MEASUREMENT DEVICE, COMPRESSION DEVICE AND METHODS RELATED THERETO

Abstract

Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) for measuring a tension and/or a displacement of a compression material (37, 54, 79) of a compression device (42, 63) or a force and/or a displacement associated with the compression device (42, 63) applied to a patient, characterized in that the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) comprises at least one first and at least one second magnetic element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83), wherein the first and the second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) are relatively displaceable such that the tension and/or force is measurable depending on a relative displacement of the first and second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) based on a tension and/or force overcoming a magnetic interaction force between the first and second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83).

Claims

1. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) for measuring a tension and/or a displacement of a compression material (37, 54, 79) of a compression device (42, 63) or a force and/or a displacement associated with the compression device (42, 63) applied to a patient, characterized in that the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) comprises at least one first and at least one second magnetic element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83), wherein the first and the second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) are relatively displaceable such that the tension and/or force is measurable depending on a relative displacement of the first and second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) based on a tension and/or force overcoming a magnetic interaction force between the first and second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83).

2. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and/or second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) are magnetizable or permanently magnetic.

3. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim characterized in that the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78), in particular the first and/or second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83), is attachable by fastening means (15) to the compression device (42, 63).

4. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fastening means (15) comprise a hook-and-loop fastener and/or magnetic fastener.

5. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 1, characterized in that the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) comprises audible and/or visual and/or electronic and/or sensory indication means indicating the displacement of the at least one first and at least one second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83).

6. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 5, characterized in that the indication means are connected directly or indirectly to the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) and/or the compression device (42, 63).

7. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 5, characterized in that the visual indication means comprises a scale (88) indicating a range of displacement of the at least one first and/or at least one second magnetic element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83).

8. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 1, characterized in that the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) comprises at least one constraining element to limit the relative displacement of the at least one first and at least one second magnetic element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83).

9. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one constraining element is a spacer to limit the relative displacement of the first and second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) to one another.

10. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one constraining element is a limiter to restrict the relative displacement of the at least one first and at least one second magnetic element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) away from each other.

11. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one constraining element is a guiding element to limit the relative displacement of the at least one first and at least one second magnetic element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) to at least one specific orientation.

12. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 1, characterized in that the measurement device configuration allows relative displacement of the at least one first and at least one second magnetic element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) by continuous, intermittent direct, and/or intermittent indirect contact.

13. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and/or second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83), the indication means, the fastening means (15), and/or the at least one constraining element are part of and/or protected by and/or affixed to and/or contained in or on a supporting element (7, 8, 27, 28, 84).

14. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises multiple first and/or second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83), constraining elements, fastening means (15), indication means and/or supporting elements (7, 8, 27, 28, 84), such that a desired magnetic interaction force strength and/or displacement is selectable.

15. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 14, characterized in that the multiple elements comprise different properties, in particular material composition, geometry, and/or dimension.

16. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 14, characterized in that the multiple first and/or second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) are arranged in series to each other or being optionally combinable with each other such that the pairs of magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) successively indicate the respective defined forces and/or displacements with change of strength of the force applied.

17. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 14, characterized in that the multiple elements of the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) are being releasably combinable with each other to provide a modular measurement device.

18. Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 1, characterized in that the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 25) comprises indicia (9, 57, 69, 70, 71), in particular relating to the compression device (42, 63), such that the respective measurement device (4, 17, 24, 25) or measurement device configuration is selectable.

19. Compression device (42, 63), comprising at least one compression material (37, 54, 79) and at least one measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 1, in particular to adjust the compression device according to a predetermined compression profile of the compression device (42, 63).

20. Compression device (42, 63) according to claim 19, characterized in that the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78), in particular at least one of the magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83), is at least partly integrated into the compression device (42, 63), or vice versa.

21. Compression device (42, 63) according to claim 19, comprising at least one body portion and at least one band (44, 65, 66, 67, 68) for adjusting the compression of the compression device (42, 63), characterized in that the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) is at least partly integrated into or applied to the at least one body portion and/or the at least one band (44, 65, 66, 67, 68).

22. Compression device (42, 63) according to claim 19, characterized in that multiple measurement devices (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) are associated with different locations of the compression device (42, 63), wherein at least two of them have different measurement configurations, in particular chosen according to a predetermined compression profile of the compression device (42, 63).

23. Compression device (42, 63) according to claim 19, characterized in that it is or comprises a compression wrap and/or a compression sleeve and/or a compression bandage and/or a compression band and/or a compression garment and/or a compression stocking.

24. Method for measuring tension and/or displacement of a compression material (37, 54, 79) of a compression device (42, 63) or force and/or displacement associated with the compression device (42, 63) applied to a patient, characterized in that a measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) comprises at least one first and at least one second magnetic element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83), wherein the first and the second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) are relatively displaced by an applied force, and tension and/or displacement and/or force is measured depending on a relative displacement of the magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) based on the tension and/or force overcoming a magnetic interaction force between the first and second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83).

25. Method for designing a measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) or a compression garment (42, 63) with at least one measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 1 comprising: providing at least one compression material (27, 54, 79) wrapable at least partially around a body part to provide compression to the body part, determining a tension and/or compression value and/or compression profile for the compression material (37, 54, 79), selecting at least one first and at least one second magnetic element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) according to a predetermined correlation between magnetic interaction forces and tension or compression values, assembling the at least two magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) with the compression material (37, 54, 79) to a measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) or to a compression garment (42, 63) comprising the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78).

26. Method for designing a compression garment (45, 52, 78) with at least one measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) according to claim 25, characterized in that the step of selecting the at least two magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) comprises: considering the circumference of the body portion covered by the compression material (37, 54, 79) and selecting the at least two magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) according to a predetermined correlation between magnetic interaction forces, circumference of the body part and tension or compression values.

Description

[0110] Further advantages and details of the current invention become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which

[0111] FIG. 1 illustrates the magnetic interaction between two magnetic elements,

[0112] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the magnetic interaction force dependence on the distance between the magnetic elements,

[0113] FIG. 3 is a top view of a first embodiment of a tension measurement device according to the invention,

[0114] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a first component of the tension measurement device of FIG. 3,

[0115] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a second component of the tension measurement device according to FIG. 4,

[0116] FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a tension measurement device according to the invention with no applied tension force,

[0117] FIG. 7 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 6,

[0118] FIG. 8 shows the second embodiment in a state where a first tension force is applied,

[0119] FIG. 9 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 8

[0120] FIG. 10 shows the second embodiment in a state where a second tension force is applied,

[0121] FIG. 11 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 10

[0122] FIG. 12 shows the second embodiment in a state where a third tension force is applied,

[0123] FIG. 13 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 12

[0124] FIG. 14 shows components of a third embodiment of a tension measuring device according to the invention,

[0125] FIG. 15 shows cross-sectional side views of the components of FIG. 10,

[0126] FIG. 16 shows the third embodiment in a base position with no applied tension force,

[0127] FIG. 17 shows the third embodiment in a cross-sectional side view when a defined tension force is applied,

[0128] FIG. 18 illustrates a possible integration of magnetic elements into a stitched or woven fabric,

[0129] FIG. 19 shows a first embodiment of a compression device according to the invention,

[0130] FIG. 20 shows components of an embodiment of a self-adjusting attachment device,

[0131] FIG. 21 shows the components of FIG. 16 in a side view,

[0132] FIG. 22 shows a first state of the self-adjusting attachment device,

[0133] FIG. 23 shows a second state of the self-adjusting attachment device,

[0134] FIG. 24 shows a fourth embodiment of a tension measurement device according to the invention,

[0135] FIG. 25 is a side view of the fourth embodiment in a base position with no applied tension force,

[0136] FIG. 26 is a side view of the fourth embodiment in a second position with applied tension force,

[0137] FIG. 27 shows a second embodiment of a compression device according to the invention,

[0138] FIG. 28 illustrates a selection guide element of the second embodiment,

[0139] FIG. 29 shows a compression material prepared for a force and/or elongation measurement,

[0140] FIG. 30 shows the application of a fifth embodiment of a measurement device according to the invention to the compression material of FIG. 29,

[0141] FIG. 31 is a top view onto the fifth embodiment in a first state,

[0142] FIG. 32 is a top view onto the fifth embodiment in a second state,

[0143] FIG. 33 is a top view onto the fifth embodiment in a third state,

[0144] FIG. 34 illustrates a modification of the fifth embodiment in a first state,

[0145] FIG. 35 shows the modified the fifth embodiment in a second state, and

[0146] FIG. 36 shows a scale used in the modified fifth embodiment.

[0147] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first magnetic element 1 and a second magnetic element 2, in this case both permanent magnets (an alternative would be temporally magnetizable magnetic elements, in particular by using an electric current). The magnetic elements 1, 2 are spaced by a distance D and experience, as known in the art, an attractive interaction force indicated by arrows 3 if their polarities are opposite. The magnetic interaction force which has to be overcome to separate the magnetic elements 1 and 2 decreases as the paired magnetic elements 1 and 2 become further apart, as shown in the graph of FIG. 2. The closer the magnetic elements 1, 2 are returned together, the more likely they are to reconnect, that is, directly contact. To separate two directly contacting magnetic elements 1, 2, a force FO needs to be exerted.

[0148] The magnetic interaction force described by arrows 3 is influenced by certain properties of the magnetic elements 1, 2 which may be called magnetic design properties (MDP). The strength of the magnetic interaction force is further influenced by the relative displacement of the first and second magnetic element 1, 2. For example, if the contact area between the first and second magnetic elements 1, 2 is reduced by 50% by changing the height of one of the first and second magnetic elements 1, 2 by 50%, the resulting magnetic interaction force to separate the magnetic elements 1, 2 is thus reduced by approximately 50%. This example shows how changes in dimensions of the magnetic elements 1, 2 can be used to change the connective strength. However, similar effects can also be achieved by changing other magnetic design properties, in particular additionally, such as material composition, material quantities, mass, size, dimension, geometry, axis of polarity, contact area and the like. The relative placement of the first and second magnetic elements 1, 2 also influences the magnetic interaction force as illustrated by FIG. 2. If a lower magnetic interaction force is desired, for example, spacers such as separators or dividers or other constraining elements may be used to provide indirectly contacting first and second magnetic elements 1, 2.

[0149] When donning a compression device, for example a compression garment, the user exerts a tension force acting on the textile compression material of the compression device to stretch it and uses a closure system to keep the textile compression material in this stretched state such that it applies compression according to the tension force to the limb. In the following embodiments, tension measurement devices are proposed in which this user-initiated tension force acts against magnetic interaction forces of a pair of first and second magnetic elements 1, 2, wherein the magnetic elements 1, 2 are positioned such that they can be displaced relatively to each other when a tension force is exerted. The resulting displacement is used to indicate the tension force (and thus in particular an associated compression level).

[0150] FIG. 3-5 illustrate a first embodiment of a tension measurement device 4 according to the invention. As can be seen, the tension measurement device 4 comprises two components 5, 6 each having a supporting element 7, 8 on which magnetic elements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 2 are affixed. Only one magnetic element 2, acting as a second magnetic element, is provided on supporting element 7, while four magnetic elements 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d are provided on supporting element 8. Depending on which magnetic element 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d is chosen as first magnetic element 1 to pair with the second magnetic element 2, different magnetic interaction forces arise since the magnetic elements 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d differ in their length, providing different contact areas. In this embodiment, if the magnetic element 2 has a length of 100%, the magnetic element 1c has 75%, the magnetic element 1b has 50% and the magnetic element 1a has 25%. The supporting element 8 comprises indicia 9 associated with each of the magnetic elements 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d, in this case indicating a compression range associated with a defined tension force needed to overcome the directly contacting respective first magnetic element 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d from the second magnetic element 2.

[0151] As can further be seen from FIG. 3, the component 6 has male connectors 10 each comprising one of the magnetic elements 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d. In the connectors 10 of the magnetic elements 1a, 1b and 1c, non-magnetic material 11 has been added so that the total length of the connectors 10 correspond to the total length of the magnetic elements 1d (100%).

[0152] The reason is that the corresponding female connector 12 of the component 5 comprises the opening and magnetic element 2 of the same length (100%). As an indication means, an indication portion 13 having an indication 14, in this case a checkmark, thereon. The non-magnetic material 11 of the male connectors 10 ensures that the whole indication portion 13 is covered when the connectors 10, 12 mate, i.e. the selected first magnetic element 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d directly connects with the second magnetic element 2.

[0153] If, for example, the magnetic element 1b has been chosen to pair with magnetic element 2, as indicated in FIG. 3, a tension force corresponding to the compression level of 30-40 mmHG leads to separation of the first and second magnetic elements 1b, 2, exposing the checkmark and providing additional visual indication that the defined tension force needed for separation has been exerted.

[0154] The component 6 may be rotated to select any of the magnetic elements 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d as first magnetic element 1 to pair with magnetic element 2.

[0155] For compression measurement on a compression device, the chosen magnetic element 1a, 1b, 1c or 1d is directly contacted with magnetic element 2 by mating the corresponding connector 10 with the connector 12. The pair of the chosen first magnetic element 1a, 1b, 1b or 1d and the second magnetic element 2 is then in a base position. The tension measurement device 4 is then attached to the textile compression material of the compression device, wherein the textile compression material of the compression device is in an unstretched state. For example, the tension measurement device 4 may be attached to a body portion of a compression garment or, preferably, onto a band of the compression device which is made of the textile compression material. To facilitate attachment of the tension measurement device 4 to the textile compression material, as can be seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the supporting elements 7, 8 comprise fastening means 15 on their attachment sides, in this case hook material 16 to engage with the textile compression material directly or with a corresponding loop material on the textile compression material. Thus, the fastening means 15 may be hook-end-loop fasteners. As can be seen from FIG. 5, specifically, an area where the first magnetic element 1a, 1b, 1c or 1d contacts the second magnetic element 2 is kept free of hook material 16 to allow the textile compression material below the contact area to expand/stretch so that displacement of the first and second magnetic elements 1a, 1b, 1c, or 1d, and 2, in this case separation, is enabled. In other words, the fastening means 15 are not continuous along the length of the tension measurement device 4 such that a portion of the textile compression material is free to elongate to allow the magnetic materials to separate. While, in the case of a highly elastic textile compression material, the distance between the hook materials 16 may be small, in a very low stretch textile compression material further separation of the hook material 16 may be necessary.

[0156] It is noted that supporting elements 7 or 8 having multiple magnetic elements 1, 2 are not the only way to provide an adjustable tension measurement device 4. It is also possible to provide multiple components 5 and/or 6 having magnetic elements 1, 2 of different magnetic design properties, each with like male or female connectors 10, 12. Of course, both approaches may also be combined.

[0157] FIG. 6-13 illustrate a second embodiment of a tension measurement device 17 according to the invention. On a flexible base material 22 acting as a supporting element, four magnetic elements 18, 19, 20, 21 are arranged. In their base position shown in FIG. 6, these magnetic elements 18, 19, 20 and 21 all pairwise contact directly. As in all concrete embodiments described here, the magnetic elements 18, 19, 20 and 21 are permanent magnets. The size of the magnetic elements 18, 19, 20, 21 increases along a length of the tension measurement device 17, wherein, corresponding to the first embodiment, if the magnetic element 21 has a length of 100%, the magnetic element 20 has a length of 75%, the magnetic element 19 has a length of 50% and the magnetic element 18 has a length of 25%.

[0158] All pairs of directly adjacent magnetic elements, that is, pairs 18, 19; 19, 20; 20, 21 act as pairs of first and second magnetic elements 1, 2. In the first pair, the magnetic element 18 acts as first magnetic element 1 and the magnetic element 19 acts as second magnetic element 2, in the second pair, the magnetic element 19 acts as first magnetic element 1 and the magnetic element 20 acts as second magnetic element 2, and in the third pair, the magnetic element 20 acts as first magnetic element 1 and the magnetic element 21 as second magnetic element 2. As can be seen from the side view of FIG. 7, the respective pairs of magnetic elements 18, 19, 20, 21 are each coupled by a folded-up portion of the base material 22 acting as a display element 23, in this case a combination of an indication means and a constraining element. When magnetic elements 18, 19, 20, 21 are separated, corresponding display elements are revealed between them and define a second, separated position of the respective pair. The display element 23 comprises an indication of a compression range corresponding to the defined tension force to separate the magnetic elements 18, 19, 20, 21 of the respective pair. The tension measurement device 17 can thus be understood as a multi-stage tensiometer where the magnetic interaction force between magnetic pairing 18, 19 is less than between magnetic pairing 19, 20, which again is less than between magnetic pairing 20, 21. As a tension force is applied, the 18, 19 pairing separates first displaying an associated compression range corresponding to the applied tension force. If tension force is further applied, the pairing 19, 20 separates, displaying an increased compression range giving an indication that the next compression range has been achieved. This also serves as an “over-tightened” indicator mechanism. Exertion of even larger tension force finally separates the pairing 20, 21 so that the last and highest compression range is displayed via display element 23.

[0159] For the tension measurement device 17, also fastening means 15 can be provided to releasably attach the tension measurement device 17 to a textile compression material of a compression device, in particular a band. However, the tension measurement device 17 can also be permanently attached or integrated into a band of a compression device. For example, tension measurement devices 17 could be sewn into a series of compression bands where they become part of the fabric of the band or compression device. Upon relief of the applied tension force, the separation distance of the magnetic elements 18, 19, 20, 21, due to the limitation provided by the display elements 23, is small enough so that the magnetic interaction force remains sufficient to automatically reconnect the pairings. This, of course, also holds true for a releasably attachable tension measurement device 17.

[0160] FIG. 14-17 illustrate a third embodiment of a tension measurement device 24 according to the invention. The tension measurement device 24 again consists of two components 25, 26, wherein each component 25, 26 may comprise a supporting element 27, 28 to which magnetic elements 29 or 30a, 30b are affixed, respectively. The component 25 has a male connector 10 again pairing with a female connector 12 of the component 26.

[0161] As can be seen from the cross-sectional side view of FIG. 15, while the male connector 10 only comprises the magnetic element 29 (acting as first magnetic element 1), the female connector comprises an upper second magnetic element 30a and a lower second magnetic element 30b between which the first magnetic element 29 is to be slidingly inserted. To limit relative displacement of the magnetic elements 29 and 30a, 30b in a defined manner, the tension measurement device 24 also comprises a displacement constraining device having a pin 31 protruding from the upper second magnetic element 30a and a groove 32 in the center of the magnetic element 29 receiving the pin 31 guidingly as the connectors 10, 12 mate. The ends of the groove 32 provide end stoppers 33, 34 for the pin 31, wherein the end stop 34 defines a base position of the magnetic elements 29, 30a, 30b and the end stop 33 defines a second position corresponding to a defined tension force and prevents detaching of the component 25 from the component 26. Thus, the elements 28, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 are all constraining elements. In this third embodiment, the tension force works against the shearing force between the three layers of magnetic materials provided by the magnetic elements 29, 30a and 30b. The top and bottom magnetic elements 30a, 30b of the female connector 12 provide a shearing counter force that draws the male connector 10 back to the base position shown in FIG. 16 where the pin 31 latches with the end stopper 34. This design also leads to automatic reset of the tension measurement device 24 when no tension force is applied. If a tension force is applied, a magnetic element 29 is displaced continuously and linearly from the base position due to the pin 31 guided in the groove 32. When a defined tension force is exerted, the pin 31 latches with the end stopper 33, indicating the defined tension force has been reached.

[0162] While the component 25 may be releasably or permanently attached to a band of the compression device, due to the fastening means 15, again hook material 16, preferably the component 26 and thus the second magnetic elements 30a, 30b may be exchangeable. Corresponding defined tension forces may be indicated on the supporting element 28, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0163] This means that the strength of the female connector 12 can be altered by changing the material design properties of the second magnetic elements 30a, 30b while the male connector 10 remains the same. For an adjustable compression device, various female components 26 may be provided to achieve different compression ranges or compression profiles along the limb.

[0164] It is noted that it is also possible to add indicia indicating the strength of the tension force applied on the surface of the first magnetic element 29, the indicia being revealed when the first magnetic element 29 is pulled out from between the second magnetic elements 30a and 30b and acting as indication means.

[0165] As already described, tension measurement devices according to the invention, in particular the second embodiment, may be at least partly integrated into compression devices. FIG. 18 illustrates the integration of magnetic elements 35, 36 into a stitched or woven fabric 37 of a textile compression material 38. For the sake of simplicity, compression threads are not shown.

[0166] The fabric 37 comprises stitch courses 39 and stitch wales 40. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, rod-like magnetic elements 35, 36 have been inserted into stitch wales. Alternatively, it is also possible to insert magnetic rods along stitch courses or even use a magnetic thread as one of the threads 41.

[0167] In the embodiment of FIG. 18, the magnetic element 35 may act as first magnetic element 1 and the magnetic element 36 may act as second magnetic element 2. In this case, at least one stitch wale without a magnetic element 35, 36 is positioned between the magnetic element 35, 36, so that upon connecting the magnetic elements 35, 36 due to the magnetic interaction force, the fabric 37 between these magnetic elements 35, 36 is folded up and stretches out on separation of the magnetic elements 35, 36, in some embodiments displaying a certain pattern or indication of the tension force applied or a corresponding compression level/compression range. In particular, a functionally similar embodiment to the second embodiment may be realized.

[0168] It is noted that depending on whether the magnetic elements 35, 36 (or magnetic threads 41) are oriented along the stitch courses 39 or the stitch wales 40, tension applied in longitudinal direction or crosswise direction can be measured.

[0169] FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a compression device 42 according to the current invention. In this case, the compression device 42 is a compression wrap, but it may also be a compression garment or another compression therapy device.

[0170] The compression device 42 is made of a textile compression material 37 and comprises a body portion 43 from which bands 44 extend. The body portion 43 may wrap at least partly around a limb of a patient and the bands 44 may wrap around the limb and body portion 43 to apply compression to the limb. The bands 44 may attach releasably at different positions of the body portion 43 and/or the bands 44.

[0171] In this embodiment, a tension measurement device 45 according to the current invention is associated with each band 44, in particular attached to it or integrated into it. Preferably, the second embodiment (tension measurement device 17) or the third embodiment (tension measurement device 24) may be used.

[0172] The tension force applied to different bands 44 when donning the compression device 42 may result in different compression to different areas of the limb. A predetermined compression profile along the extremity, that is, the limb, may be realized using the tension measurement devices 45. To achieve this, tension measurement devices 45 whose first and/or second magnetic elements differ in their magnetic design properties may be used. For example, if a gradient compression profile where greater compression is desired distally than proximally on the body is used as a pre-determined compression profile, the user's circumference where the bands 44 wrap around the limb may be measured. According to the user circumferences, corresponding tension measurement devices 45 having suitable magnetic interaction forces may be chosen, for example compression measurement devices 45 having different female components 26. Compression profile standards such as RAL could be achieved along with any other compression profile desired. If the compression device 42 is further marked with indicia to measure the user's circumference as the compression device is applied, the user or manufacturer can easily reference a force-circumference-compression matrix to select the appropriate strength of the compression measurement devices 45 for each area covered by the compression device 42. Additionally, preset configuration can be communicated in the instructions for use for standard-size, “off-the-shelf” compression devices to change the compression levels and/or profile.

[0173] The tension measurement devices according the current invention also provide a means to notify the user when the tension has dissipated due to garment migration or loss of power in the textile elasticity, since the tension may, in this case, not be upheld or compression is not exerted on the limb. This may result in permanent separation of first and second magnetic elements or reconnection of separated magnetic elements. In the event that the textile “stretches out”, the tension measurement device may be removed and re-attached since it is less subject to aging effects than the textile.

[0174] FIG. 20-23 illustrate a self-adjusting attachment device for a band 44 of a compression device. The compression device, and in particular the band 44, comprises textile compression material. A fist magnetic element 46 is affixed or affixable to a band end 47 of the band 44, wherein, in this embodiment, the first magnetic element is wedge-shaped. A wedge-shaped second magnetic element 48 is affixed to a portion of the compression device where the band end 47 is to be attached, in this embodiment using fastening means 49 in the form of hook material 50. The second magnetic element 48 has a sliding surface 51 opposite an affixing surface where the hook material 50 is provided.

[0175] To attach the band 44, the band end 47 with the first magnetic element 46 is positioned at the far end of the sliding surface 51 as shown in FIG. 22. In this area, due to the thinner second magnetic element 48, the magnetic interaction force is lower and thus a resultant friction against sliding is reduced. If, now, the return tension force exceeds the friction force influenced by the magnetic interaction, the first magnetic element 46 will slide along the sliding surface 51 towards the near edge of this so-provided landing where the magnetic interaction force and thus the friction force steadily becomes stronger. The first magnetic element 46 and thus the band 44 slides until equilibrium is achieved.

[0176] Band end magnetic elements 46 of different magnetic design properties may be selected to modify the equilibrium and the resulting tension force without altering the application process. Both the second magnetic element 48 as a landing and the band end magnetic element 46 can be positioned on compression devices where needed or via indicia on the compression device.

[0177] FIGS. 24-26 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the tension measurement device 52 according to the invention, which is to be applied to a band 44 of a compression device. As can be seen, the band 44 comprises sections of a magnetic material 53 between which a section of elastic compression material 54 is provided in a longitudinal direction. The band end 55 having hook material 56 is also shown.

[0178] Indicia 57 are printed on materials 53, 54 to guide a user in placing magnetic elements 58, 59, 60 and 61 illustrated below the band 44, wherein the first magnetic element 58 itself having indicia labeling it “A”, is shown multiple times to illustrate the relative sizes regarding second magnetic elements 59, 60 and 61, having indicia labeling them “B”, “C”, and “D”, respectively. The pair of magnetic elements 58 and 59 has a magnetic interaction force which, when separating the pair of magnetic elements 58, 59, corresponds to an applied tension resulting in a compression range of 20-30 mm Hg. For the pairs 58, 60 and 58, 61, the corresponding tensions and compression ranges are 30-40 mm Hg and 40-50 mm Hg, respectively. As can be seen from FIG. 24, these values are also printed onto the material 54 associated with the label “B”, “C” and “D” as part of the indicia 57. If the first magnetic element 58 and a selected one of the second magnetic elements 59, 60 or 61 are placed according to the indicia 57 onto the materials 53, 54, the materials 53 interact with the magnetic elements 58, 59, 60, 61 to provide a magnetic fastener as fastening means.

[0179] As can be seen from FIG. 25, wherein a pair of a first magnetic element 58 and a second magnetic element 59, 60 or 61 has been attached to the band 44 according to the indicia 57, the contact area between the first magnetic element 58 and the second magnetic element 59, 60, 61 is centered above the compression material 54, which is elastic.

[0180] If a tension force is applied to the band 44, as illustrated by the arrows 62 of FIG. 26, the tension force applied counteracts the magnetic interaction force between the pair and, once a tension force corresponding to the magnetic interaction force is reached, the material 54 is stretched and the magnetic elements 58 and 59, 60 or 61 are separated, indicating that the corresponding compression level/range, which is also indicated by the indicia 57, has been reached.

[0181] FIG. 27 shows a second embodiment of a compression device 63 according to the invention. As can be seen, the compression device 63 again comprises a body portion 64 and, in this case, four bands 65, 66, 67 and 68 extending from the body portion 64. The compression device comprises multiple indicia 69, 70 and 71.

[0182] The indicia 69 mark positions where first and second magnetic elements (not shown) are to be placed once they have been selected as outlined below. The indicia 70 are band/limb region indicators, in this case B, Bi, C and D. The indicia 71 are size indicia indicating a circumference of a limb or body part around which the body portion 64 and the bands 65, 66, 67 and 68 may be wrapped. In other words, the indicia 71 help to determine the circumference of the limb or body part.

[0183] FIG. 28 shows an example of a selection guide element 89, in this case comprising two tables 72, 73, providing correlations between circumferences (size), see row 74, and compression values, see row 75 with magnetic interaction forces and thus pairs of first and second magnetic elements to be chosen. As can be seen from the chart 76 on the left of FIG. 28, the magnetic interaction forces increase from I to XIV. As can further be seen from the tables 72 and 73, the band tensions in different limb regions are different. The table 72 corresponds to the compression profile standard RAL-EU, whereas the table 73 refers to the compression profile standard of the USA.

[0184] If a patient is to be treated using a predetermined compression profile, the circumferences of the limb may first be determined using the indicia 71, whereafter these circumferences and the compression values according to the predetermined compression profile may be used to consult one of the tables 72, 73, depending on which standard is used, to select pairs of first and second magnetic elements for each band 65, 66, 67, 68. The selected magnetic elements may then be correctly placed using the indicia 69. Once the pairs of magnetic elements are selected and placed, they can be used to measure if the correct compression level according to the predetermined compression profile is applied to the limb.

[0185] FIGS. 29-33 illustrate a fifth embodiment of a measurement device 77 according to the invention. In this case, force and elongation, that is, displacement, may be measured.

[0186] As can be seen from FIG. 29, on a compression material 79, multiple indicia 80 are provided, serving partly to attach a measuring assembly 81 to the material 79, partly to indicate applied tension force/elongation. The measurement assembly 81 comprises a first magnetic element 82 and a second magnetic element 83 which are directly contacting in a base position. The magnetic elements 82, 83 are respectively fixed to a supporting element 84, indirectly attaching them to a fastening means 87 having hook or loop material 85 to attach the measurement assembly 81 to the material 79, as can be seen in FIG. 30. The measurement assembly 81 with the magnetic elements 82, 83 contacting, that is, in a base position, is releasably attached to the compression material 79 in an unstretched state according the corresponding indicia 80.

[0187] If, now, a tension force is applied to the compression material 79, as indicated by arrows 86 in FIG. 31-33, the magnetic elements 82, 83 are separated once the magnetic interaction force holding them in contact in the base position is surpassed. This situation is shown in FIG. 31, such that now the indicia “1” of the indicia 80 is visible, indicating a still low force strength/elongation. If the tension force according to the arrows 68 is further increased, additional indicia 80, in the case of FIGS. 32 and 33 “2” and “3”, become visible, indicating this increased tension force and thus elongation.

[0188] FIG. 34-36 illustrate a modification of this fifth embodiment. In this modified fifth embodiment, at least the indicia 80 acting as indication means, that is, indicating the applied force/displacement, on the material 79 may be omitted since a separate scale 88, shown in a top view in FIG. 36, is provided and may be placed centrally below the magnetic elements 82, 83 and the supporting elements 84. In this case, the scale 88 is specific for the underlying limb circumference, compression material 79, and/or the pair of magnetic elements 82, 83 used. It is noted that in the fifth embodiment, the measurement assembly 81 may also comprise spacers as constraining elements to be placed between magnetic elements 82, 83. Scale 88 may be held in place via a magnetic interaction force with elements 82 and 83.

[0189] It is noted that, of course, multiple first and/or second magnetic elements 82, 83 may also be provided in the case of the fifth embodiment, allowing different measurement configurations. In the case of the modified fifth embodiment, multiple scales may be provided for the different limb circumferences and/or combinations of elements/materials. In all described embodiments, alternatively or additional to providing multiple first and/or second magnetic elements, multiple constraining elements, for example spacers, may also be provided.