Bandage for relief and massage

Details Bandage for relief and massage Bandage for relief and massage

1997-12-09

2002-08-20

Brown, Michael A. (Department: 3764)

Surgery

Body protecting or restraining devices for patients or infants

Restrainers and immobilizers

C128S878000, C128S879000, C128S882000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06435187

ABSTRACT:

The invention relates to a massage and relief bandage device as stated in the introductory part of claim 1, for persons vulnerable to bedsores (decubitus ulcer), particularly patients in nursing homes, hospitals and in home care (terminal care).
BACKGROUND
Persons who are being immobilized in a bed or a wheelchair chair for long periods of time are vunerable to bedsores (decubitus ulcer) and similar sores due to unilateral and enduring pressure of limbs. Most vulnerable are the lumbar regions, the hips, the ankles, and the elbows, i.e. the parts of the body most exposed to pressure.
It has been proposed to use thick fibre mats, foam plastic, and other pressure distributing materials. A common disadvantage with such measures is enveloping the vulnerable area thus resulting in a temperature increase with the risk of sweat and moisture.
It is known to use small plastic spheres in cushions to avoid bedsores. It is known e.g. from U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,676 (Crane) to manufacture a cushion with several parallel chambers and with light plastic beads of preferably the same size and with a diameter from 0.5 to 3 mm. Additionally, this cushion is provided with a blower to create an air flow and keep the beads in motion. This solution is however expensive and creates significant hygene problems.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,657,003 (Wirtz) it is proposed to provide an immobilizing device to keep a joint, e.g. an elbow, restrained. In a bag, beads of preferably the same size and a diameter of over 5 mm, are provided. When the known bandaging bag is arranged and the joint is in its desired position, the air is evacuated to compact and lock the beads in position.
From German Offenlegungsschrift 2,408,726 (Dyson) it is known to use a combination of small beads and a fluidmedium to prevent bedsores.
From German Offenlegungsschrift 4,219,698 it is known to actively exert a pressure by using beads in a cover. In this case the purpose is to provide an active massage as part of therapeutical treatment.
Common to the prior art solutions of the bedsore problem, is the deficiency in addressing the most important issues, i.e. stimulating blood circulation and provision of air to the body and corresponding transfer of heat and sweat. The hygenic conditions have also been unsatisfactory.
OBJECTS
The main object of the invention is to provide a massage and relief bandage device which solves the problem of reducing pressure and demoisturing the skin. It should also stimulate blood circulation, to reduce the tendency for wounds to develop which is inherent in reduced blood circulation.
A particular object is to provide a massage and relief bandage device which permits access of air to that part of the body covered by the device. It should also be easy to clean.
A more particular object is to provide a massage and relief bandage device, which may be manufactured so as to be disposable.
THE INVENTION
The main advantage of this design is the contribution to stimulation of blood circulation in the areas of contact, without preventing access of air to the part of the body covered by the device.
Further features of the invention are stated in claims 2-8.
EXAMPLE


REFERENCES:
patent: 4128097 (1978-12-01), Bilinsky
patent: 4657003 (1987-04-01), Wirtz
patent: 4854314 (1989-08-01), Martin
patent: 4885811 (1989-12-01), Hayes
patent: 5662991 (1997-09-01), Smolik

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