GB2247839A

GB2247839A - Cushioned pad for surgical supports

Info

Publication number: GB2247839A
Application number: GB9117555A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dale Walton Briggs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-09-11
Filing date: 1991-08-14
Publication date: 1992-03-18
Also published as: GB9019870D0; GB9117555D0

Abstract

The pad, which is adapted to be attached to a surgical support such as a crutch, comprises a synthetic pile (for cushioning the region of contact between the support and its user) attached to a synthetic yarn (such as polyester yarn) that is air- and water-permeable. The pad may particularly be washable, non-toxic and non-irritant as well as stain and flame resistant and may be releasably attached to the support by means of Velcro (RTM). <IMAGE>

Description

Improvements Relating to Cushioned Supports This invention relates to a cushioned support or pad for use, particularly, though not exclusively, in combination with a crutch.

Individuals suffering from, leg or spine disorders are often rehabilitated with the aid of a walk support means such as a crutch. There are currently two types of crutches available the first, commonly known as the full length crutch, extends from the ground to the armpit of the user and is typically dispensed during the early stages of rehabilitation when an individual first begins to walk, or alternatively, the latter stages of a disease when an individual is loosing the ability to walk. The second sort of crutch, commonly known as a half length crutch, extends from the ground to the thigh of the user and is typically dispensed either, during the latter stages of recovery when an individual is less dependant upon a walk support, or alternatively, during the early stages of disability when an individual is just loosing the ability to walk unaided.It is specifically to the former of the two types of crutches that the invention is directed.

Full length crutches are, typically, positioned under the arm of a disabled user in order to support the weight of the individuals body and thus alleviate the weight supported by the legs. It is acknowledged that crutch supports are a useful means of providing an individual with a walking aid and thus a certain amount of independence during periods of illness. However, as a result of the contact pressure between the crutch and the under arm of the user pressure sores can develop, resulting in discomfort pain and even the need for further medical treatment.

Accordingly, it is the aim of the invention to provide a cushioned means wherein the contact pressure between the crutch and any other surgical support and the under arm of the user is overcome or at least reduced.

It is particularly important that a cushion pad in accordance with the invention meets a number of specific requirements in order that it may be used safely and repeatedly. Thus, the cushioned pad should possess the following characteristics: It should not be toxic, should not induce allergies or irritation, should not support bacterial growth, it should be flame resistant, it should resist permanent staining and soiling, it should allow free air circulation and drainage, it should be autoclavable, it should be machine washable, it should be tumble dryable, and it should provide a sufficiently bulky and resilient pad in order to cushion the effects of using a crutch. Each of the afore characteristics, whose advantages are obvious to those skilled in the art, are met by the cushion pad of the invention.

Accordingly, the invention provides a cushion pad adapted to be attached to a surgical support wherein the pad comprises a synthetic pile adapted to cushion the region of contact between the crutch and the user, the pile being attached to a synthetic yarn that is permeable to both air and water thus providing for ventilation and drainage. Preferably the cushion pad is releasably attached to the support region of the crutch.

Preferably the synthetic yarn comprises a double strength polyester yarn available under the code name BS4578 and sold in combination with a pile adapted in accordance with the invention under the trade mark VETBED. It will be noted that the material suitable for making a pad in accordance with the invention is also available under the trade mark MEDIPAD.

Preferably the cushion pad is autoclavable and machine washable.

Preferably the cushion pad is non alergic, non toxic and non irritant and will not support bacterial growth. Preferably further still the pad is flame resistant and stain resistant.

Preferably the pile height is at least 3/4 of an inch and most preferably the pile height is between 3/4 of an inch and 1 inch. Thus it can be seen that the pile has bulk and preferably the pile will have a feel like fur for maximum comfort.

It can therefore be seen that the pad is most suitably adapted for use where hygiene comfort and safety are of the utmost importance.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figure which shows a representation of a cushion pad in use with support member in the form of a crutch.

Referring now to the single figure, a full length crutch (1) which extends from the ground (2) to a height approximately equal to the under arm height of the user is provided with a hand bar (3) and footpads (4). The crutch further comprises a upper horizontal support region (5) which in use is located underneath the arm of the user. Support region (5) is commonly provided with an outer rubber padding (6) which, in practise, represents an inadequate means of cushioning the support (5). The invention thus provides a cushion pad (7) which is adapted to be preferably, releasably attached to the upper region of crutches (1) such that pad (7) overlies support region (5). Accordingly, pad (7) comprises a rectangular cushion with a front side (7a) and a rear side (7b) (not shown).Sides (7a) and (7b) are sealed, for example by conventional stitching, along relatively short sides (8a) and (8b) and along relatively long side (9a).

Thus it can be seen that the pad (7) is open along edge (9b).

Edge (9b) is provided with a releasable sealing means such as the sealing means sold under the trade mark VELCRO.

It can therefore be seen that the cushion pad (7) can be releasably attached to the upper end of the crutch in a quick and easy manner. Moreover, the fact that the pad is releasably attached to the crutch means that it can be removed for cleaning.

As can be seen from the figure the pile of the pad (7) is bulky and in accordance with the specification of the pad it is resilient and thus provides for adequate cushion means to safeguard against the development of pressure sores.

It will be readily understood that it is important that pad (7) is adapted for its purpose, thus the pad's non allergic, non toxic, non irritant, flame resistant, stain resistant, permeable, autoclavable, washable and antibacterial properties rendered it suitable for use in combination with a walk support means.

The fact that the cushion pad (7) is cleanable, more particularly autoclavable, means that if cushion pads (7) are dispensed on the National Health Service then after use, they can be returned to the appropriate authorities and thoroughly cleaned before being dispensed to other individuals. Thus the cushion pad (7) is hygienic and provides for continual and repeated use.

The invention has been described with reference to a crutch but it is to be understood that the pad may be adapted for use with any other support means.

Claims

1. A cushion pad adapted to be attached to a support region of a support means wherein the pad comprises a synthetic pile adapted to cushion the region of contact between the crutch and a user, the pile being attached to a synthetic yarn that is permeable to both air and water thus providing for ventilation and drainage.

2. A cushion pad according to Claim 1 wherein the synthetic yarn comprises a double strength polyester yarn.

3. A cushion pad according to Claim 2 wherein the yarn is coded BS4578.

4. A cushion pad according to Claim 1 wherein the pile is VETBED.

5. A cushion pad according to Claim 1 wherein the pile is MEDIPAD.

6. A cushion pad according to Claim 1 wherein the pile height is at least 3/4 of an inch.

7. A cushion pad according to Claim 6 wherein the pile height is between 3/4 of an inch and 1 inch.

8. A cushion pad according to any preceding claim wherein the cushion pad is releasably attachable to the crutch.

9. A cushion pad according to any preceding claim wherein the pad is autoclavable.

10. A cushion pad according to any preceding claim wherein the cushion pad is machine washable.

11. A cushion pad according to any preceding claim wherein the cushion pad is non-toxic.

12. A cushion pad according to any preceding claim wherein the cushion pad does not induce allergies or irritation.

13. A cushion pad according to any preceding claim wherein the cushion pad does not support bacterial growth.

14. A cushion pad according to any preceding claim wherein the cushion pad is flame resistant.

15. A cushion pad according to any preceding claim wherein the cushion pad is adapted to resist staining.