SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING INELASTIC COMPONENTS TO A FLEXIBLE MATERIAL TO APPLY COMPRESSIVE AND THERMAL THERAPY
A device for applying compressive therapy is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the device has a top layer and a bottom layer adapted to contact a body surface of a user. The device further includes a compressive element disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, where the compressive element is configured such that, upon activation of the compressive element: (i) a compressive force is applied to the body surface and (ii) the compressive element curves to more closely conform to the bottom layer.
1 . A device for applying compressive therapy, the device comprising:
a top layer;
a bottom layer adapted to contact a body surface of a user; and
a compressive element disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein the compressive element is configured such that, upon activation of the compressive element: (i) a compressive force is applied to the body surface and (ii) the compressive element curves to more closely conform to the bottom layer.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the top layer comprises a flexible, elastic material.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the bottom layer comprises an inelastic material.
4 . The device of claim 3 , wherein the inelastic material comprises molded silicone.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the compressive element comprises an inflatable bladder.
6 . The device of claim 5 , wherein the device further comprises an air compressor adapted to selectively inflate the inflatable bladder.
7 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the air compressor is disposed within a control module located within the top layer.
8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the compressive element is bonded to the bottom layer at a perimeter of the bottom layer.
9 . The device of claim 8 , wherein the compressive element is bonded to the bottom layer solely at the perimeter of the bottom layer.
10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the compressive element comprises at least one stay.
11 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the at least one stay is configured in a pattern, wherein the pattern facilitates the compressive element curving to more closely conform to the bottom layer.
12 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising:
at least one temperature modulation assembly adapted to apply temperature treatment to the body surface of the user.
13 . A method for applying compressive therapy, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a device for applying compressive therapy, the device comprising:
a top layer;
a bottom layer adapted to contact a body surface of a user; and
a compressive element disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer;
applying the bottom layer of the device to the body surface; and
activating the compressive element of the device, wherein, upon activation, the compressive element (i) applies a compressive force to the body surface and (ii) curves to more closely conform to the bottom layer.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the top layer comprises a flexible, elastic material.
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the bottom layer comprises an inelastic material.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the inelastic material comprises molded silicone.
17 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the compressive element comprises an inflatable bladder.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the device further comprises an air compressor adapted to selectively inflate the inflatable bladder.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the air compressor is disposed within a control module located within the top layer.
20 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the compressive element is bonded to the bottom layer at a perimeter of the bottom layer.