SYSTEM AND APPARATUS TO APPLY VIBRATION, THERMAL AND COMPRESSIVE THERAPY
A therapeutic device for applying vibration, thermal and 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 therapeutic element disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, the therapeutic element including a vibration component, a thermal component, and a compression component, where, upon activation of the therapeutic element: (i) the vibration component applies a vibration force, (ii) the thermal component applies a thermal therapy, and (iii) the compression component applies a compressive force.
1 . A therapeutic device for applying vibration, thermal and compressive therapy, the device comprising:
a top layer;
a bottom layer adapted to contact a body surface of a user; and
a therapeutic element disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, the therapeutic element comprising
a vibration component;
a thermal component; and
a compression component,
wherein, upon activation of the therapeutic element: (i) the vibration component applies a vibration force, (ii) the thermal component applies a thermal therapy, and (iii) the compression component applies a compressive force.
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 compression component 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.
8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the compression component is bonded to the bottom layer.
9 . The device of claim 8 , wherein the compression component is bonded to the bottom layer solely at the perimeter of the bottom layer.
10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the vibration component, the thermal component, and the compression component are the same component.
11 . The device of claim 1 , wherein, upon activation of the therapeutic element, the compression component curves to more closely conform to the bottom layer.
12 . A therapeutic device for applying vibration, thermal and compressive therapy, the device comprising:
a top layer;
a bottom layer adapted to contact a body surface of a user; and
a therapeutic element disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, the therapeutic element comprising
a vibration component comprising a plurality of vibration elements;
a thermal component; and
a compression component,
wherein, upon activation of the therapeutic element: (i) the vibration component applies a vibration force, (ii) the thermal component applies a thermal therapy, and (iii) the compression component applies a compressive force.
13 . The device of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of vibration elements comprises a plurality of vibration pods.
14 . The device of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of vibration elements are electrically coupled to a control module.
15 . The device of claim 12 , wherein the compression component comprises an inflatable bladder.
16 . A therapeutic device for applying vibration, thermal and compressive therapy, the device comprising:
a top layer;
a bottom layer adapted to contact a body surface of a user; and
a therapeutic element disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, the therapeutic element comprising
a vibration component;
a thermal component comprising at least one of a thermal pad, a heat spreader or a silicone overmold insert; and
a compression component,
wherein, upon activation of the therapeutic element: (i) the vibration component applies a vibration force, (ii) the thermal component applies a thermal therapy, and (iii) the compression component applies a compressive force.
17 . The device of claim 16 , wherein the top layer comprises a flexible, elastic material.
18 . The device of claim 16 , wherein the vibration component comprises a plurality of vibration elements.
19 . The device of claim 18 , wherein the compression component comprises an inflatable bladder.
20 . The device of claim 19 , wherein upon activation of the therapeutic element: (i) the plurality of vibration elements apply a vibration force, (ii) at least one of the thermal pad, the heat spreader and the silicone overmold insert applies a thermal therapy, and (iii) the inflatable bladder applies a compressive force.