THERAPEUTIC DEVICE FOR EXTREMETIES

Abstract

A therapeutic device is provided for where the therapeutic device made up of a unitary elongated piece having a distal end and a proximate end, where the distal end is the unitary elongated piece that is in a configuration to provide an elevated landing for lower or upper extremities, and is equipped with a material connected to the elongated piece and extending to a desired length and culminating at the proximate end, where this material implements a supporting means for the upper or lower extremities of a user, provided that these extremities are not resting on the elongated piece.

Claims

1. A therapeutic device for supporting an entire body of a user, the therapeutic device comprising: no more than one unitary elongated piece upon which the user can place an upper or lower extremity to reduce symptoms of at least one of edema, an upper respiratory disorder, and a sleep apnea in the user, wherein the elongated piece is situated at a distal end of the therapeutic device and has a height that is adapted to allow the upper or lower extremity of the user to be between 8″ to 12″ above a heart line of the user; and a substantially flat, cushioning material upon which the user can place the body of the user which is not resting on the elongated piece, wherein the cushioning material is 5 inches thick, wherein a height of the elongated piece is greater than 1½ feet, wherein the elongated piece situated at the distal end of the therapeutic device is connected to the cushioning material that extends to a proximal end of the therapeutic device, and wherein the elongated piece is rolled upon the cushioning material to reduce a length of the cushioning material for storage of the therapeutic device.

2. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein therapeutic device is configured to be placed on a bed, a couch, or a floor.

3. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic device is stationary when in use as a result of the body of the user being placed on the cushioning material and the elongated piece.

4. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the elongated piece is capable of having lower or upper extremities with edema rest on it.

5. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the cushioning material is selected from the group consisting of: silk, wool, satin, leather, velvet, denim, and chino.

6. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein a material of the elongated piece is selected from the group consisting of: latex foam, nylon foam, Styrofoam, and fabric padding.

7. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the elongated piece is removably connected to the cushioning material.

8. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the elongated piece is permanently connected to the cushioning material.

9. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the elongated piece is configured to have a tear-drop profile shape or a circular shape.

10. The therapeutic device of claim 1, further comprising: a cover configured to envelope the elongated piece and/or the cushioning material.

11. The therapeutic device of claim 10, wherein the cover is removably attached to the elongated piece and/or the cushioning material.

12. The therapeutic device of claim 12, wherein the cover is permanently attached to the elongated piece and/or the cushioning material.

13. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the height of the elongated piece is 2 feet.

14. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the elongated piece is up to 10 feet across.

15. A therapeutic device for supporting an entire body of a user, the therapeutic device comprising: a unitary elongated piece upon which the user can place an upper or lower extremity to reduce symptoms of at least one of edema, an upper respiratory disorder, and a sleep apnea in the user, wherein the elongated piece is situated at a distal end of the therapeutic device and has a height that is adapted to allow the upper or lower extremity of the user to be between 8″ to 12″ above a heart line of the user; and a substantially flat, cushioning material upon which the user can place the body of the user which is not resting on the elongated piece, wherein the cushioning material is 5 inches thick, wherein the cushioning material comprises silk, wool, satin, leather, velvet, denim, and/or chino, wherein a height of the elongated piece is greater than 1½ feet, wherein the elongated piece situated at the distal end of the therapeutic device is connected to the cushioning material that extends to a proximal end of the therapeutic device, wherein the elongated piece is configured to have a tear-drop profile shape, wherein a material of the elongated piece comprises latex foam, nylon foam, Styrofoam, or fabric padding, wherein the elongated piece is removably connected to the cushioning material, and wherein the elongated piece is rolled upon the cushioning material to reduce a length of the cushioning material for storage of the therapeutic device, and a cover configured to envelope the elongated piece and/or the cushioning material, wherein the cover is removably attached to the elongated piece and/or the cushioning material.

16. The therapeutic device of claim 15, wherein the elongated piece is capable of having lower or upper extremities with the edema rest on it.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a front elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a rear elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a left side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows a right side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 shows a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, while rolled up.

[0036] FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, while rolled up in a cover.

[0037] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 10 shows a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 11 shows a rear elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 12 shows a left side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 13 shows a right side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 14 shows a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 15 shows a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, while rolled up.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

[0047] While this disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the spirit thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed.

[0048] Leg swelling or edema is a common problem that occurs when fluid builds up in the tissues. Most frequently, edema is a result of harmless conditions, but occasionally it is caused by a more serious underlying health problem, such as congestive heart failure, chronic venous disease, kidney disease, or cirrhosis. Common types of edema include: peripheral edema (occurring in the legs or arms), pedal edema (occurring in the feet and lower legs), lymphedema (caused by blockage in or damage to the lymphatic system), pulmonary edema (a serious condition that occurs when fluid collects in the sacs of ones lungs), cerebral edema (a serious condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the brain), and macular edema (occurring when fluids builds up in ones eye). Ultimately, edema occurs when tiny blood vessels in your body (capillaries) leak fluid. The fluid builds up in surrounding tissues, leading to swelling.

[0049] Elevating the swollen limb above the heart level can help relieve this type of swelling, as it helps the extra fluid move back towards the heart for circulation to the rest of the body, reduces swelling, and lowers pressure on ones veins. See, Natalie S. Evans, et al., “The swollen leg,” Vascular Medicine, 2016, 21(6), Pages 562-564, DOI: 10.1177/1358863X16672576; John W. Ely, et al., “Approach to leg edema of unclear etiology,” J. Am. Board Fam. Med., March-April 2006, 19(2), Pages 148-160, DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.19.2.148; James G. O'Brien, et al., “Treatment of edema,” American Family Physician, 2005, 71(11), Pages 2111-2117; Julie Stalbow, “Preventing cellulitis in older people with persistent lower limb oedema,” Br. J. Nurs., 2004, 13(12), Pages 725-732, DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2004.13.12.13262; and Emma J. Topham, et al., “Chronic lower limb oedema,” Clin. Med. (Lond.), 2002, 2(1), pages 28-31, DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.2-1-28, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Thus, the instant invention allows the user to elevate a swollen limb above the heart level of the user to reduce edema.

[0050] In some embodiments, the present invention is used for purely recreational use, while in other embodiments it is suitable for preventing sleep apnea and assists in alleviating symptoms of other upper respiratory disorders, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis/bronchiectasis, pneumonia, etc.. For example, researchers have shown that head of bed elevation (HOBE) reduces obstructive sleep apnea severity. See, R. D. McEvoy, et al., “The effects of posture on obstructive sleep apnea,” Am Rev Respir Dis., 1986, 133, Pages 662-666; A. M. Neill, et al., “Effects of sleep posture on upper airway stability in patients with obstructive sleep apnea,” Am J Respir Crit Care Med., 1997, 155, Pages 199-204, DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm.155.1.9001312; and F. F. Souza, et al., “The influence of bedhead elevation on patients with obstructive sleep apnea [abstract] Am J Respir Crit Care Med., 2011, 183, Pages A2732-A2732, DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a2732, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Specifically, HOBE decreases upper airway collapsibility and increases the upper airway area, as compared to supine position. See, S. E. Martin, et al., “The effect of posture on airway caliber with the sleep-apnea/hypopnea syndrome,” Am J Respir Crit Care Med., 1995, 152, Pages 721-724, DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm.152.2.7633733, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0051] Researchers have also shown that HOBE is a commonly used therapeutic intervention in patients with pneumonia, as HOBE has also been shown to improve oxygenation and hemodynamic performance. See, Amy J. Spooner, et al., “Head-of-Bed Elevation Improves End-Expiratory Lung Volumes in Mechanically Ventilated Subjects: A Prospective Observational Study,” Respiratory Care, 2014, 59 (10) 1583-1589; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.02733, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. As described herein, haemodynamics or hemodynamics are the dynamics of blood flow. The circulatory system is controlled by homeostatic mechanisms of autoregulation. The haemodynamic response continuously monitors and adjusts to conditions in the body and its environment. Haemodynamics explains the physical laws that govern the flow of blood in the blood vessels.

[0052] Thus, the instant invention allows for elevation of a body part of a user to reduce edema, alleviate or prevent sleep apnea, and/or alleviate upper respiratory disorders.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, therapeutic device 100 is comprised of unitary elongated piece 101, having configuration 102, and material 103 connected to elongated piece 101. Here configuration 102 is in the shape of a circle. While therapeutic device 100 can be operated in a number of different ways, it is preferably operated by placing therapeutic device 100 on a stationary object, such as a bed, a couch, or a floor. Any stationary object will do, provided that the object is sized such that a user can achieve their desired position.

[0054] Once therapeutic device 100 has been placed on a stationary object, a user will then place an extremity affected by edema or leg swelling onto elongated piece 101. Elongated piece 101 will preferably be constructed out of foam, but any material that can support the weight of the user's extremity while substantially maintaining its shape is suitable for use in the present invention. Some non-limiting examples of suitable include memory foam, latex foam, nylon foam, Styrofoam, fabric padding, and other similar materials. This elongated piece 101 is connected to material 103.

[0055] Preferably, elongated piece 101 has a height of 12″-16″, although it can be sized to correspond to a given user's proportions. More preferably, elongated piece 101 will have a height that allows a user's extremity to be 8″-12″ above the user's heart line while in use.

[0056] The inclusion of material 103 serves two purposes. One purpose is to provide a cushioning means for a user as material 103 is preferably underneath a user when therapeutic device 100 is in use. The amount of cushioning will depend on what material 103 is constructed out of, and how thick material 103 is manufactured. Material 103 may be constructed out of nylon, cotton, lycra, silk, wool, polyester, sating, leather, velvet, denim, chino, and the like.

[0057] Material 103 can be as thin as a single piece of fabric, but can be as thick as 5 inches, depending on user preference, provided that when in use, a user's extremity is of sufficient height above the heartline.

[0058] The other purpose of material 103 is to allow therapeutic device to remain stationary while in use. Much of the prior art has no means of ensuring that the device stays stationary, or if the device does have some fixing means, they are overly cumbersome or meant solely for industrial use. In stark contrast, material 103 offer a simple, robust solution to this problem that is visually pleasing and provides for a means for the device to remain stationary in both residential and industrial settings. Material 103 operates by being connected permanently to unitary elongated piece 101 or by being removably connected to the unitary elongated piece 101 through the removable attachment 104. When a user places their extremity onto unitary elongated piece 101, they should position themselves that all or a portion of their body rests on material 103. The weight of the user will prevent therapeutic device 100 from shifting, allowing a user to more easily maintain the therapeutic position.

[0059] FIGS. 2-7 show various views of the embodiment of therapeutic device 100 shown in FIG. 1. These views show that embodiment from a number of different angles, all while therapeutic device 100 is in the elongated position.

[0060] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, while rolled up. This is the position that therapeutic device 100 will take while being transported and/or stored. The ability to roll-up such that therapeutic device 100 takes up considerably less space is a highly beneficial aspect of the present invention. This ability will have applications in any location where space is limited, such as small apartments, local medical practices, or large medical practices where a multitude of devices must be stored when not in use. Further, this ability makes transporting the device (say from a hospital back to a user's residence) significantly easier.

[0061] FIGS. 9-16 show various views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The primary difference between this embodiment and the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 is the shape of configuration 102. While in the previously-reference embodiment, configuration 102 is circular in shape, here configuration 102 is in a tear-drop shape. This has the additional benefit of providing a less steep slope, and providing support throughout the entire elevation structure. That is, while a user resting an extremity on a circular unitary elongated piece, there will be some part of their extremity that is elevated but not supported; this teardrop shape prevents this phenomenon due to the slope that leads to the apex of the curve of the tear drop. Like the previously mentioned embodiments, this embodiment also has the capability of being rolled up such that it may be transported/stored more easily. It should be appreciated that the configuration 102 may comprise another shape that has not been explicitly listed, such as: an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a diamond shape, a half circle shape, a pie slice shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, or a quadrilateral shape, among other shapes not explicitly listed herein.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a cover 104 that can envelop unitary elongated piece 101, material 103, or some combination thereof. This cover 104 can be disposed with a design, a pattern, a logo, an insignia, and can be made out of any fabric suitable for sustained contact with human skin. This cover 104 has the benefit of allowing multiple users to use the device subsequently, without cleaning. This is beneficial in hospital settings, where preventing the spread of communicable diseases is paramount. Further, these covers 104 may make the present invention more aesthetically pleasing, and may make it more suitable for use with children or the mentally infirm. In some embodiments, the cover 104 is removable, while in other embodiments the cover 104 is permanently incorporated into the present invention.

[0063] In other preferred embodiments, the length of unitary elongated piece 101 can change dramatically. It can be as thin as 6 inches across, but can be as wide as 10 feet across. The 6 inch variant is suitable for use with a single appendage, while the 10 foot variant can be used with multiple users simultaneously. Further, unitary elongated piece 101 can have a variety of heights, based on the degree of elevation required by most users. This height can range from 6 inches up to 2 feet.

[0064] In other embodiments, the present invention may comprise a cover 104 with a removable inner cushion. This has the benefit of being more hygienic, and allows for a user to have a number of different designs present on the cover 104 of the present invention, and to easily switch out these designs as desired. Preferably these covers 104 are washable. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is constructed out of vinyl. This is essential for commercial and institutional use, as well as when multiple users intent to use the device. Being constructed out of vinyl allows the present invention to be easily wiped down between users.

[0065] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.