Beds – Support means for discrete portion of user – useable with bed... – For lower body portions
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-13
2001-07-17
Trettel, Michael F. (Department: 3628)
Beds
Support means for discrete portion of user, useable with bed...
For lower body portions
C005S651000, C005S655500, C128S882000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06260221
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to medical and physical therapy apparatus, and more particularly relates to the apparatus for the treatment and prevention of decubitus, or pressure ulcers, specifically on the heel of the foot.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When individuals are injured, ill, or otherwise infirm, they are often subjected to relatively long periods of rest wherein the body maintains the substantially same position for relatively long periods of time. For example, if the individual is injured and confined to bed rest, the body will rest on the bed or mattress in the relatively same position and be supported by discreet portions of the body, including the heel of each foot. As a result of this sedentary position, the heels will continually rub against the bed or mattress and result in a pressure ulcer, sometimes referred to as a bedsore, or decubitus. If left untreated, such decubitus can present a serious health concern and subject the individual to substantial pain and discomfort.
As a result of the foregoing, a number of mechanisms and methods have been developed to limit the formation of such decubitus. If the patient is mobile or sufficiently healthy to allow it, he or she will be required to move about to a sufficient degree to avoid such formation. Alternatively, pillows or other impromptu elevation devices can be used to elevate the heel away from the mattress. In addition, still further devices, such as foam cushions, can be wrapped around the leg or placed below the leg to elevate the heel.
While such devices can temporarily elevate the heel, they often provide insufficient structure to prevent movement of the legs or contact of the heel with the mattress. For example, it is sometimes necessary for the legs of the individual to be immobilized in addition to being elevated. Moreover, the elevation and immobilization should advantageously be provided while still enabling the patient to reach a satisfactory level of comfort and to allow the apparatus to be readily cleaned and reused. Heretofore, no such apparatus has been provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a heel supporting medical apparatus adapted to elevate the heels of an individual to avoid formation of decubitus.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a heel supporting medical apparatus which not only elevates the heel of the individual, but substantially immobilizes the legs if necessary.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide such a heel supporting medical apparatus which provides the patient with an increased level of comfort.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a heel supporting medical apparatus which is adapted to operate in at least two modes, one for the prevention of decubitus formation, and another mode for treatment of individuals once pressure ulcers have formed.
In accordance with these objectives, it is a feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a heel protection device for treating and preventing formation of pressure ulcers on and having a base adapted to rest on a mattress or bed, a plurality of cushioned supports attached to the base and adapted to support the leg from various angles while supporting the heel, and having a cushioned heel support positioned directly below the elevated heel.
It is another feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide the aforementioned supports in the form of air cushions or mattresses which are able to be inflated and deflated through compressed air.
It is yet another feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a foldable bottom and two foldable sides which can be folded to be perpendicular to the center of the base to substantially surround the legs and, in cooperation with the air mattresses or cushions being inflated, secure or immobilize the legs while at the same time elevating the heels.
In accordance with these objectives and features, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided in the form of a heel protection device for treating and preventing formation of pressure ulcers and comprises a base, a first support on the base in order to support and elevate human legs from the knees to the ankles, a second support on the base proximate the second end and spaced from the first support, third and fourth supports proximate the first and second sides respectively, and a cushioned heel support on the base between the first and second supports and between the third and fourth supports. The base includes first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, and first and second sides defining a lateral axis. The second support is adapted to limit longitudinal movement of the feet, while the third and fourth supports are adapted to limit lateral and rotation movement of the legs.
These and other objectives and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Heelbo, Inc. brochure.
Bio Clinic brochure.
Gluskin Lawrence E.
Grabell Marc
Simms Barbara
Hewitt James M
Leydig Voit & Mayer Ltd
Trettel Michael F.
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