an infrared layer. In this embodiment only the infrared lay er and possibly the reflective toil layer can be mduded. As shown in FIGS. 5, in a preferred embodinwt, an inflatable compartment 32 includes first and second layers 32a and 32b. FK15 also shows the outer layer 26 outside or .adjacent to the inflatable compartment 32 and a layer 65 that separates the inflatable compartment from the vibration assembly or carrier assembly. The pneumatic compression portion 34 may inel ude the outer layer 26 and lay er 65 (pr eferably made of nylon or the like)-with the inflatable compartments 32 sandwiched therebetween. As shown in FIG. 6, in a preferred embodiment the pneumatic compression assembly 10 includes the main unit or system controller 18 that is configured to operate left and right boots or left and right pneumatic compression assemblies or systems. Furthermore, each (left and right) boot includes- a separate controller or leg controller 120 in electrical and / or data comm ani call on with the system controller 16. In FIG. 6, the leg controller 120 is positioned'underneath a .flap 122-, Preferably, the flap 122 (o.r ether portion of the boot) also includes one or more tunnels or pockets extending therein through which the electrical cables- and wires and / or pneumatic hoses, etc. can extend as they are routed to the various inflatable chambers, vibration motors or sets, hearing elements and other components that are to be controlled, inflaledZdeflated or powered. In a preferred embodiment a single console, system or device can include both the system controller and the pneumatic pump for controlling and inflating both boots. Separate connections for the decincul / data connection and pneumatic connection can be included. In a preferred embodiment a single bundled connection member for each boot member that includes hoses to route air and cables for routing data and power is used (essentially combining cable 20 and hoses 22 into a single unit for each boot), to a preferred embodiment, data can. be communicated wirelessly, such as via Bluetooth. FIG. 7 ^icws an exemplary chart that includes foe system controller 18, left and right leg canted 120 arid various other components for com rolling the healing, vibration, etc.. in the boots / pneumatic compression assembl ies. Il will be appreciated that die system can includeprogramming for different vibration and heat / cold intensities or levels, different lengths of time, only heating, only vibration, etc. as well as control of the pneumatic compression.

[0054] -FIGS, fol 1 show another embodiment of apneumatic compression assembly 70 that includes one ar more temperature control modules 72 positioned within or on the sleeve 12. As shown in FIG. 8, in a preferred embodiment, one or more temperature control modules 72 are included or positioned in one or more of the inflatable compartments 32-.. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature Control module 72 includes: a housing 74, a fat? 76, a heat sink 78, a thermoelectric. cooler, pettier device or cmlrollable temperature element 80, a spreader plate or member 82 and a plurality of finger spreaders 84 that are pivulsbly attached to the spreader member 82. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 74 includes an upper portion 86 and a lower portion 88. In use, the lower surface 82a of the spreader member 82 and the inner or lower surface 84a of the finger spreaderfs) 84 are positioned to contact and transfer thermal energy (hat or cold) to the user's body pan. As discussed above and herein, the lower surface of the controllable tdmperatufe element 80 is configured to transfer thermal energy to the upper surface of the spreader member 82 and heat sink 78 is configured to pull heat from the upper surface of the controllable temperature element 80. The firn 78 helps dissipate heat from the heat sink 78 and other components. in use, the granary spreader member 82 is cooled Or heated by the controllable temperature element 80 and the heat or cold is conducted from the primary spreader 82 to the finger spreaders 84. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature control module 72 also includes a PCB 90 for electrical and data communication (with the system controller 18 or other ccmrofko } and'controlling the module. 0055] In a preferred embodiment, the spreader member 82 is configured to conduct thermal, energy to the linger spreaders 84. The spreader member 82 includes first and second Opposing edges 82b and 82-c and tad and fourth opposing edges 82d and 82e. In a preferred embodiment, finger spreaders 84 extend from and / or past a plurality of the outer edges of the spreaddr member. For example, as -shown in FI0S. >10, three ringer spreaders 84 extend from the first edge 82b and one finger spreader extends from foe third edge 82d. In another smbodimern. one or more finger spreaders can extend from all or three edges. '0056] Any type of pivotable connection between the finger spreaders and the spreader member is within the Scope of the present invention. In &preferred embodiment the finger spreaders 84 are hinged'ly attached to the spreader member 82. To provide the hinged connection, foe spreader member'82 includes one or more knuckle portions 92 and the finger spreaders 84 include a pin portion 94 that is received in the knuckle portion 92. The contact portion 96 of the finger spreader :84 extends outside of knuckle portitot 92 and the pin portion 94 is rotatable within the knuckle portion 92, FIG. 8 shows the finger spreader 84 in a first position in solid lines and a second position in dashed lines. In a preferred embodiment in at feast the second position, a distal end 84b of the finger spreaderfs) 84 is positioned below she lower surface 82a of the spreader member 82.

[0957] In a preferred embodimem, the knuckle portion 92 includes upper and lower stop members 98 and 100 that include a pivot space 102 therebetween. 'Hie finger spreaders 84 are pivotable within the pivot space 102 aid between the upper and lower stop members 98 and 100, The upper and lower stop members 98 and 100 define the upper mid Iww limits of the pivot angle of the finger spreaders. FIG. 8 shows the finger spreader 84 in the first position in solid lines and with the upper surface against the upper stop member 98 ami in the second position in dashed lines with die lower surface against the lower stop member 100,

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 8 and. 10, in a preferred embodiment, the temperature control module 72 includes a pad member 104 that at least partially covers the spreader member 82 and allows the contact portion 106 of the spreader member to extend there around or below (see FIG. 8). The pad member 104 can be included to improve comfort, For example, it: can be made of a soft material, such as TPE rubbei or other rubber and. overmolded onto the plastic lower portion of the housing.

[0059] It wifi be appreciated that in pneumatic compression assemblies for different portions of the body, different numbers of fingei spreaders can be used in different places or extending from different sides of the main spreader member 82 in bitter to accommodate different portions, parts or shapes of the human anatomy For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the temperature control module 72 include three finger spreaders 84 extending outwardly therefrom in one direction and one finger spreader 84 extending in a second direction. The separate finger spreaders 84 provide flexibility to adapt to different sized user's body parts and geometries. When the sleeve portion 12 is wrapped around the user’s leg and ihe inflatable compartments are inflated, the inner layer 28 or other layer contacts the upper surface of the finger spreader 84 and pivots the finger spreader 84 into contact with the user’s skin,

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8. in a preferred embodiment one or more layers (e.g„ the inner layer or a layer associated with the inflatable compartment are sandwiched between the upper portion 86 and the lower portion 88 of ihe teasing 74. Preferably, the lower portion 88 includes a plurality of spike .members 106 that engage the layetfs) sandwiched therebetween and help hold the temperature control module 72 in. place. As shown in FIG. 10, the lower portion 88 also includes rails 108 that contain the ends of the PCB 90. The lower portion. 88 also includes knuckle portion recesses I10 in which the knuckle portions 92 of the spreader member 82 is; reserved. Preferably^ registration. members 112 extern! upwardly from Ihe upper surface of the spreader member 82 and are-received in registration openings 114 defined in the lower portion 88 of the housing 74. It will be appreciated that in FIGS. 9 and 10. the upper portion 86 of the housing covers the fan and heat sink. In another embodiment as shown, in 'FIG. 8, the housing can be truncated and the fan can be omitted. In this embodiment, the -air moving through the inflatable compartm&mfs) 32 as a result of the pump (sasses over-the-heat sink 78 apd cools the temperature control module 72. In mother embodiment, the heat sink can also be omitted with the air in the sleeve cooling the temperature control element 80. In a preferred embodiment, vibration motors 42 can also be incl uded in fee sleeve 12 raid positioned adjacent the user's akin, as shown in FIG. 8

[6061] FIG. 11 show s an embodiment of the pneumatic compression-assembly 70 with a plurality of temperature control modules 72 therein and with arrows showing the direction of the air pumping through theone or more inflatable compartments and cooling the temperatoe control modules. See die air compressor or pump 116 and die hoses .118 connected thereto for moving air into and out of die sleeve 12. |t)062} Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the descnptw and, the claims, the words "comprise," ”comprising," and the .like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to savyin the sense of "including, but not limited to.." As used herein, the terms ’’connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements: the coupling of corraection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof Additionally, the words "herein? ’’above," ’’below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description -of the Preferred Bnbodiutetits using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or" in reference to a list of two ox more items, covers all of the .following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items m the list.

[0063] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive ox to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above tor illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges. [()064} Although the operations of any xmthodfs) disclosed or described herein either explicitly otetaplicitly are shown and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operations mat’ be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, mstructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be implemented in an intermittent and / or alternating manner. [OOPS] Ths teachings of the disclosure provided herein cm be' applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements or dimensions described of used herein are merely exemplary and not a. li mitation on the present invention Other measurements or dimensions are within the scope of the invention. [0tM>6] Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may fee listed in accompanying filing papers, msdncotporafed herein by reference in their entirely. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified. if necessary, to employ the systems, ftmetions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide y et further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0067] These and other changes can be mad© to the disclosure m light of lire above Betuiled Description of th® Preferred Embodiments. While fee above description describes certain embodiments of fee disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appeals in text, the teachings cm be practiced in many ways. Details of fee system may v ary considerably in its implementation details, whits still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed hereiit As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure wife which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in 'fee: foil owing claims should hot be construed to Irjnil the disci osures io the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detai led Description, of the Preferred .Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms, Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments,, bat also all equivalent ways .of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims. [OOPS] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, foe inventors contemplate the various-aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forrhs. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-pi us-fomfon claim under 35 U.S.C. §112^¾ other aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-fyactfon claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. §112, will include the words ’’means for”). Accordingly, Ihe appficant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure,

[0069] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein arc descripti ve rather dmi limiting. and that many Changes, modifications, cud substitutions may be made by one having ofoinmy skill in the art without departing fem. the spin t and scope of the invention. The invention may be defined in accordance with the following numbered aspects. 1. A pneumatic compression assembly comprising: a sleeve that includes an outer layer and an inner layer that defines a sleeve interior configured to receive a body part of a user, a plurality of inflatable compartments arranged longitudinally along the sleeve between the inner layer and the outer layer, and at least a first vibration assembly configured to provide vibration to the body part of the user, wherein the first vibration assembly includes a plurality of vibration motors positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve. 2. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 1 wherein the first vibration assembly includes a first carrier layer and a first motor securement member, wherein the first motor securement member secures at least a first of the plurality of vibration motors to the first earner layer. 3. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 2 wherein the first carrier layer includes a first carrier layer motor opening defined therein, wherein the first motor securement member includes upper and lower securing portions and a motor portion extending between the upper and lower securing portions, wherein the upper and lower securing portions are positioned on a first side of the carrier layer, and wherein at least a portion of the motor portion of the first securement member and at least a portion of the vibration motor extend through the first carrier layer motor opening. 4. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 3 wherein the first earner layer includes a heating element thereon. 5. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 4 further comprising a second carrier layer positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve. 6. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 5 wherein the second carrier layer is secured to the first carrier layer and sandwiches the heating element therebetween. 7. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 6 wherein the second carrier layer includes a second carrier layer motor opening defined therein, wherein the upper and lower securing portions are positioned on a first side of the second carrier layer, and wherein at least a portion of the vibration portion of the first securement member and at least a portion of the vibration motor extend through the first and second vibration openings. 8. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 7 wherein at least one of the first and second carrier layers is a far infrared layer. 9. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 8 further comprising a reflective foil layer positioned between the far infrared layer and the outer layer of the sleeve. 10. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 1 wherein at least a first heating assembly configured to provide heat to the body part of the user, wherein the first heating assembly is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve. 11. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 1 further comprising a far infrared layer positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer and a reflective foil layer positioned between the far infrared layer and the outer layer of the sleeve. 12. A pneumatic compression assembly comprising: a sleeve that includes an outer lay er and an inner layer that defines a sleeve interior configured to receive a body part of a user, a plurality of inflatable compartments arranged longitudinally along the sleeve between the inner layer and the outer layer, and at least a first vibration assembly configured to provide vibration to the body part of the user positioned between at least one of the plurality of inflatable compartments and the inner layer, wherein the first vibration assembly includes a first carrier layer that includes a first earner layer motor opening defined therein, a second carrier layer that includes a second carrier layer motor opening defined therein, a vibration motor and a motor securement member, wherein the first and second carrier layers are secured to one another to form a carrier assembly, wherein the motor securement member includes upper and lower securing portions and a motor portion extending between the upper and lower securing portions, wherein the upper and lower securing portions are positioned on a first side of the carrier assembly, and wherein at least a portion of the motor portion and at least a portion of the vibration motor extend into the first and second carrier layer motor openings, wherein the first carrier layer includes a heating element thereon. 13. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 12 wherein at least one of the first and second earner layers is a far infrared layer. 14. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 13 further comprising a reflective foil layer positioned between the first vibration assembly and the outer layer of the sleeve. 15. A pneumatic compression assembly comprising. a sleeve that includes an outer layer and an inner layer that defines a sleeve interior configured to receive a body part of a user, a plurality of inflatable compartments arranged longitudinally along the sleeve between the inner layer and the outer layer, and a temperature control module coupled within the sleeve, wherein the temperature control module includes a housing, a controllable temperature element, and a spreader member, wherein a lower surface of the spreader member is positioned to contact the user's body part, and wherein the controllable temperature element is configured to transfer thermal energy to an upper surface of the spreader member. 16. The pneumatic compression assembly of aspect 15 wherein the temperature control module includes a heat sink that is positioned within a first of the plurality of inflatable compartments, whereby air moving through the first inflatable compartment pulls heat from the heat sink.

Claims

25Claims1. A pneumatic compression assembly, comprising:a sleeve that includes an outer layer and an inner layer that define a sleeve interior configured to receive a body part of a user;a plurality of inflatable compartments arranged longitudinally along the sleeve between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein each of the plurality of inflatable compartments is configured to inflate to provide compression to the body part of the user;a vibration assembly configured to provide vibration to the body part of the user, wherein the vibration assembly includes a plurality of vibration motors positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve;a system controller configured to control each of the plurality of inflatable compartments to provide compression and the vibration assembly to provide vibration;a flap on the sleeve defining a tunnel; andhoses extending through the tunnel to route air from a pump to each of the plurality of inflatable compartments.

2. The pneumatic compression assembly of claim 1, wherein the vibration assembly further includes a first carrier layer and a first motor securement member, and wherein the first motor securement member secures at least a first of the plurality of vibration motors to the first carrier layer.

3. The pneumatic compression assembly of claim 2, wherein the first carrier layer includes a first carrier layer motor opening defined therein, wherein the first motor securement member includes first and second securing portions and a motor portion extending between the first and the second securing portions, wherein the first and the second securing portions are positioned on a first side of the first carrier layer, and wherein at least a portion of the motor portion of the first motor securement member and at least a portion of the first of the plurality of vibration motors extend through the first carrier layer motor opening.28 02 254. The pneumatic compression assembly of claim 3, wherein the first carrier layer further includes a heating element thereon.

5. The pneumatic compression assembly of claim 4, wherein the vibration assembly further comprises a second carrier layer positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve.

6. The pneumatic compression assembly of claim 5, wherein the second carrier layer is secured to the first carrier layer and sandwiches the heating element therebetween.

7. The pneumatic compression assembly of claim 6, wherein the second carrier layer includes a second carrier layer motor opening defined therein, wherein the first and the second securing portions are positioned on a first side of the second carrier layer, and wherein at least a portion of the motor portion of the first motor securement member and at least a portion of the first of the plurality of vibration motors extend through the first and the second carrier layer motor openings.

8. The pneumatic compression assembly of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first and the second carrier layers comprises an infrared layer.

9. The pneumatic compression assembly of claim 8, wherein the infrared layer comprises one or more infrared light-emitting diodes.

10. The pneumatic compression assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a heating assembly configured to provide heat to the body part of the user, wherein the heating assembly is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve.

11. The pneumatic compression assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of thermistors arranged between the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve.

12. The pneumatic compression assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the hoses are bundled into a single unit.28 02 2513. The pneumatic compression assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a leg controller coupled to the flap and in electric connection with the system controller.

14. A pneumatic compression assembly, comprising:a sleeve that includes an outer layer and an inner layer that defines a sleeve interior configured to receive a body part of a user;a plurality of inflatable compartments arranged longitudinally along the sleeve between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein each of the plurality of inflatable compartments is configured to inflate to provide compression to the body part of the user;a vibration assembly configured to provide vibration to the body part of the user positioned between at least one of the plurality of inflatable compartments and the inner layer, wherein the vibration assembly includes a first carrier layer that includes a first carrier layer motor opening defined therein, a second carrier layer that includes a second carrier layer motor opening defined therein, a vibration motor, and a motor securement member, wherein the first and the second carrier layers are secured to one another to form a carrier assembly, wherein the motor securement member includes first and second securing portions and a motor portion extending between the first and the second securing portions, wherein the first and the second securing portions are positioned on a first side of the carrier assembly, wherein at least a portion of the motor portion and at least a portion of the vibration motor extend into the first and the second carrier layer motor openings, and wherein the first carrier layer includes a heating element thereon;a system controller configured to control each of the plurality of inflatable compartments to provide compression and the vibration assembly to provide vibration;a flap on the sleeve defining a tunnel; andhoses extending through the tunnel to route air from a pump to each of the plurality of inflatable compartments.

15. The pneumatic compression assembly of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first and the second carrier layers comprises an infrared layer.

16. A pneumatic compression assembly, comprising:28 02 25a sleeve that includes an outer layer and an inner layer that defines a sleeve interior configured to receive a body part of a user;a plurality of inflatable compartments arranged longitudinally along the sleeve between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein each of the plurality of inflatable compartments is configured to inflate to provide compression to the body part of the user;a temperature control module coupled within the sleeve, wherein the temperature control module includes a housing, a controllable temperature element, and a spreader member, wherein a lower surface of the spreader member is positioned to contact the body part of the user, and wherein the controllable temperature element is configured to transfer thermal energy to an upper surface of the spreader member;a system controller configured to control each of the plurality of inflatable compartments to provide compression;a flap on the sleeve defining a tunnel; andhoses extending through the tunnel to route air from a pump to each of the plurality of inflatable compartments.

17. The pneumatic compression assembly of claim 16, wherein the temperature control module includes a heat sink that is positioned within a first of the plurality of inflatable compartments, whereby air moving through the first of the plurality of inflatable compartments pulls heat from the heat sink.

18. The pneumatic compression assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each of theplurality of inflatable compartments is configured to inflate sequentially to provide compression to the body part of the user, and the system controller is configured to control each of the plurality of inflatable compartments sequentially to provide compression.Application No: GB2418585.2 Examiner: Dr Matthew ParkerClaims searched: 1-18Date of search: 7 March 2025Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance Y 1-4,10-14 US 2018 / 0228689 Al (LACH et al.), see Figures 2-9 Y 1-4,10-14 US 2012 / 0023785 Al (BARNES et al ), see Figure 2 Y 1-4,10-14 US 2011 / 0233185 Al (AUGUSTINE et al ), see Figures 2A-2B Y 1-4,10-14 US 7044924 Bl (ROTH et al.), see tunnel 220 Y 1-4,10-14 US 2020 / 0237607 Al (RAMANAN et al.), see tunnel 16300 Y 1-4,10-14 WO2019 / 018246 Al (WHALEN), see tunnel 116 Y 1-4,10-14 US 2017 / 0280682 Al (RUETENIK), see flap 525Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if p Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:34International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From A61F 0005 / 01 01 / 01 / 2006 A61F 0005 / 058 01 / 01 / 2006 A61H 0009 / 00 01 / 01 / 2006

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