Inflatable device for use in impulse therapy
View Patent ↗The invention relates to impulse therapy and particularly to a device for applying impulse pressure intermittently to a human foot to enhance blood circulation around the body. In the prior art impulse pressure is applied by means of an inflatable bladder applied to the foot. To be effective the bladder has to be filled rapidly and this produces unacceptable noise during operation. The bladder in accordance with invention is provided with internal means acting to dissipate fluid flow with accompanying reduction in fluid flow rates and consequent noise levels during the pressurization process.
1. A device for use in applying impulse therapy to a limb of the human body comprising:
an inflatable bladder having volume-reducing internal component means for dissipating the flow of fluid into the bladder with accompanying reduction in fluid flow rates and noise generated by the fluid flow during pressurization of the bladder in a timed sequence of pressure hold and pressure release;
means for providing intermittent pulses of fluid to the bladder in accordance with the pre-determined timed sequence of pressure hold and pressure release; and
means for securing the bladder around the limb of the human body to apply the bladder to the area to be treated;
wherein the internal component is a gel.
2. A device for use in applying impulse therapy to a limb of the human body comprising an inflatable bladder having volume reducing internal component means for dissipating the flow of fluid into the bladder with accompanying reduction in fluid flow rates and noise generated by the fluid flow during pressurization of the bladder in a timed sequence of pressure hold and pressure release; means for providing intermittent pulses of fluid to the bladder in accordance with the pre-determined timed sequence of pressure hold and pressure release and means for securing the bladder around the limb of the human body to apply the bladder to the area to be treated wherein the foam is provided with air flow channels.
3. A device for use in applying impulse therapy to a limb of the human body comprising:
a flexible pad having an inflatable chamber having means for controlling fluid flow rates and noise level during pressurization of the inflatable chamber by varying the internal volume of the inflatable chamber;
means for providing intermittent pulses of fluid to the inflatable chamber in accordance with a predetermined timed sequence of pressure hold and pressure release; and
means for securing the flexible pad around the limb of the human body to apply the flexible pad to the area to be treated;
wherein said means for controlling fluid flow rates and noise level during pressurization of the inflatable chamber by varying the internal volume of the inflatable chamber is gel or liquid.