GB2235134A - Bandage applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

A bandage applicator (1) is formed by a flexible elongate plastics strap (2). The strap (2) has a pair of guides (4) at one end (3) which serve to locate the other end (18) of the strap in overlapping disposition in order that the strap (2) can be formed into a closed loop structure. At least each end of the strap (2) has fixing holes (12) provided which can be engaged by fixing plugs (13-Fig. 2 - not shown) to maintain the strap (2) in a closed loop disposition of a desired diameter. The strap (2) can have a thickened portion (7-Fig. 2) along the longitudinal axis thereof to strengthen the applicator. <IMAGE>

Description

BANDAGE APPLICATOR This invention relates to a bandage applicator particularly although not exclusively for the application of tubular bandages to limbs.

When applying tubular bandages to limbs, generally it is necessary for the bandage to be stretched over a foot, hand, hoof or the like so as not to disturb underlying dressings, to minimise movement of injured parts and/or to prevent soiling of the bandage. Thus it has been necessary to provide a number of different diameter applicators for use with different sized limbs.

A variable diameter applicator is described in UK Patent Application No. 2211740A, however with this applicator any expansion of the applicator is counteracted by the 'tightness' of the bandage extending around the exterior thereof. Whilst this arrangement works well in the context considered i.e. the application of horse bandages, it is not suitable for the application of human bandages which are generally of a less elastic nature and consequently less 'tight' and unable to prevent unwanted expansion of the applicator.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bandage applicator which is both quick and convenient to use and which overcomes the abovementioned problem.

According to the present invention therefore there is provided a bandage applicator comprising a strap member having two opposite ends thereto, said strap member being resiliently deformable and adapted at at least one end thereof whereby said two ends can be maintained in overlapping disposition thereby defining a closed loop structure and means for locating said ends in a selected such disposition whereby a transverse dimension of said structure is variable.

With this arrangement it is possible to provide a bandage applicator which is capable of variable dimensions and is both strong and simple and convenient to use.

Preferably said strap member is elongate and is of generally rectangular configuration. Said strap member may be formed from a plastics material and more particularly may comprise extruded clear polyvinylchloride (PVC). Said strap member may have at least one part of increased thickness to provide strength thereto and said one part may extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the strap member. Preferably two such parts are provided on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis and said parts may extend substantially the whole length of the strap member.

The adaptation at said at least one end may comprise one or more guide members, each said guide member being shaped to locate and retain an end of the strap member.

The or each guide member may be generally L-shaped having a first portion extending transversely to a surface of the strap member and a second portion extending parallel to, and spaced from, said surface. Preferably two such guide members are provided, one at each longitudinal edge of the strap member.

Said adjustment means may comprise two elements, a plurality of fixing holes in said strap member engageable by one or more fixing plugs. Said fixing holes may be provided generally along the longitudinal axis of the strap member and may be provided over the whole or a minor part of the length thereof. Said fixing plugs may comprise a lower tapered section which is adapted to engage said fixing holes thereby to secure said strap member in a desired configuration.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Fig. 1 shows one form of bandage applicator according to the invention; and Fig. 2 is a sectional side elevation of the bandage applicator of Fig. 1.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in Fig. 1 an applicator 1 for use in the application of tubular bandages to limbs.

The applicator 1 comprises a flexible elongate strap 2 formed by extrusion of transparent or translucent polyvinlychloride. At one end 3 of the strap, two guides 4 are provided extending along a minor part of opposite longitudinal edges 5, 6 of the strap 2.

The strap 2 has two thickened sections 7, as shown in Fig. 2, one on either side of a longitudinal axis thereof and which are equidistant therefrom. The thickened sections 7 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis and provide extra strength to the strap 2.

Each guide 4 comprises a generally L-shaped member having a first part 8 extending transversely to the surface 9 of the strap 2 and a second part 11 extending parallel to the surface 9 but spaced therefrom.

Holes 12 are provided spaced generally along the longitudinal axis of the strap 2 and these holes 12 may be provided along the entire length of the strap 2 or only a substantial part thereof. In both cases however a hole 12 is provided at each end of the strap. The purpose of the holes 12 will be described hereinafter.

One or more plugs 13 are also provided for a purpose also to be described hereinafter. The or each plug 13 comprises a solid or hollow structure having a generally cylindrical bottom section 14 which has side edges 16 which taper outwardly away from an enlarged cylindrical top section 17.

In use, as is shown clearly in Fig. 1, the elongate strap 2 is bent over itself such that it adopts a generally circular shape. The end 18 of the strap 2 is inserted into the space between the second part 9 of each guide 4 and the strap surface 9, as indicated by the arrows, and is inserted therein to a degree sufficient to align the hole 12 in one end 3 with a hole 12 in the other end 18. The bottom section 14 of a plug 13 is then inserted into the two aligned holes 12 to secure the applicator.

It will be appreciated that with the provision of a number of spaced holes 12 in at least one end 3, 1-8 of the strap 2, it is possible to vary the diameter of the applicator as desired or as appropriate. Each hole 12 may be suitably marked to indicate the size of bandage that can be accommodated if that particular hole 12 is used to fix the diameter of the applicator. Furthermore, the provision of the guides 4 has the further benefit of improving the stability of the structure by preventing any unwanted inward movement of the strap. It will also be readily apparent that the applicator can be quickly and conveniently dismantled and constructed by use of the plug 13 and hole 12 arrangement.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which are described by way of example only.

For example, whilst in the embodiment described plugs 13 are used to fix the ends 3, 18 relative to each other, it is also possible to provide one or more studs on the surface 9 of one end of the strap 2 which are engageable by the or each hole 12 on the other end of the strap 2. In place of the studs a press stud arrangement or Velcro (TM) fasteners can also be used if desired.

Furthermore, in order to increase the strength of the applicator yet further, it is possible to provide fixing holes 12 along each longitudinal edge 5, 6 of the strap 2.

Claims (16)

1. A bandage applicator comprising a strap member having two opposite ends thereto, said strap member being resiliently deformable and adapted at at least one end thereof whereby said two ends can be maintained in overlapping disposition thereby defining a closed loop structure and means for locating said ends in a selected such disposition whereby a transverse dimension of said structure is variable.

2. A bandage applicator according to claim 1, wherein said strap member is elongate and of generally rectangular configuration.

3. A bandage applicator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said strap member is formed from a plastics material.

4. A bandage applicator according to claim 3, wherein said strap member is formed from extruded clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

5. A bandage applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said strap member has at least one part of increased thickness to provide strength thereto.

6. A bandage applicator according to claim 5, wherein said at least one part extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the strap member.

7. A bandage applicator according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein two said parts are provided on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis.

8. A bandage applicator according to claim 7., wherein said parts extend substantially the whole length of the strap member.

9. A bandage applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said adaptation of said at least one end comprises one or more guide members, each said guide member being shaped to locate and retain an end of the strap member.

10. A bandage applicator according to claim 9, wherein the or each guide member is generally L-shaped having a first portion extending transversely to a surface of the strap member and a second portion extending parallel to, and spaced from, said surface.

11. A bandage applicator according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein two guide members are provided, one at each longitudinal edge of the strap member.

12. A bandage applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said locating means comprise two elements, a plurality of fixing holes in said strap member engageable by one or more fixing plugs.

13. A bandage applicator according to claim 12, wherein said fixing holes are provided generally along a longitudinal axis of the strap member.

14. A bandage applicator according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said fixing holes are provided over the whole of the length of the strap member.

15. A bandage applicator according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said fixing plugs comprise a lower tapered section which is adapted to engage said fixing holes thereby to secure said strap member in a desired configuration.

16. A bandage applicator substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.