Patent Grant
8246556
The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for ensuring that a person experiences proper blood flow within his or her feet and/or legs, and specifically to systems and methods for compressing the venous plexus region in the arch of the foot and the superficial veins of the top of the foot to stimulate blood flow.
In order to enhance circulation in a person's body, particularly in the feet and legs, periodic or cyclic compression of tissue, such as plexus regions of the foot, at predetermined timed intervals is beneficial. Under normal circumstances, blood moves up the legs due to muscle contraction and general movement of the feet or legs, such as when walking. If a person is immobilized, unable to move regularly, or has poor circulation brought on by disease, the natural blood return mechanism is impaired, and circulatory problems such as ulcers and deep vein thrombosis can occur.
To mitigate these problems, it is desirable to concentrate a compression force against veins throughout the legs and/or feet. Current systems are primarily based on pneumatic compression devices that squeeze the entire foot, calf, or thigh. These systems require significant power, and are inefficient because they provide high levels of force across the entire foot or leg rather than focusing in on those areas with the highest concentration of blood vessels. In addition, these systems may include air bags that can rupture at the seam, especially with high pressure within the bag.
In various current devices, tethered air lines limit mobility, and can lead to injury should the person attempt to walk while the device is in use. Further, existing devices may not be suited for continuous usage. Users cannot walk with them, or move away from the compression unit. The device must be removed before a user can walk. Additionally, current devices lack the ability to track and report user usage and compliance. Also, most pneumatic devices are quite noisy and can cause irritation of the skin leading to ulcers.
A foot compression system is configured to apply pressure to a foot. In an exemplary embodiment, a foot compression system comprises an item of footwear, and an actuator portion comprising a retractable, non-bendable pressure pad, wherein the actuator portion is completely contained within the item of footwear.
In another exemplary embodiment, a foot compression system configured to deliver a compressive force to the venous plexus region of the foot comprises a retractable, non-bendable pressure pad, and a motor coupled to the non-bendable pressure pad via a gear. The foot compression system further comprises a slip clutch coupling the non-bendable pressure pad and the motor. The slip clutch is configured to allow the non-bendable pressure pad to retract responsive to an applied force exceeding a predetermined value. The foot compression system is completely contained within an item of footwear. The non-bendable pressure pad remains in a fully retracted position when the foot is used to walk, and the non-bendable pressure pad is in either a retracted position or a non-retracted position when the patient is not walking.
In another exemplary embodiment, a foot compression system comprises an item of footwear, and an actuator portion comprising a retractable pressure pad. The actuator portion is completely contained within the item of footwear. The foot compression system further comprises a sensor in operative communication with the actuator portion. The sensor senses when a wearer of the item of footwear is walking and operates the actuator portion in response to whether or not the wearer is walking.
In another exemplary embodiment, a method of implementing athletic recovery in a person following exercise comprises moving, via an motor, a non-bendable pressure pad a first time to bring the non-bendable pressure pad into contact with a foot to compress a portion of the foot. The non-bendable pressure pad and the motor are completely contained within an item of footwear. The method further comprises moving, via the motor, the non-bendable pressure pad a second time to bring the non-bendable pressure pad out of contact with the foot to allow the portion of the foot to at least partially refill with blood, and moving, via the motor, the non-bendable pressure pad a third time to bring the non-bendable pressure pad into contact with the foot to force at least a portion of the blood out of the portion of the foot.
In another exemplary embodiment, a foot compression system configured to deliver a compressive force to the venous plexus region of the foot comprises a retractable, semi-rigid pressure pad, and a motor coupled to the semi-rigid pressure pad via a gear. The motor moves the semi-rigid pressure pad in and out of contract with the foot at set time intervals that are programmed within the motor. The foot compression system further comprises a slip clutch coupling the semi-rigid pressure pad and the motor. The slip clutch is configured to allow the semi-rigid pressure pad to retract responsive to an applied force exceeding a predetermined value. The foot compression system is completely contained within an item of footwear. The semi-rigid pressure pad remains in a fully retracted position when the foot is used to walk, and the semi-rigid pressure pad is in either a retracted position or a non-retracted position when the patient is not walking.
The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The present disclosure, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the claims and the accompanying drawing figures, in which like parts may be referred to by like numerals:
Details of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of various components and processing steps. It should be appreciated that such components and steps may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, a foot compression system may employ various medical treatment devices, input and/or output elements and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more control systems or other control devices. In addition, details of the present disclosure may be practiced in any number of medical or treatment contexts, and exemplary embodiments relating to a deep vein thrombosis treatment system or a system for athletic recovery as described herein are merely a few of the exemplary applications. For example, the principles, features and methods discussed may be applied to any medical or other tissue or treatment application.
A foot compression system may be any system configured to deliver a compressive force to a portion of a living organism, for example a human foot. With reference now to
With further reference now to
Actuator portion 100A may be any device, system, or structure configured to apply a compressive force to a foot. In an exemplary embodiment, actuator portion 100A is configured to be removably located in the sole area of an item of footwear such as a shoe, sandal, or any other type of footwear product. In other exemplary embodiments, actuator portion 100A may be integrated into an item of footwear. Actuator portion 100A may also be a stand-alone unit, for example a footrest.
In various exemplary embodiments, actuator portion 100A has an outer shape at least partially defined by a main housing 102. Main housing 102 may be formed of metal, plastic, composite, or other suitable durable material. Main housing 102 is configured to enclose various portions of foot compression system 100.
Turning now to
Pressure pad 104 may be made of any suitable materials, for example metal, plastic, composite, and/or the like. Moreover, pressure pad 104 may be comprised of any material suitable for transferring force to a person's foot. Pressure pad 104 may be monolithic. Alternatively, pressure pad 104 may comprise two or more individual components. In certain exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 comprises a rigid main structure configured with a flexible pad top 105, for example a pad top 105 comprised of rubber, silicone, or other suitable material. Pad top 105 may be smooth, ridged, dimpled, patterned, and/or otherwise shaped and/or textured. In this manner, pressure pad 104 may be configured to press against a person's foot while providing a desired level of cushioning, comfort, friction, and/or the like, for example due to pad top 105.
Pressure pad 104 can be any size to transfer force to a person's foot. According to an exemplary embodiment, pressure pad 104 applies force directly to the arch region of the foot. In various exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 comprises a contact surface area in the range of about 6 square centimeters to about 30 square centimeters. In various exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 comprises a contact surface area in the range of about 10 square centimeters to about 24 square centimeters. In other exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 comprises a contact surface area in the range of about 18 square centimeters to about 23 square centimeters. However, pressure pad 104 may be configured with any appropriate dimensions, surfaces, angles, and/or components, as desired, in order to transfer force to a foot. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments wherein foot compression system 100 is utilized in connection with athletic recovery, pressure pad 104 may be configured with a contact surface area substantially equal to the surface area of the bottom of a foot, for example a contact surface area in the range of between about 100 square centimeters to about 150 square centimeters.
In various exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 further comprises a pressure sensor 103 configured to measure the pressure generated by pressure pad 104. The pressure sensor may communicate with control electronics 118 and/or other components of foot compression system 100 in order to achieve a desired level of pressure generated by pressure pad 104.
In an exemplary embodiment, when extended away from main housing 102, pressure pad 104 presses against the venous plexus region of the foot. Pressure pad 104 compresses the veins both in the arch of the foot and across the top of the foot from approximately the metatarsal-phalangeal joints to the talus. In various exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 is pressed against the venous plexus region of the foot for a time between approximately 1 and 5 seconds. In another exemplary embodiment, pressure pad 104 is pressed against the venous plexus region of the foot for approximately 2 seconds. Moreover, pressure pad 104 may be pressed against the venous plexus region for the foot for any suitable time to stimulate blood flow.
In an exemplary embodiment, pressure pad 104 is configured to extend and/or retract over a desired time period. In various exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 is configured to extend from a fully retracted position to a fully extended position in a time between about 100 milliseconds and about 300 milliseconds. Moreover, pressure pad 104 may be configured to extend and/or retract over any suitable time period.
In an exemplary embodiment, pressure pad 104 retracts so that it is flush or nearly flush with an outer surface of main housing 102. Compression and relaxation is then followed by a period of non-compression to allow the veins within the venous plexus to re-fill with blood. In various exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 is pressed against the venous plexus region of the foot and then retracted in regular intervals of between about 20 seconds to about 45 seconds. In another exemplary embodiment, pressure pad 104 is pressed against the venous plexus region of the foot and then retracted in regular intervals of about 30 seconds. Further, pressure pad 104 may be pressed against the venous plexus region of the foot and then retracted in any suitable interval to stimulate blood flow. For example, compression may be rapid in order to move blood through the veins of the lower leg at an elevated velocity and to release chemical compounds that reduce pain.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, switches and/or other appropriate mechanisms may be located at the maximum and/or minimum extensions of pressure pad 104 in order to prevent motor 106 from attempting to force pressure pad 104 beyond the end of travel. Such switches or other travel-limiting devices may be implemented mechanically, in hardware, in software, or any combination of the foregoing.
Motor 106 may be any component configured to generate mechanical force to move pressure pad 104. With reference now to
With continued reference to
Output gears 110 may comprise any mechanism configured to transfer force from gearbox 108 to main gears 112. Continuing to reference
Main gears 112 may comprise any suitable component or structure configured to effectuate movement of pressure pad 104. As illustrated in
With reference to
In various exemplary embodiments, foot compression system 100 may be at least partially operated, controlled, and/or activated by one or more electronic circuits, for example control electronics 118. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, control electronics 118 and/or an associated software subsystem comprise components configured to at least partially control operation of foot compression system 100. For example, control electronics 118 may comprise integrated circuits, discrete electrical components, printed circuit boards, and/or the like, and/or combinations of the same. Control electronics 118 may further comprise clocks or other timing circuitry. Control electronics 118 may also comprise data logging circuitry, for example volatile or non-volatile memories and the like, to store data, such as data regarding operation and functioning of foot compression system 100. Moreover, a software subsystem may be pre-programmed and communicate with control electronics 118 in order to adjust various variables, for example the time that pressure pad 104 remains in an extended position, the pressure applied to the foot, intervals of travel between the extended and retracted positions of pressure pad 104, the time it takes for pressure pad 104 to extend to the extended position and retract to a recessed position, and/or the like.
Control electronics 118 may be configured to store data related to foot compression system 100. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, control electronics 118 may record if foot compression system 100 is mounted to the foot of a person and active, if foot compression system 100 is mounted to the foot of a person and inactive, if foot compression system 100 is not mounted to the foot of a person and system 100 is inactive, and/or the like and/or combinations of the same. Further, control electronics 118 may record the duration foot compression system 100 is active, the number of compression cycles performed, one or more pressures generated by foot compression system 100, and so forth. Moreover, control electronics 118 may further comprise circuitry configured to enable data stored in control electronics 118 to be retrieved for analysis, deleted, compacted, encrypted, and/or the like.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, when pressure pad 104 is being extended or is in a fully extended state, control electronics 118 may monitor the pressure applied by pressure pad 104. For example, control electronics 118 may monitor the current drawn by motor 106 and calculate the applied pressure. Alternatively, a pressure sensor may detect the applied pressure and report this value to control electronics 118 and/or an associated software subsystem.
In various exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 may be extended until a pressure threshold, such as between about 1 mmHg and 500 mmHg, is reached. In other exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 may be extended until a pressure threshold of between about 300 mmHg and 465 mmHg is reached. Alternatively, pressure pad 104 may be extended until pressure pad 104 is at the point of maximum extension from main housing 102. In various exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 is extended with a force of between approximately 50 Newtons and approximately 115 Newtons. In other exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 is extended with a force of between approximately 75 Newtons and approximately 100 Newtons. While various pressures and/or forces have been described herein, other pressures and/or forces can be applied and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, switches and/or other devices may be placed at the locations of maximum and/or minimum extension of pressure pad 104 in order to ensure that motor 106 is appropriately shut off at the end of travel.
With reference to
In various exemplary embodiments, actuator portion 100A may comprise various sensors, for example pressure sensors, weight sensors, strain gauges, accelerometers, and/or the like. Actuator portion 100A and/or reader portion 100B may utilize one or more sensors for monitoring and/or control of foot compression system 100. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments it may be desirable to prevent extension of pressure pad 104 when a person is walking or applying body weight to actuator portion 100A. Thus, electronic control 118 may prevent extension of pressure pad 104 and/or retract pressure pad 104, for example responsive to sensor input indicating a person is walking (e.g., accelerometer readings, weight sensor readings, and/or the like). In various exemplary embodiments, foot compression system 100 may be configured to be turned “on” when a user is seated and/or recumbent, and configured to be turned to a “standby” mode (e.g., a mode wherein pressure pad 104 remains retracted) when a user is standing and/or walking.
With reference now to
With continued reference to
In various exemplary embodiments, foot compression system 100 may further comprise a motion sensor, accelerometer, or other components configured to detect movement of foot compression system 100. Control electronics 118 may prevent operation of actuator portion 100A unless the motion sensor reports actuator portion 100A (and thus, typically, the limb to which actuator portion 100A is mounted) has been substantially motionless for a period of time, such as between about 2 minutes and 10 minutes. Further, any appropriate time range is considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure, as the ranges set forth herein are exemplary only.
With reference now to
For example, in an exemplary embodiment, reader portion 100B is used to control and program foot compression system 100. Reader portion 100B may be configured with a control box 130 comprising metal, plastic, composite, or other durable material suitable to contain various components of reader portion 100B. In an exemplary embodiment, reader portion 100B is coupled to actuator portion 100A via a cable, for example an electrical cable suitable to carry current to drive motor 106, carry digital signals, carry analog signals, and/or the like. In other exemplary embodiments, reader portion 100B and actuator portion 100A communicate wirelessly, for example via a suitable communication protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4; Bluetooth™; IEEE 802.11, IEEE 1451, ISA 100.11a; and/or the like). In these embodiments, reader portion 100B and actuator portion 100A may further comprise transceivers, receivers, transmitters and/or similar wireless technology.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, reader portion 100B may comprise one or more batteries 132 (not shown in figures). Batteries 132 may comprise electrochemical cells suitable to provide power for reader portion 100B. Batteries 132 may be rechargeable, but may also be single-use. Batteries 132 may comprise alkaline, nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, or other battery configurations suitable for powering reader portion 100B. Moreover, batteries 132 may comprise any suitable chemistry, form factor, voltage, and/or capacity suitable to provide power to reader portion 100B.
Batteries 132 may be recharged via an external charger. Batteries 132 may also be recharged by use of electronic components within reader portion 100B. Alternatively, batteries 132 may be removed from reader portion 100B and replaced with fresh batteries.
With reference now to
With continued reference to
In an exemplary embodiment, inputs 136 comprise electronic buttons, switches, or similar devices. In other exemplary embodiments, inputs 136 comprise a communications port, for example a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. Further, inputs 136 may comprise variable pressure control switches with corresponding indicator lights. Inputs 136 may also comprise variable speed control switches with corresponding indicator lights, on/off switches, pressure switches, click wheels, trackballs, d-pads, and/or the like. Moreover, inputs 136 may comprise any suitable components configured to allow a user to control operation of foot compression system 100.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, foot compression system 100 is configured to be inserted into normal, off-the-shelf shoes, sandals, and other footwear. In various exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 is moved from the fully retracted position to the fully extended position in a time between about one-tenth (0.1) second and 1 second. In other exemplary embodiments, pressure pad 104 moves from the fully retracted position to the fully extended position in a time between about one-tenth (0.1) seconds and about three-tenths (0.3) seconds. Moreover, variances in individual feet (e.g., height of arch, curvature of arch, width, length, and/or the like) may effect the time period over which pressure pad is deployed.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, when moved to the fully extended position, pressure pad 104 may generate a pressure between about 1 mmHg and 500 mmHg against the person's foot. Further, pressure pad 104 may be extended with a force between about 50 Newtons and 115 Newtons in certain exemplary embodiments. Pressure pad 104 may be kept in an extended position for a time between about 1 and 3 seconds. Pressure pad 104 is then retracted. Pressure pad 104 may then be re-extended, such as after a delay of between about 20 and 45 seconds. However, other time frames can be used, and all time frames are thought to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
While specific time ranges, sizes, pressures, movement distances, and the like have been described herein, these values are given purely for example. Various other time ranges, sizes, pressures, distances, and the like can be used and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Any device configured to apply pressure to a person's foot as set forth herein is considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
In certain exemplary embodiments, foot compression system 100 is configured for use in, complementary to, and/or as a substitute for low-intensity physical exertion after a workout. Stated another way, foot compression system 100 is configured to facilitate “athletic recovery,” or the augmentation of blood flow in the body's venous system to deliver nutrients to the muscles while simultaneously removing lactic acid and metabolic waste. After a workout, it has been found that a person may recover more quickly from the aftereffects of exercise (for example, accumulation of lactates in the muscle and/or blood) via low-intensity physical exertion rather than via complete rest. The increased blood circulation attendant to low-intensity physical exertion facilitates the removal of lactic acid from muscle and the reduction of lactate levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, physical exertion can facilitate facilitating opening the capillary bed to enable remedial hydration and/or efficient nutrient transfer. In contrast, post-workout periods of immobility, for example either sitting or recumbent, do little physiologically to promote athletic recovery. Lowered venous peak velocity closes the capillaries and locks lactic acid in place, which influences swelling and muscle soreness. Moreover, sitting with hips and knees in flexion, with bends of 60 to 90 degrees in the knees and hips, can kink the arterial blood supply and venous return, elevating the risk of edema stasis, toxin storage, and nutrient deficiency.
Therefore, by promoting blood circulation, foot compression system 100 may be utilized to achieve similar benefits as those obtained via low-intensity physical exertion. For example, foot compression system 100 may be utilized to achieve augmentation of peak venous velocity, augmentation of venous volume return, and/or augmentation of fibrinolysis. Additionally, the increased venous outflow evacuates cellular waste byproducts and reduces excess fluid trapped in the soft tissues of the lower leg, thereby promoting arterial inflow to the vacated capillary bed. Lower leg edema and other significant risk factors are reduced and/or eliminated. Stated another way, via use of foot compression system 100, a person may achieve similar results as those achieved via low aerobic activity (for example, a normal walking pace) but without walking. The user achieves augmented venous soutflow despite being in a seated and/or recumbent position.
In an exemplary embodiment, foot compression system 100 may be used by a person as part of a “cool down” process during the “golden hour”—the first 60 minutes immediately after a workout. In other exemplary embodiments, foot compression system 100 may be used during a predetermined period after a workout, for example between immediately after a workout to about 12 hours after a workout. Foot compression system 100 may be utilized after a workout for a suitable duration, for example a duration of between about 10 minutes to about 2 hours, in order to assist in athletic recovery. While residual cellular metabolic waste can take several days to flush from the soft tissues, this process can be greatly accelerated via use of foot compression system 100 after a workout. To facilitate use of foot compression system 100 as part of an athletic recovery program, foot compression system 100 or components thereof may be integrated into athletic footwear intended for use during a workout. Moreover, foot compression system 100 or components thereof may also be integrated into specialized post-exercise footwear.
Moreover, foot compression system 100 may be utilized on a regular schedule by a person, for example as part of a pre-workout warmup, a post-workout cooldown, and/or on days when no workout is scheduled. By increasing blood flow, foot compression system 100 can facilitate improved muscle readiness prior to exercise, quicker post-exercise recovery, and/or improved circulation on days absent strenuous exercise. In particular, foot compression system 100 may be desirably utilized by athletes subsequent to athletic events in order to facilitate faster recovery.
In various exemplary embodiments, actuator portion 100A is contained within an item of footwear, for example a shoe. In one exemplary embodiment, actuator portion 100A is configured to repeatedly compress the venous plexus region of the foot as discussed herein. In this embodiment, actuator portion 100A may be utilized for extended post-workout athletic recovery.
In another exemplary embodiment, actuator portion 100A is configured to compress the venous plexus region of the foot only when the wearer of the footwear is not walking or applying weight to the footwear. In this embodiment, actuator portion 100A may be utilized for pre-workout warmup, post-workout cooldown, and/or the like, without the need for a change of footwear.
With momentary reference to
In various exemplary embodiments, foot compression system 100 is configured for use by individuals who are in fixed, standing, and/or sitting positions for extended periods of time, for example office workers, pregnant women, passengers on long-haul airline flights in excess of four hours, individuals in wheelchairs, service workers whose positions require standing, hospital patients, and/or the like. By improving blood flow in the lower extremities and legs, foot compression system 100 can reduce the negative health impacts associated with extended standing, extended sitting, and/or reduced mobility or immobility of a portion of the body. Moreover, foot compression system 100 may be configured for use in connection with treatment of plantar fasciitis or other disorders of the foot.
Turning now to
The present disclosure has been described above with reference to various exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the various operational steps, as well as the components for carrying out the operational steps, may be implemented in alternate ways depending upon the particular application or in consideration of any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system, e.g., one or more of the steps may be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps. Further, it should be noted that while the methods and systems for compression described above are suitable for use on the foot, similar approaches may be used on the hand, calf, or other areas of the body. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
Moreover, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, principles of the present disclosure may be reflected in a computer program product on a tangible computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code means embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including magnetic storage devices (hard disks, floppy disks, and the like), optical storage devices (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and the like), flash memory, and/or the like. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified.
In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to various embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Also, as used herein, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a physical connection, an electrical connection, a magnetic connection, an optical connection, a communicative connection, a functional connection, and/or any other connection. Further, when language similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, the phrase is intended to mean any of the following: (1) at least one of A; (2) at least one of B; (3) at least one of C; (4) at least one of A and at least one of B; (5) at least one of B and at least one of C; (6) at least one of A and at least one of C; or (7) at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/499,473 filed on Jul. 8, 2009 entitled “FOOT COMPRESSION SYSTEM.” U.S. Ser. No. 12/499,473 is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/078,847 filed on Jul. 8, 2008 and entitled “FOOT COMPRESSION SYSTEM.” The entire contents of all the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3917261 | Small et al. | Nov 1975 | A |
| 4294236 | Hofstein | Oct 1981 | A |
| 4299206 | Hofstein | Nov 1981 | A |
| 4721101 | Gardner et al. | Jan 1988 | A |
| 4856496 | Chursinoff | Aug 1989 | A |
| 5443440 | Tumey et al. | Aug 1995 | A |
| 5584798 | Fox | Dec 1996 | A |
| 5605533 | Badilla | Feb 1997 | A |
| 5674262 | Tumey et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
| 5682690 | Chang | Nov 1997 | A |
| 5931797 | Tumey et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
| 6135116 | Vogel et al. | Oct 2000 | A |
| 6234987 | Chen | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6685661 | Peled | Feb 2004 | B2 |
| 6702768 | Mano et al. | Mar 2004 | B2 |
| 6893409 | Lina | May 2005 | B1 |
| 7282038 | Gillis et al. | Oct 2007 | B2 |
| 7395614 | Bailey, Sr. et al. | Jul 2008 | B1 |
| 7618382 | Vogel et al. | Nov 2009 | B2 |
| 20020133106 | Peled | Sep 2002 | A1 |
| 20030139255 | Lina | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20040064974 | Schuster | Apr 2004 | A1 |
| 20050126049 | Koenig | Jun 2005 | A1 |
| 20050187496 | Ho | Aug 2005 | A1 |
| 20080010851 | Avanzini | Jan 2008 | A1 |
| 20080066343 | Sanabria-Hernandez | Mar 2008 | A1 |
| 20080161734 | Blockton | Jul 2008 | A1 |
| 20110089725 | Shantha et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2004-526477 | Sep 2004 | JP |
| 2006-521879 | Sep 2006 | JP |
| 2003-0059973 | Jul 2003 | KR |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20110166480 A1 | Jul 2011 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61078847 | Jul 2008 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12499473 | Jul 2009 | US |
| Child | 13004754 | US |
