Abstract:
Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a brace having an inflation control. The control directs fluid flow from an inflation component to one or more inflatable cells of the brace. The inflatable cells are independently inflated and deflated by the inflation component through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inflation component and one of the inflatable cells by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired inflatable cells. Each inflatable cell is independently inflated and deflated in various orientations of the control.
Abstract:
A blood flow stimulating device comprising: a boot (101) including a sole (111) and an upper; a sock (11) disposed within the boot (101): and a bladder (19) disposed within or on the sock (11), wherein the bladder (19) is configured to undergo repeated inflation and deflation so as to stimulate blood flow in a wearer of the blood flow stimulating device, wherein the sock (11) further includes a toe region (1002), a heel region (1001) and a raised portion (1003) between the toe region (1002) and the heel region that (1001), in use, reduces the distance between the sock (11) and a foot of a wearer of the blood flow stimulating device at the raised portion of the sock.
Abstract:
An appendage pressurization device includes an appendage strap and one or more artificial muscles disposed in the appendage strap and communicatively coupled to a controller. Each artificial muscle includes a housing comprising an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing, the electrode pair comprising a first electrode fixed to a first surface of the housing and a second electrode fixed to a second surface of the housing, wherein the electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region, expanding the expandable fluid region. The appendage pressurization device also includes a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to output a current pressure value to the controller and actuation of the electrode pair is based on the current pressure value.
Abstract:
An adjustable support for a pneumatic orthosis is provided. The adjustable support includes an inflatable member and a pod that acts diffuse, concentrate, localize or otherwise direct a force applied to a wearer's body via the inflatable member. Contemplated adjustable supports can be adjustably coupled to any suitable brace panel such that the apex of the inflatable member is movable relative to a midpoint of the panel of the brace as desired.
Abstract:
An orthopedic system includes a base shell forming an opening over a dorsal aspect thereof and a dorsal shell contoured to generally correspond to the opening of the base shell. The base shell has a proximal member and a distal member connected to the proximal member, each has a semi-rigid shell configuration to protect and support a lower leg, an ankle, or a foot of a user when received in the orthopedic system. A flexible toe portion is attached to a distal terminal end area of the distal member and formed of a different material than the distal member. The flexible toe portion is arranged to terminate above an upper surface of the user's toes and to flex relative to the distal member and the toes so as to reduce the likelihood of pressure points on the toes from the distal member.
Abstract:
A leg support that attaches to a user's leg and extends below the user's foot, where stepping on the portion below the user's foot causes the portion around the user's upper leg to tighten. This allows the leg support and the user's leg to bear the user's weight with the user's foot remaining untouched. When the user takes his or her weight off of the leg support, the portion around the user's upper leg loosens for the user's comfort. The leg support insures that there is zero pressure on the bottom of the user's foot and all of the user's weight and vertical shear pressure is converted into horizontal compression pressure around the user's leg.
Abstract:
A compression device for the foot comprising: a wrap adapted to surround the foot, the wrap comprising at least two bladders which when inflated conform to the shape of the foot to provide compression, the bladders being positioned on the wrap so that a first bladder focuses compression on the heel of the foot and a second bladder focuses compression on the arch of the foot; a channel attached to each bladder for independently delivering fluid to each bladder; and a controller attached to the channels that generates and independently controls the flow of fluid to the bladders.
Abstract:
An erection-facilitating sleeve for counteracting the effects of erectile dysfunction. The erection-facilitating sleeve includes two open ends at each distal end spaced apart by a plurality of inflatable, semi-rigid passages that extend in a braided, or crisscross, configuration from the base to the top of the sleeve. The sleeve is inserted onto the penis and is made of a resilient material that wraps tightly around the sex organ of a user. The semi-rigid passages are of a predetermined material and thickness so that a user's sex organ maintains at least partially erect even while suffering from erectile dysfunction. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention can be used as an elbow, knee, or wrist immobilization sleeve.
Abstract:
A back brace includes an inner frame member having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a plurality of recesses formed in the interior surface, and a clamshell shape configured to wrap around a portion of a torso of a user. Each of a plurality of inserts is positioned in one of the recesses. An inflatable bladder is positioned on the exterior surface of the inner frame member, and an exterior shell member is wrapped about the bladder and the inner frame member.
Abstract:
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a wearable compression therapy system for ambulatory therapy, the system including a wearable garment having one or more inflatable chambers, and a pneumatic engine locally coupled to the garment to provide control and inflation of the one or more inflatable chambers. In an illustrative embodiment, the pneumatic engine may control a pump and one or more valves to inflate the inflatable chambers. The valves and pump may be coordinated according to a pre-programmed profile. In some embodiments, the pneumatic engine may have a wireless interface configured to receive control signals from a remote mobile device untethered from the garment. The pneumatic engine may send to the remote mobile device signals indicative of sensed conditions of the compression therapy system. In some embodiments, the pneumatic engine may include a power source that advantageously permits the user to be untethered from a source of power.