GB2318059A

GB2318059A - Leg-protecting cradle

Info

Publication number: GB2318059A
Application number: GB9620794A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pauline Butler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-10-05
Filing date: 1996-10-05
Publication date: 1998-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2016-10-05
Also published as: GB9620794D0; GB2318059B

Abstract

The cradle, which may be used for wounds or burns or to eliminate pressure on ulcers in the lower leg area, comprises a bulbous, rigid plastic cage 7 consisting of two halves for placing around the leg and joining together by means of overlapping fasteners 6. The cage also has top and bottom collars 5 which are lined with foam and topped with sheepskin. The design of the cradle is such that the bulbous lower part always stays away from the leg no matter how the patient lies or turns.

Description

LEG CRADLE This invention relates to a leg cradle for protecting and eliminating pressure to ulcers in the lower leg area. It may also be used for wounds and bums.

Leg ulcers are a common complaint of elderly people and others with poor circulation.

The most common site is the skin on the inside or back of the leg , just above the ankle. In elderly people they persist for many months,often years. To hasten healing the patient needs to encourage good blood circulation by resting with the leg raised.

However,because of the site of the ulcer, it is often impossible to raise the legs because it is too painful to rest the affected area (calt) on any surface. Moreover,the patient often can not sleep in bed without raising the knee, causing further detriment to the circulation resulting in cramping of the leg muscles.

This invention comprises of a rigid,lightweight plastic cage that forms a cradle for the affected leg to prevent the sore area from touching any surface.The cradle consists of two halves,one to be placed under the leg,the other to be placed on top and secured to one another with overlapping fastenings. The top collar fits around under the knee,the bottom collar fits around the ankle. Both collars are lined with a layer of foam and topped with a layer of sheepskin to prevent chafing.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the leg cradle with both halves in place; Figure 2 illustrates the two separate halves,one from a side view and the other from the front; Figure 3 shows the leg cradle in place on the leg of a patient; and Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the lining of the collars.

Referring to the drawing the cradle comprises a rigid and strong,yet light,smooth plastic cage 7 formed in two halves but joined by overlapping fastenings 6. When the two halves are joined together they form a collar 5 at the top and at the bottom of the cage 7 as shown in Fig 1.

The cradle can easily be opened as shown in Fig 2 and the bottom half placed under the patient's affected leg.The remaining half is then placed on top and joined by the overlapping fastenings 6 as in Fig 3.The only parts of the patient's leg now coming into contact with the bed are the thigh and the bottom of the cradle 8.

The mattress or footstool can now be raised to the desirable height leaving the ulcerated area well protected and bearing no pressure whatsoever. As the design of the cage 7 is open weave it will allow air to circulate around the affected area. The places that the cradle touches the leg 5 are well padded with foam 9 and topped with sheepskin 10 as shown in form of an exploded illustration in Fig 4.

The cradle can be made in various sizes to suit individual needs but the design is such that the bulbous lower half of the cradle always stays 8cm away from the leg no matter how the patient lays or tums.

Claims

A A bulbous, rigid lightweight plastic cage that forms a cradle for an affected leg to prevent the sore area from touching any surface. The cradle consists of two halves, one to be placed under the leg,the other to be placed on top and secured to one another with overlapping fastenings. The top collar fits around under the knee,the bottom collar fits around the ankle. Both collars are lined with a layer of foam and topped with a layer of sheepskin to prevent chafing.
2 A rigid plastic cage that forms a cradle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the design of the cage is of an open weave nature so as to allow air to circulate the affected leg.
3 A rigid plastic cage that forms a cradle as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the design is such that the bulbous lower half of the cradle always stays away from the leg no matter how the patient lays or tums.
4 A rigid plastic cage that forms a cradle substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 14 of the accompanying drawing.

4 A rigid plastic cage that forms a cradle substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawing.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS CLAIMS A A bulbous, rigid, yet lightweight plastic cage that forms a weight-bearing cradle allowing the affected limb contact with any surface, thus encouraging the patient to rest at an advantageous position for healing (on a raised bed or footstool) even though the wound is on the back of the leg.

The cradle consists of two halves, one to be placed under the leg,the other to be placed on top and secured to one another with overlapping fastenings. The top collar fits around under the knee,the bottom collar fits around the ankle. Both collars are lined with a layer of foam and topped with a layer of sheepskin to prevent chafing.

2 A rigid plastic cage that forms a cradle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the design of the cage is of an open weave nature so as to allow air to circulate the affected leg.

3 A rigid plastic cage that forms a cradle as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the design is such that the bulbous lower half of the cradle always stays away from the leg no matter how the patient lays or turns.