Customizable Compression Device with Rigid 3D Elements for Targeted Limb Therapy

Abstract

A therapy device designed to bring targeted comfort and relief to individuals experiencing discomfort in their limbs or trunk. The Customized Compression Localized Therapy device achieves this by delivering elevated, localized compression with precision. Utilizing a series of strategically placed, non-deformable, rigid 3D-shaped elements, the device enables elevated pressure on affected area. This innovative approach allows users to experience enhanced support and relief, tailored to their specific needs, while maintaining stability and effectiveness. By combining personalized design with advanced compression techniques, this device redefines localized therapy.

Description

PRIOR ART

All existing band-based compression devices only provide uniform radial compression on a limb. Previous inventions, such as those described in patents U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,879B1, US2004/0249329A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,222B2, have limitations; they provide either uniform radial compression or longitudinal compression variance, but lack the capability for customized radial compression at targeted points (EP3103424A1, US20110087145A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,879B1, US204/0249329A1, US2005/0209545A1, US 2007/0179421 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 7,867,185 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,222 B2. Additionally, most prior art utilizes deformable materials (US 2023/0277388 A1, US2006/0052735A) such as elastics, foams, pads and air pockets, which do not allow the localized, highly elevated compression without blood circulation problems, that this invention provides.

This invention addresses these limitations by offering a device that uses rigid, non-deformable 3D elements placed strategically around the limb or trunk, providing localized pressure without compromising blood circulation or causing discomfort. This novel design is referred to as the CCL (Customized Compression Localized) Therapy Device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compression therapy is a widely used technique for treating lymphatic and venous diseases, along with addressing injuries such as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow. Traditional devices use inflatable chambers, air bubbles, and elastic or inelastic stockings and wraps to achieve varying levels of pressure. Health professionals recommend different compression levels and gradients to suit each patient's condition. These devices may also support healthy individuals by alleviating discomfort during extended travel or providing relief for tense limbs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The CCL (Customized Compression Localized) Therapy Device provides a method for delivering targeted, customizable compression at specific radial locations around the circumference of a limb or trunk. Unlike conventional devices, this invention includes rigid, non-deformable 3D elements that can be placed in designated pockets within a band, sleeve, or garment to apply focused compression. By allowing for adjustable positioning and pressure levels, the device can address medical conditions that require more precisely focused compression, thereby enhancing comfort and effectiveness.

The CCL Therapy Device allows for the insertion of various 3D shapes (polyhedral, non-polyhedral and their composites), such as discs, cylinders, cones, prisms, square pyramids, spheres, cuboids, etc. to achieve desired pressure points. The device can accommodate shapes with gradients, such as wedge-shaped elements, to provide graduated compression along a specific dimension. The design may also include a pressure level indicator to show the applied stress, and an option for digital data communication to monitor s levels and duration.

The device's band fabric can be made from materials such as knit, woven, non-woven, or braided textiles. Compression can be adjusted using mechanical tightening (straps, tensioning screws, Velcro), pneumatic means, or other methods. These features make the CCL Therapy Device versatile for various therapeutic and athletic applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows representation of uniform radial compression on a limb.

FIG. 2 shows representation of non-uniform localized elevated, radial compression on a limb.

FIG. 3A shows band placement on the arm (limb).

FIG. 3B shows band on the arm (limb) covering medial antebrachial (A) and lateral antebrachial (B) areas.

FIG. 4 shows side-view illustration of a semi-sphere attached to a band

FIG. 5 shows a wedge-shaped 3D element used to achieve graduated compression.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a band or sleeve that encircles a limb or trunk and provides radial pressure. Pockets or attachment points within the band allow the insertion of 3D elements facing toward the limb, delivering focused, rigid compression to specific spots. These elements themselves do not deform/compress under pressure, ensuring that force is applied directly to the intended location.

The band fabric may be stretchable or non-stretchable and constructed from various materials suitable for durable and comfortable wear. Compression adjustment is facilitated through mechanical, pneumatic, or other tightening methods. Additionally, an integrated pressure indicator may show stress levels visually or digitally, and the device can communicate data to an external device for real-time monitoring.

Key Components:

• • 1. Band: Knit, woven, non-woven, braided or composite strap.
  • 2. Compression Adjustment Mechanism: Straps, tensioning screws, Velcro, or pneumatic elements.
  • 3. 3D Compression Elements: Non-deformable, rigid shapes such as discs, cylinders, cones, or wedges, inserted into pockets to provide localized pressure.
  • 4. Pressure Indicator: Visual or digital markers to indicate stress levels.
  • 5. Data Output Feature: Option for digital monitoring of pressure levels and duration.

FIG. 1 shows an example (cartoon) of a cross-section of a limb e.g., forearm. Most limbs have a natural curvature and not necessarily a perfect circular cross-section. Even though a device would be designed to provide uniform compression (indicated by equal length and width of the arrows) around such cross-section, the variation in curvature of a limb would still lead some variation in radial compression around the cross-section of a limb. However, after a band is applied at a given tension level, compressive pressure is going to be treated equal around the circumference of a limb.

The cartoon in FIG. 2 is an example of where a non-uniform, radially inward compression (indicated by the length, width and relocatable location of the arrows) can be provided around the cross-section of limb, as proposed by this invention by insertion of a rigid 3D object between the band and limb.

To demonstrate this concept of elevating the compression at a specific part of a limb; a 3″ wide elastic arm band (FIG. 3A) was used for the purpose of generating experimental data. The band was tightened to a point where elevated compression could be felt on the antebrachial area of the arm. Now a portable flexible pressure sensor (RP-C-MK01X from Amazon.com) was used to measure the gram force between the band and the arm at medial antebrachial (A) and lateral antebrachial (B) areas with and without 3D shape insert (FIG. 3B). First compressive force measurement was made at position B (Lateral antebrachial) with the elastic band tightened on the arm without any 3D form to demonstrate the base level compressive force without the 3D form inserted inside the band. Then, three different 3D forms were used in this experiment one by one. In all these three experiments, the 3D shaped wooden form was placed at position B on the arm within the elastic band and pressure sensor was placed between the arm and the 3D form. FIG. 4 shows side-view illustration of a semi-sphere attached to a band before placement on the arm.

TABLE 1
Compressive forces achieved without and with different 3D shaped elements
Compressive Force		Compressive Force (g)	Compressive Force (g)
(g) without 3D Insert		at A (Medial	at B (Lateral
at B (Lateral	3D shape	antebrachial) with 3D	antebrachial) with 3D
antebrachial)	used	Insert at B	Insert at B
67	Semi-sphere	32	327
66	Cube	49	252
67	Cylinder	48	200

This data set demonstrates that at an equivalent level of stretch on an arm band, one can significantly increase the compressive force on a specific part of a limb without creating an overall increase in compressive force around a limb, thus preventing situations where blood circulation would be negatively impacted by a highly tight compression band alone. A basic engineering principle of stress (force/area) is the fundamental concept being used here by changing the contact area between the elastic band and limb to change the level of compression on a specific part of a limb.

By the same token, shapes with a gradient along a specific dimension can also be used for graduated compression. For example, a wedge-shaped element (FIG. 5) with wider side (X) decreasing in width towards the other side (Y) would enable increase of graduated compression because pressure is force/area; as the area reduces, the same amount of force being applied on the face side would result in higher compression as area reduces along a desired dimension. This wedge shape 3D form was placed at position B on the arm within the elastic band and pressure sensor was placed between the arm and the 3D form. Force measurements were taken towards side X, middle as well as side Y of the wedge.

TABLE 2
Compressive forces achieved with the wedge-shaped 3D element
Position of     Compressive Force (g)
pressure sensor at B (Lateral
under wedge     antebrachial) with 3D
form            Insert at B
Side X          106
Middle          180
Side Y          188

This data demonstrates how graduated compression can be achieved with the 3D shaped insert forms combined with the elastic band on a limb.

Claims

1. A customizable compression device for delivering targeted, elevated compression to a limb or trunk, comprising:

a. A tubular band made from a textile structure;

b. Multiple pockets positioned circumferentially around the band for insertion of non-deformable 3D elements;

c. Rigid 3D elements of various shapes (disc, cylinder, cone, wedge, etc.) insertable into the pockets to provide localized pressure; and

d. An adjustable tightening mechanism for band to vary compression levels.

2. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the 3D elements are non-deformable under pressure to maintain localized compression at designated points.

3. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the adjustable tightening mechanism comprises straps, Velcro, tensioning screws, or pneumatic means to apply customizable radial compression.

4. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the band includes a pressure level indicator to display stress levels, selected from visual markers, physical markers, or digital meters.

5. The compression device of claim 4, further comprising a digital communication feature to transmit data on stress level, duration of compression, or other relevant parameters to an external device.

6. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the 3D elements have gradient shapes, such as wedges, to provide a gradual increase in compression along a specific dimension of the limb.

7. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the band fabric is selected from materials such as knit, woven, non-woven, or braided textiles, and is configured to maintain durability and comfort during use.

8. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the 3D elements are positioned to provide compression to specific anatomical areas identified for therapeutic purposes.

9. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the 3D elements are detachable and replaceable, allowing customization based on user requirements for different compression intensities and locations.

10. The compression device of claim 1, wherein the device can be used for therapeutic applications, including but not limited to, lymphatic treatment, venous disease management, sports injury recovery, and general wellness.