GB2417207A

GB2417207A - Elevating arm sling

Info

Publication number: GB2417207A
Application number: GB0418310A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Julia Reeves
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-17
Filing date: 2004-08-17
Publication date: 2006-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-17
Also published as: GB2417207B; GB0418310D0

Abstract

An arm sling having a supporting trough suspended by supporting straps comprises one or more cords or tapes fitted internally within the trough 3,4 to enable the trough to be raised or lowered relative to the supporting straps. The cords or tape are secured by a cord adjuster [Figure 5] that may be covered by a detachable foam pad. The pad has two lengths of hook and loop fastener [7,8 Figure 6] and is secured to the sling by complimentary lengths of hook and loop fastener on the inner and outer surfaces of the trough 5,6. By securing the pad at one or more positions on the inner and outer fasteners, the length of the trough may be adjusted. The supporting straps 9,10 may be tied together or, alternatively, be provided with a strap length adjuster 12. The sling is preferably formed from two fabric panels sewn together.

Description

24 1 7207 Improved Arm-Sling This invention relates to a fitted arm-sling

capable of elevating the limb from the base of the sling.

Many slings have been invented that provide adequate support for the upper limb. I However, some injuries require that the limb rests in an elevated position.

Normally, this is achieved by encasing the limb in a sling and tying securely around the neck (fig: 1).

This puts pressure on the neck and restricts access and Disability of the hand to assess progress of recovery of the injury.

To overcome this, the present invention proposes elevating the limb from the base of the sling by using internally fitted cords or tapes and a cord adjuster.

By elevating the limb from the base of the sling, no pressure is put on the neck, the hand remains visible and adjustment can be made to any height to assist recovery of injured limb whilst remaining comfortable for the wearer (fig:2).

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 illustrates a limb tied in an elevated position by conventional methods.

Figure 2 shows an improved arm-sling according to the invention.

Figure 3 illustrates preferred positioning of cords or tapes.

Figure 4 shows preferred methods of securing straps and pad.

Figure 5 illustrates preferred cord adjuster.

Figure 6 shows preferred method of securing pad.

Figure 7 illustrates preferred shape of sling. l

Improved Arm-Sling The sling is first made by sewing two pieces of material A & B (fig:7) together using a double hem to make it reversible. Variable lengths of tape or cord can now be secured at points I & 2 (fig:3).

Hem the sling all round encasing the tape or cord securely in hems at front of sling ensuring trough end of hems are left open with both cords protruding 3 & 4 (fig:4).

Both cords can now be fitted into cord adjuster (fig:5).

Sew a variable length of velcro to inner and outer base of sling trough 5 & 6 (fig 4).

Attach pad (fig:6) preferrably made of soft foam and covered in same material as sling, with two attached velcro pads 7 & 8 (fig:6) to 5 & 6 (fig:4).

Place injured limb into sling trough extending the variable length strap 9 (fig:4) around neck to meet variable length strap 10 (fig:4). Secure by tying together I I (fig:3) or using a strap adjuster 12 (fig:4).

Adjust length of trough to fit limb by securing pad to preferred position along velcro fasteners 5 & 6 (fig:4) leaving point 13 (fig:4) open.

Adjust elevation of limb by pulling cords 3 & 4 (fig:4) through cord adjuster (fig:5) until desired height is attained (fig:2). Attach 13 (fig:4) to 6 (fig:4) to contain cord adjuster.

Claims

Claims 1 A fitted arm-sling that can elevate a limb from the base of the

sling by using internally fitted cords or tapes.
2 A fitted arm-sling according to claim 1, in which a detachable pad is fitted at base of sling to cover cord adjuster and protect limb from pressure.
3 A fitted arm-sling according to claim 2, in which the detachable pad is attached via a hook and loop fastener arrangement to points on both the inner and outer surfaces of the trough thereby allowing the trough to be adjusted to a desired length.

3 A fitted arm-sling according to claim 2, in which the detachable pad can be fixed at more than one point along base of sling to adjust length of trough. -id

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims I A fitted armsling having an open-ended arm supporting trough; supporting straps for suspending the trough from the neck of a patient; and draw cords or tapes fitted within a seam at the open end of the trough and arranged such that they may be used to raise or lower the trough relative to the supporting straps.

A fitted arm-sling according to claim 1, in which the cords or tapes of the sling are provided with a cord adjuster, with the base of the sling receiving a detachable pad that covers the cord adjuster and protects the supported limb from pressure.