IE54636B1

IE54636B1 - Bandage for anomals and humans

Info

Publication number: IE54636B1
Application number: IE2283/83A
Authority: IE
Original assignee: Bonner F J Jun; Bonner Francis J Iii
Priority date: 1982-09-29
Filing date: 1983-09-28
Publication date: 1989-12-20
Also published as: DE3334929A1; SE8305320L; SE8305320D0; GB8325685D0; IE832283L; GB2127697B; GB2127697A; CA1208512A; AU1961683A; FR2533434A1

Abstract

A layer (14) of closed-cell foam polymeric material, which is partially absorbent and thermally insulating, is bonded to a thinner layer (18) of water-absorbent fabric, such as terry cloth, which is placed next to the body. An optional layer (16) may comprise woven nylon or spandex having longitudinal stretch, and protects the bandage from ambient heat. At each end fastening means (20, 22) may be attached.

Description

The therapeutic effects of locally-applied cold (cryotherapy) have been utilized by man for long periods of time. However, the mechanism of action has been poorly understood. Likewise, the use of compressive bandages has been known to control swelling and bleeding. All products currently available either rely on another device to apply compression with cold or fail to reach temperatures compatible with maximum therapeutic effects of cold, namely 0-8°C, with 6°C being the preferred temperature. An example of the former is an icepack applied with an elastic bandage. An exanple of the latter is a gel bandage, which relies on the latent heat of evaporation for skin cooling.

The present invention is directed to a solution of the problem of providing a means for applying cold to a body portion within a therapeutic range by way of an insulated, hygroscopic and protective material applied as bandage.

According to the present invention, a bandage for reducing pain comprises a layer of closed-cell foam polymeric material sandwiched between a* 2.

Preferably, the second fabric layer has a light colour, for reflecting heat and cold. The first layer is terry cloth, preferably.

According to an important preferred feature of the invention, the foam layer has an absorbency of substantially 5Ϊ. Also it is an advantageous feature if all the layers are stretchable in the lengthwise direction of the bandage.

Various other features and advantages of the present invention are set forth hereinafter.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, a form of bandage is shown in the drawings which 1s preferred at present, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a knee with one embodiment of the bandage of the present invention attached thereto; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bandage shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 2, but on an enlarged scale; Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the bandage of the present invention, for application to the user's back; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the bandage of the present invention, also for application to the user's back; Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in Figure 5, but on an enlarged scale; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the bandage of the present invention, for application to the user's shoulder; Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the end portion of the bandage shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment; Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a leg of an animal wearing the bandage of Figure 9; Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12-12 in Figure 11; Figure 13 is an elevational view of a packaged bandage. 3. .4 6.3 6 Referring in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, Figures 1 to 3 show a bandage in accordance with the present invention, designated generally as 10. In Figure 1, the bandage 10 is shown applied to a joint of a limb 12 such as a leg.

The bandage 10 is laminated and comprises a layer 14 of closed-cell foam polymeric material, sandwiched between and bonded to first and second layers of fabric 16 and 18. The foam layer 14 is substantially thicker than the layers 16 and 18. It is important that the layer 14 is a closed-cell layer, whereby its absorbency is only about 5%. The first fabric layer 16, which is the layer for making contact with the skin, is an absorbent layer of towelling fabric, such as terry cloth, having longitudinal stretch. The second fabric layer 18 is preferably a woven layer of *HNYLON or ‘"LYCRA, which is woven from Spandex fibres, having stretch in the longitudinal direction. The layer 18 preferably reflects . cold which tends to escape through the closed-cell layer 14 toward the terry cloth layer 16 and slows the tendency of the bandage 10 to warm to room temperature. The outer surface of the layer 18 reflects heat and similarly slows the warming of the bandage 10.

By way of example and not by way of limitation, preferred thicknesses for the layers 14, 16 and 18 are as follows: the layer 18 preferably has a thickness of 0.8 mm (1/32), the layer 14 preferably has a thickness of 5 nm (3/16) and the layer 16 preferably has a thickness of 1.6 mm (1/1611). The layers 16 and 18 are bonded to the layer 14, preferably by application of heat and pressure. While the layer 18 preferably has stretch in the longitudinal direction of the bandage 10, it may optionally have stretch in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

The bandage 10 has a strap 20 fixedly secured to one end in any convenient manner. The strap 20 can be releasably engaged with mating structure on the other end of the bandage 10, such as an element 22. In the preferred embodiment, the mating structure on the strap 20 and the element 22 are interengaging fibres of the type sold commercially under the name ‘"VELCRO.

The preferred manner of using the bandage of the present invention ‘NYLON, ‘LYCRA and VELCRO are Trade Marks. 4.

S463G for dealing with pain resulting from a condition such as chronic arthritis or an injury is as follows. The bandage 10 is dampened by contact with water. Only the layer 16 absorbs the water. The layer 14 only partially absorbs water. The bandage 10 is then placed in a refrigerator and cooled to a temperature in the range from 0° to 8°C, the optimum temperature being approximately 6°C. Thereafter, the bandage 10 is applied, i.e. to the knee joint shown in Figure 1, with sufficient tightness so as to apply pressure to the joint. Even though it contains ice crystals, the bandage 10 will conform to the area being treated and will impart a cold stimulus directly to that area.

The pressure stimulates the release of endorphins by the body which provides a therapeutic effect. Endorphins are released by the cold stimulus and by the application of pressure. The foam layer 14 is an insulator which minimizes heat transfer between the inner and outer surfaces of the bandage 10. The layer 18 is preferably a light or reflective colour, so as to reflect heat away from the bandage 10. The bandage 10 1s sufficiently pliable to conform anatomically to the joint and will conform better as it warms up. The bandage 10 gradually warms up to room temperature, after about 1/2 hour.

If desired, the bandage 10 can be applied on the back of a user, as shown in Figures 4 to 6. As shown in Figure 4, the bandage 10' is provided at its opposite ends with a transverse panel 24 of material of the kind sold under the Trademark "VELCRO. The panels 24 may be stitched or otherwise fastened to the bottom surface of the bandage 10'. Each panel 24 can be releasably engaged with an associated mating transverse panel 26 of further "VELCRO material stitched or otherwise fastened to the end of a strap 28a and the end of a strap 28b at one end thereof. A transverse panel 30 of "VELCRO material is also stitched or otherwise secured to the other end of the strap 28a. The transverse panel 30 can be releasably engaged with the bottom surface 32 of the strap 28b. Substantially the entire bottom surface 32 may be made of a material adapted to mate with and releasably engage the transverse VELCRO panel 30 so as to facilitate adjustment. Thus, the panel 30 may be releasably secured to a variety of locations along the bottom surface 32, according to the size of the area to be treated. Preferably, the strap 28a is made of an elastic material . which can be stretched to enable the panel 30 to be placed at selected locations along the bottom surface 32 of the strap 28b.

The bandage 10' has the laminate structure shown in Figure 3, the strap 20 not being included. In use, only the bandage 10' need be cooled, since it is the only portion which applies cold to the back. Thus, the bandage 10* may be disengaged from the straps 28a, 28b and then soaked and refrigerated as previously described. Thereafter, the bandage 10* is secured to the strap end panels 24 and the straps 28a and 28b are fastened about the area to be treated, so that the bandage 10* contacts the injured area with the desired pressure.

The bandage 10 can also be modified as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The bandage 10 has the laminate structure shown in Figure 3, the strap 20 not being included. A panel 34 of VELCRO material is secured by stitching or otherwise to the underside of the bandage 10. Mating structure in the form of a VELCRO panel 36 is secured by stitching or the like to the upper surface of the strap 28. This strap 28 is made of an elastic material, such as woven NYLON or LYCRA". A panel 30 of VELCRO material is secured to one end of the strap 28. A layer 32 made of a material which can mate with and releasably engage the VELCRO panel· 30 is secured to the bottom surface of the strap 28.

In use, the bandage 10 is removed from the strap 28 and then soaked and refrigerated as previously described. Thereafter, the bandage 10 is removed from the refrigerator and secured to the strap 28 by placing the bandage 10 over the straps such that panels 34 and 36 engage. The user places the bandage 10 on the injured area and wraps the strap 28 about the body, while securing the panel 30 to the mating layer 32 at a location conforming to the body size.

A further modification of the invention is shown in Figures 7 and 8, wherein a bandage 10' is used to treat a shoulder injury. The bandage ' is identical in structure to the bandage 10 shown in Figure 3, the strap 20 not being included.

Each end of the bandage 10' is provided with a transverse panel 38 secured by stitching or the like to the bottom surface of the bandage. 6.

The panel 38 is made of VELCRO material. Each panel 38 can be releasably engaged with mating structure in the form of a panel 40 secured by stitching or other suitable means to a body strap 42 preferably made of a non-elastic fabric material. Preferably, the strap 42 is stitched or otherwise secured to strap segments 44 and 46 at each end of the bandage 10'. The strap segments 44 and 46 are secured by stitching or other suitable means to opposite ends of the underside of each panel 40.

In use, the bandage 10' is removed from the panels 40 and then soaked and refrigerated as previously described. Thereafter, the bandage 101 is secured to one of the panels 40. The bandage 10' is then applied to the injured area of the shoulder requiring treatment and the strap 42 is wrapped about the user's chest and back and under the arm, so that the bandage can be secured to the free panel 40 at the injured area of the shoulder.

The bandage can be modified for application to other parts of the body. Thus, smaller bandages can be made for application to the ankle or wrist of a user. It is apparent that many modifications can be effected so that the bandage may be applied where needed.

In Figure 9 there is illustrated a bandage 50 designed primarily for use with animals, such as a horse. The bandage 50 Includes portions 52 and 54. The portion 52 is a lamination of a closed-cell foam layer 55 sandwiched between and bonded to fabric layers 56,58. The layers 56, 58 correspond to layers 16,18. While the layer 55 can be any closed-cell foam, it preferably is a commercially available closed-cell foam Neoprene or a blend such as EPT (ethylene-propylene-terpolymer) which have about 5% open cells for retaining moisture.

In Figures 11 and 12, the bandage 50 is shown applied to a leg of an animal, 60, beginning at an end 53 in overlapping fashion from the ankle to the knee. To assist in retaining the bandage 50 in place, the portion 54 is a layer of elastomeric non-absorbent material attached to one end of the portion 52. At a free end of the portion 54, a VELCRO or other fastener 62 is provided, while at the other end of the portion 54 and on the opposite surface a matable fastener 64 is provided. The same stitching 7. joins the portions 52,54 and the fastener 64. The side edges of the layers of the portion 52 and the free end 53 are preferably attached by overcast stitching 66.

Preferred dimensions for the bandage 50, for use on a leg of a horse are as follows. The bandage portion 52 has a width of 10 cm and a length ranging from about 100 cm to about 190 cm, with each of the layers thereof having a thickness as set forth above. The portion 54 is preferably a closed-cell Neoprene foam about 16 cm long, having the same width as the portion 52 and a thickness of 0.3 cm. The elasticity of portion 54 enables the portion 52 to be under compression when applied to a leg. The portion 54 has a length which is from 1/2 to 3/4 the circumference of the body part to be treated. The bandage 50 is otherwise the same as disclosed above in connection with the bandage 10.

In Figure 13, the bandage 50 is shown rolled up and disposed within a cylindrical casing 62. The casing 62 has top and bottom halves which are separable along a circumference slit 64, which extends for about 300° of the circumferenceof the casing 62, the remainder between the ends of the slit 64 being a hinge. The casing 62 is preferably a laminate of stretech fabric 66 bonded to a lining of closed-cell foam 68. The casing 62 helps to maintain the low temperature of the bandage subsequent to removal from a refrigerator and up to the time of its application.

The bandages of the present invention do not substantially impair mobility of an animal. Thus, the animal may move around, eat, etc., while endorphins are released due to the cold stimulus and pressure. No ointment is needed. The bandage is re-usable.

Each bandage disclosed herein may be used on humans or animals. Each bandage is preferably removed after 1 or 2 minutes, then stretched and then re-applied. Where cost is a factor and treatment is only desired for a period of 10 to 15 minutes, the second fabric layer, such as layers 18 and 58, need not be reflective. The bandages are preferably rendered damp by contact with water, so that the cooling step results in the formation of ice crystals. No ice crystals will be present if the bandage is dampened by contact with cold alcohol.

Claims

1. A bandage for reducing pain, comprising a layer of closed-cell foam polymeric material sandwiched between and bonded to first and second fabric layers each of substantially the same size as the layer of foam material,

2. A bandage in accordance with claim 1, wherein the second fabric layer 15 has a light colour, for reflecting heat and cold.

3. A bandage in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the first fabric layer is terry cloth.

4. A bandage 1n accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the foam layer has an absorbency of substantially

5. %. 20 5. A bandage in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein all the layers are stretchable in the lengthwise direction of the bandage. 5 the foam layer being substantially thicker than the fabric layers and having a substantially constant thickness along a substantial part of its length, the first fabric layer, for contact with a body portion when the bandage is in use, being absorbent of aqueous liquids and being the only absorbent layer, and means on the bandage for securing it in position so as

6. A bandage in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the securing means comprise fastening means at one end of the bandage and mating means at the opposite end for releasably engaging the fastening 25 means.

7. A bandage in accordance with claim 6, wherein the mating means comprise a strip of elastic material attached to the opposite end of the bandage and forming an extension thereof, the elastic strip carrying engagement means for releasably engaging the fastening means on the bandage 30 and having a width substantially equal to that of the bandage.

8. A bandage in accordance with claim 6 or 7, wherein the fastening and mating means comprise first and second pieces of material releasably secured to the respective ends of the bandage, mating structure located at both ends of each of the first and second pieces of material and discrete structure mating means at each end of the bandage for releasably engaging with the mating structure on one end of each of the first and second pieces of material, the mating structures on the other end of each of the first and second pieces of material being releasably engageable with one another.

9. A bandage in accordance with claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the fastening and mating means comprise a piece of material longer than the bandage and sufficiently long, in use, to encircle the body portion and apply pressure thereto. 9.

10. A bandage in accordance with any of claims 1 to 6, wherein means are provided for removably securing the bandage to the securing means. 10 to apply pressure to such body portion, whereby the absorbent layer may be first soaked with liquid, the bandage then being cooled to a temperature near but above the freezing temperature of the liquid and then being applied with the absorbent layer in contact with the body portion.

11. A bandage in accordance with claim 1, substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3^Figures 5 and 6, Figures 7 and 8, Figures 9 to 12 or Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings.