Device for fitting or removing an electrostimulation electrode or transdermal patch

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for autonomously fitting and removing an electrostimulation electrode or a transdermal patch, in particular in the user's back. The device mainly consists of an electrode- or patch-holding cover (1) and a bonding support (2), both articulated on a ball joint (3) and (4) with an ergonomic handle (5), the shape of the handle allowing the user to be able to bond, in their own back in particular, an electrostimulation electrode or a transdermal patch, by waiting until the very last moment to make contact between the adhesive and their back. This makes it easier to move close to and locate the target area for the bonding. The ergonomics of the handle allow operation with the hands in front of the body or to the side, without twisting. The other end of the handle is equipped with tools (6) for detaching the electrode, recovering the electrode and recovering the connecting cable with the same ergonomics.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Device for applying or removing an electrostimulation electrode or transdermal patch. Technical field

[0001] Applying an electrode or transdermal patch to certain areas of the body, particularly the back, is often not easy, or even impossible, due to lack of flexibility of the user, or physiological or pathological limitation, without external assistance.

[0002] Electrode or transdermal patch users do not always benefit from this external support.

[0003] Electrostimulation electrodes or transdermal patches, especially those intended for pain relief, must be applied to specific areas of the body, often the back, depending on the muscle to be treated or the location of the pain.

[0004] Proprioceptive abilities do not always allow direct access to the desired area without prior contact with the body, even to the point of targeting a painful area, for example.

[0005] However, this prior contact with the electrode or adhesive patch is not desired because of the adhesive nature of the latter, which prevents them from sliding on the skin to the target area.

[0006] These electrodes or adhesive patches can therefore be prematurely stuck in an undesired position.

[0007] The present invention has features which make it possible to overcome these difficulties and / or impossibilities by implementing several combined technical solutions. Summary of the invention

[0008] To this end, the present invention proposes a device for the placement or removal of electrodes or adhesive transdermal patches characterized in that it includes an electrode support cover clipped onto a support attached to one end of a handle which has a general shape which allows pressure to be applied by means of the device, in particular on the back of the user, with the adhesive face of the patch or electrode, keeping the hands in front or on the side of the body without the help of a third person.

[0009] Thanks to its technical and geometric characteristics, the device according to the invention allows its user to put in place, but also to remove, these electrodes or patches in any area of ​​their body without outside help.

[0010] In particular, initially, the device according to the invention allows its user to independently stick an adhesive electrostimulation electrode or an adhesive transdermal patch to any area of ​​their epidermis, particularly on the back, without external assistance.

[0011] The present invention allows, in a second step, the removal of an adhesive electrostimulation electrode or an adhesive transdermal patch from any area of ​​the epidermis where it has been stuck, in particular the back, without external assistance.

[0012] Advantageously, the cover is configured to serve as a support for the electrode or patch while keeping its adhesive side recessed.

[0013] Preferably, the cover is configured to allow the adhesive part of the electrode to come into contact with the bonding area when it is released from its clip, upon the intentional application of sufficient force by the user.

[0014] Once the cover is placed in the required position, the user exerts moderate force on the handle, causing the cover to press against their body.

[0015] Since this support force is greater than the holding force of the clip, the released cover will slide along the support, allowing the latter to bring the electrode into contact with the body.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the cover is provided with a groove for retaining the electrode or patch by its periphery.

[0017] According to a variant of this embodiment, the cover is provided with notches facilitating the passage of the user's fingers around its periphery to correctly place the electrode or patch at the back of the throat.

[0018] According to another variant, which can be implemented cumulatively with the previous one, the electrode retaining groove of which the cover is provided has a peripheral chamfer.

[0019] Such a chamfer facilitates the removal of the protective film from the adhesive of the electrode or patch placed in the cover, before gluing, or of the electrode or patch themselves, once glued.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, which can be implemented cumulatively with the previous ones, the support includes a removable element allowing, once removed, the use of electrodes with rear connectors.

[0021] Such a removable element makes it possible to free up space to accommodate a connector placed on the back of the electrode.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, a device as described above is provided with a flexible neoprene coating a few millimeters thick to cover the face of the support intended to be placed in contact with the patch or electrode.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support bracket and therefore the cover, are linked to the handle by means of a ball joint.

[0024] Since the cover is clipped onto the support bracket which has a ball joint connection with the handle, it can slide while remaining flat on the user's back.

[0025] The assembly of the support bracket with the ball joint can be carried out according to one of the following methods: - simple interlocking; - strong clipping; - screwing one onto the other.

[0026] According to a variant of the invention, a device as described above is equipped at a second end of the handle with a tool for retrieving the patch, the electrode, or a cable connected thereto.

[0027] Such a variant allows the electrical cable connecting the electrode to be recovered after the electrode has been glued, for the purpose of connecting it to the electrostimulation device, without external assistance.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment of this variant of the invention, the recovery tool comprises a disc-shaped spatula.

[0029] Such a spatula ensures a detachment function along several possible angles of attack of the electrode or patch.

[0030] According to another particular embodiment of this variant, which can be implemented cumulatively with the previous one, the electrode detachment tool is provided with a recovery slot.

[0031] Thanks to this method of embodiment, the detached electrode or patch can get stuck in the slot, thus allowing its retrieval after removal.

[0032] According to yet another particular embodiment of this variant, which can be implemented cumulatively with the previous ones, the retrieval tool includes lugs for retrieving at least one electrical cable.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the handle is advantageously provided with means for adjusting its length, for example by being made up of at least two tubular parts of different diameter ensuring a sliding interlocking capacity.

[0034] The handle can be formed from several sections with changes of direction close to 90°, in the form of small radius bends, but it can just as well be made with large radius bends, or even be provided with lockable joints instead of bends between sections, thus allowing it to be folded, or even be bent along its entire length, to adopt a totally curved shape.

[0035] It should be noted that geometric modifications to the definition of the various elements can be made to adapt the device to different shapes of patches or electrodes without calling into question the functionality of the device.

[0036] Furthermore, the constituent elements of the device according to the invention may be manufactured in various materials such as, for example, flexible or rigid plastics, metals, various composites, wood.

[0037] List of drawings

[0038] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the attached drawings:

[0039] [Fig.l] [Fig.2] [Fig.3] [Fig.4] [Fig.5] [Fig.6] [Fig.7] [Fig.8] [Fig.9] [Fig.10] [Fig.ll] [Fig.12] [Fig.13] [Fig.14] [Fig.15] [Fig.16] Description of the implementation methods

[0040] The device notably consists of an electrode holder cover or patch bearing the reference 1 of [Fig.l].

[0041] This cover (1) is clipped in a nominal position (not retracted) onto the support element bearing the number 2 on this same [Fig.l].

[0042] The clipping phenomenon is achieved by bulges (B) distributed on an inner wall of the cover (1), finding their imprint in hollow on the element (2), as shown in [Fig.9], and made possible by the sufficient elasticity of the element 1.

[0043] However, other clipping principles are possible.

[0044] A transdermal patch or an electrostimulation electrode (8) as illustrated in several figures and in particular [Fig.2] is positioned in the cover (1), adhesive side equipped with its protective film facing outwards.

[0045] A groove (A) visible in [Fig.9] allows the electrode to be accommodated, which is held there by its periphery, at the bottom of the groove.

[0046] When positioned in this way, the electrode or patch, and in particular their adhesive faces, are set back from the cover, which therefore protects them from any untimely contact.

[0047] Semi-circular notches in the cover (1) allow the electrode or patch to be easily positioned in the throat with the fingertips.

[0048] A deeper notch allows the electrode cable to pass outside the cover.

[0049] An element (7), constituting the support bracket (2) visible on [Fig.7], is removable and visible disassembled on [Fig.8] in order to provide the required clearance in the case of use of an electrode with connector on the rear.

[0050] Once the electrode or patch is properly positioned, the user can remove the protective film from the adhesive, ensuring that the electrode remains securely in place within its groove. The user can use the notches in the cover for this purpose.

[0051] The user can then grasp the handle (5) of the device to bring the electrode holder cover (1) (8) into contact with his back, for example, as illustrated by the views shown in [Fig.14].

[0052] Once the cover (1) is in contact with its back (9), because it allows the adhesive to be kept away from the skin, as illustrated in [Fig.3], the user will be able to move the device in contact with his back, by sliding or successive trial and error, without the adhesive being in contact with the skin.

[0053] This contact with the back will allow him to more easily find the area needed to attach the electrode.

[0054] The cover (1) being clipped onto the support bracket (2) which has a ball joint connection with the handle (5), it will be able to slide while remaining flat on the user's back.

[0055] The handle (5) has a shape that allows for several usage schemes. Over the shoulder, or from the side, over or under the arm.

[0056] Once the required position is reached by the cover (1), the user exerts moderate force on the handle, causing the cover to press against the back.

[0057] Since this support force is greater than the holding force of the clip (B), the released cover will slide along the support (2), allowing the latter to bring the electrode into contact with the back ([Fig.4]), by releasing it from its groove (A).

[0058] The groove (A) is chamfered to facilitate the removal of the electrode from the cover.

[0059] The electrode (8) (or the patch) is thus stuck in the correct position. [Fig.5].

[0060] The user can thus move the device away and remove it. [Fig.5].

[0061] However, before discarding it, the user can use the lugs (D) located at the other end of the handle, on a retrieval tool (6), to retrieve any connection cables to the electrostimulation device. As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.

[0062] Finally, the recovery tool (6) is equipped with a disc (C) allowing various angles of attack to detach the electrode, with ergonomics similar to the previous operations, at the end of use.

[0063] The electrode retrieval tool (6) may be provided with a slot (E) shown in the single [Fig.15], and whose function is to capture and hold the electrode once it has been detached from the user's back, on the tool (6).

[0064] The shapes of elements 1 and 2 in particular, here adapted for the example to square electrodes of 50mm by 50mm on each side, can be revised to adapt to electrodes of circular, rectangular or other shapes.

[0065] This adaptation does not entail any modifications to the other elements of the system.

[0066] The components of the device can be manufactured using various processes and in various materials.

[0067] Elements 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 can be made of plastic, metal, or wood. Other materials are also possible.

[0068] Element 1 could, in particular, be made of a flexible material, such as rubber.

[0069] Element 2 can have its face in contact with the electrode or patch, provided with a thickness of soft neoprene of a few millimeters, facilitating the placement of the electrode in the cover, in particular in the throat, and also ensuring a softer contact of the electrode with the user's body.

[0070] Elements 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 can be obtained by molding, injection, machining, or additive manufacturing.

[0071] Elements 2 and 3 can be assembled in various ways, either by interlocking or by screwing.

[0072] In the context of a screw-on assembly, element 2 would be provided with a male thread, compatible with a female thread carried by element 3.

[0073] In the context of an interlocking assembly of elements 2 and 3, a clipping system like the one used between elements 1 and 2 can be used.

[0074] This detachable feature being of such a nature as to be able to mount on the same handle (5) elements 1 and 2 of different definitions adapted to the different shapes of electrodes or patches.

[0075] Element 5, called handle, implemented in the figures in the form of a bent metal tube, can be made of a rigid material, metal, composite, or even wood.

[0076] This handle (5) has a shape which allows to transmit a force rather perpendicular to the surface of the back, by exerting the source force, on the part of the handle located at the front of the body.

[0077] This feature allows for easy action without contortion of the user who can keep their hands in front or at the side of their body.

[0078] This shape of sleeve, represented in [Fig.1], with changes of direction close to 90°, in the form of bends with small radii, can just as well be made with bends with large radii, or be bent along its entire length, to adopt a totally curved shape, or, as shown in [Fig.16], be provided with joints (F) in place of bends between straight sections, in order to be foldable.

[0079] The handle (5) may be provided with parts of different diameters, fitting into each other, offering a possibility of adjusting the handle length in order to adapt to any morphology.

[0080] The bored sphere (4) participating in the ball joint receives the handle (5) by fitting, as seen in [Fig.3].

Claims

Demands

1. Device for the application or removal of electrodes or adhesive transdermal patches characterized in that it includes an electrode support cover (1) clipped onto a support support (2) linked to one end of a handle (5) which has a general shape which allows pressure to be applied by means of the device, in particular on the back of the user, with the adhesive face of the patch or electrode, keeping the hands in front or on the side of the body without the help of a third person.

2. Device for placing or removing electrodes or patches according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (1) is configured to serve as a support for the electrode or patch by keeping its adhesive face in retreat.

3. Device for applying or removing electrodes or patches according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover (1) is configured to allow the adhesive part of the electrode to come into contact with the bonding area when it is released from its clip, upon the intentional application of sufficient force by the user.

4. Device for placing or removing electrodes or patches according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cover (1) is provided with a groove for retaining the electrode or patch by its periphery.

5. Device for placing or removing electrodes or patches according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover (1) is provided with notches facilitating the passage of the user's fingers around its periphery to correctly place the electrode or patch at the bottom of the throat.

6. Device for installing or removing electrodes or patches according to claim 5, characterized in that the electrode retention groove of which the cover is provided has a peripheral chamfer.

7. Device for applying or removing electrodes or patches according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support (2) is provided with a removable element (7) allowing, once removed, the use of electrodes with rear connectors.

8. Device for applying or removing electrodes or patches according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with a flexible neoprene coating a few millimeters thick for covering the face of the support (2) intended to be placed in contact with the patch or electrode.

9. Device for placing or removing electrodes or patches according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the support bracket (2) and therefore the cover (1), are linked to the handle (5) by means of a ball joint (3, 4).

10. Device for placing or removing electrodes or patches according to claim 9, characterized in that the assembly of the support bracket (2) with the ball joint (3) is carried out according to one of the following modalities: - simple interlocking; - strong clipping; - screwing one onto the other.

11. Device for applying or removing electrodes or patches according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device is equipped at a second end of the handle (5) with a tool for retrieving (6) the patch, the electrode, or a cable connected thereto.

12. Device for placing or removing electrodes or patches according to claim 11, characterized in that the retrieval tool (6) comprises a disc-shaped spatula.

13. Device for placing or removing electrodes or patches according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the retrieval tool (6) is provided with a retrieval slot (E).

14. Device for placing or removing electrodes or patches according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the retrieval tool (6) has lugs (D) for retrieving at least one electrical cable.

15. Device for applying or removing electrodes or patches according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (5) is provided with length adjustment means.

16. Device for applying or removing electrodes or patches according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (5) is made in one of the following ways: - in several sections with changes of direction close to 90°, in the form of bends with small radii; - in several sections with changes of direction ensured by lockable joints; - with large radius bends; - of a single arc, curved along its entire length, to adopt a totally curved shape.

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