Enhanced Integrated Cold Therapy-Compression Therapy Assembly
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An advanced integrated cold therapy-compression therapy assembly that improves patient outcomes by enhancing coolant circulation, compression settings, and treatment protocols, while increasing user comfort and convenience.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's integrated cold therapy-compression therapy assembly had limitations in maintaining consistent coolant temperatures, reducing pressure drops, and accommodating varying patient needs. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing enhanced insulation, improved fluid dynamics, and adjustable compression settings.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a coolant reservoir with enhanced insulation to maintain a consistent temperature, a tubing bundle with improved fluid dynamics to reduce pressure drop, and a treatment pad with adjustable compression settings to accommodate varying patient needs. The assembly also features a built-in temperature control system, a compression component with adjustable pressure settings, and a microprocessor-controlled system to select and implement customized treatment protocols based on patient diagnosis, treatment history, and real-time patient feedback. The treatment pad is designed with a breathable, moisture-wicking material to reduce skin irritation and a soft, padded surface to reduce pressure points.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features such as enhanced insulation, improved fluid dynamics, and adjustable compression settings, which are not present in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the combination of these features to create a more efficient, effective, and patient-centric integrated cold therapy-compression therapy assembly.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the coolant reservoir design, such as using phase-change materials or vacuum insulation, or incorporating advanced sensors and feedback mechanisms to further optimize treatment protocols. Other variations could include using different materials or geometries for the treatment pad or compression component.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced integrated cold therapy-compression therapy assembly has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of physical therapy, sports medicine, and post-operative care. The target market includes hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, as well as individual healthcare professionals and athletes.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61H9/0092 |
| A | A61 | A61F7/0085 |
| A | A61 | A61F2007/0042 |
| A | A61 | A61F2007/0056 |
| A | A61 | A61H2201/0207 |
| A | A61 | A61H2201/0214 |
| A | A61 | A61H2201/0242 |
| A | A61 | A61H2201/5023 |
| A | A61 | A61H2201/5071 |
| A | A61 | A61H2205/102 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device design for therapeutic cold and compression treatment systems, focusing on integrated medical device technologies for patient care, with expertise in thermal management, fluid dynamics, and biomechanical interface design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in therapeutic device development, familiar with thermal transfer principles, fluid circulation techniques, and patient-centered medical device design
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's integrated cold therapy-compression system. The disclosed enhancements like adjustable compression, enhanced insulation, and microprocessor-controlled protocols are logical extensions of existing medical device design principles. These modifications represent routine optimization strategies that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve patient treatment effectiveness and comfort.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,491 |
|---|---|
| Title | Integrated cold therapy-compression therapy assembly and associated treatment protocols |
| Assignee(s) | Breg, Inc. |