GB2514314A

GB2514314A - Joint safe remedial and joint protector

Info

Publication number: GB2514314A
Application number: GB1300943.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Laurie Childs Mcbride
Original assignee: GRANTS MADE EASY
Current assignee: GRANTS MADE EASY
Priority date: 2013-01-18
Filing date: 2013-01-18
Publication date: 2014-11-26
Also published as: GB201300943D0

Abstract

A fully adjustable network of pocket bladders may be inflated and pressurized with air to support and protect joints or limbs or be used in different configurations to protect vulnerable parts of the body from impact, such as the knees, elbows and shins or head and neck, and may be worn under a helmet, or to provide stabilisation or impact control for medical and recreational applications, or to alleviate pressure from heavy loads such as in backpacks or body armour clothing, or cushion prosthetic limbs, or as a buoyancy aid for swimmers. A series of bladders (b) may be constructed from a durable and breathable plastic and pre-inflated or inflated manually or using a battery operated pump and held in place by adjustable straps (c) which may have hook and eye / loop fastenings. Internal press studs, sticky pads or glue may be used to reduce the inflatable volume of the bladders. The framework may incorporate a figure of eight inflatable connector (e).

Description

tM:;: INTELLECTUAL

PROPERTY OFFICE

Application No. 0B1300943.6 RTM Date:30 April 2013 The following terms are registered trademarks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Velcro (RTM) Intellectual Properly Office is an operaling name of Ihe Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk Patent Application For Joint Safe Remedial & Joint Protector

Background

The Joint Safe concept relates to a fully adjustable support mechanism for the protection of joints that are frail or impaired due to illness or injury. The system can also be used to protect vulnerable parts of the body from impact or alleviate pressure for prosthetic limbs or heavy clothing.

This product was developed after observing at first hand the courage of one elderly lady from Weymouth, who was left with no hip joint after surgery left no bone to re-attach. I was so touched by the courage of this frail old lady who despite being in tremendous pain -trusted me enough to apply remedial pressure to help alleviate her pain. She inspired me to leave my job and devote my time into researching a solution for the lack of movement or stability of joints following surgery or injury. This process highlighted the serious limitations of existing remedial equipment and techniques used in the treatment of both acute and chronic joint injuries. Contemporary equipment lacks flexibility in adapting to individual joint injuries, and is therefore often uncomfortable to wear and incapable of adapting effectively to any changes in the quality of the joint injury.

Furthermore, restrictions with conventional systems causes the skeleton to compensate by changing posture, this overworks stronger muscles and joints and creates deferred pain which hinders recovery as well as creating more pain for the sufferer. (E.g. knee injuries impact hip alignment and calf muscles which need to be corrected before work on the primary site can be undertaken) The bladder system also acts to keep tendons aligned, and by putting pressure on the motor neurone points, stimulates the nerves to activate the muscle to help trigger impaired muscle reactions.

The proposed bladder system supports the skeleton to ensure correct joint movement and eradicates deferred pain caused by poor posture. This will help speed up recovery times and reduce stress to the user.

Statement of invention

The Joint Safe concept, has been developed specifically to address these limitations. In principle it is a series of air filled pocket bladders attached to an adjustable strap which cradles the joint or area to be protected or supported. Adjusting the straps or the amount of air in the bladders, enables varying levels of support to be offered during injury rehabilitation, pain or wear management for static conditions, or the ultimate in joint stabilisation for sporting applications. Being fully adjustable in both size and support offered, the principle can be applied to many different joint problems, as well as providing comfortable cushioning and support to protect vulnerable areas.

The thing that is novel about the Joint Safe concept is the use of variable amounts of easily adjustable and powerful air pressure to protect and support damaged areas of the body. Air contained within a single or multi-bladder system to direct exactly the right level of protection and support to the sensitive areas surrounding a damaged joint at exactly the right time. For example while the user of the joint safe knee support is sitting down, they need to be able to bend the knee freely. The moment the user stands up, the Joint Safe variable bladder system provides firm support for the knee joint in the new standing position.

Although there are several protective shields, bands, sheaths and stockings for joint protection already on the market, Joint Safe's unique in being the only joint support that makes use of the easily adjustable and powerful pressure of air to protect and support damaged areas of the body..

Description

The bladders when applied to the joint, work in partnership with the human skeleton to support the existing muscles surrounding the joint -applying a constant pressure to cup, lift and hold the area in place, preventing restriction of movement which causes joint locking and cramps.

The bladders are designed to fit the contours of the body -the pressure exacted is the same as you would apply directly with your hand; this optimum pressure (approx. 2SOpsi) supports the joint and alleviates pain without causing numbness. Made from breathable materials, the bladders also take up minimal skin space so are optimised to reduce discomfort from sweating.

There are many configurations of this simple bladder system and these are detailed further on, but for the purposes of illustration, a specific Joint Safe prototype for use on the knee joint will be described in order to communicate the principles behind the whole range of proposed Joint Safe products.

See Figure 1 The Knee Joint Safe consists of a figure of 8 systems with a series of mini bladders running horizontally. The centrally located light plastic protective cradle (a) designed to surround and protect the kneecap itself. From each corner of this cradle extends one of four plastic adjustable straps (b).

Each strap is different and consists of several adjacent pocket shaped plastic bladders (c), which can be filled through valves with varying amounts of air to create an easily customisable protective and or supportive figure of eight cushion behind the knee joint. In this version, the I shaped strap is spaced with a figure of 8 inflated connector (e). Note air and comfort adjustments can be varied during use dependent upon need.

While deflated, the bladder straps are narrow and flat, and undetectable through clothing. Even when fully inflated the straps do not become overly bulky, but do provide a critical level of support for the knee joint.

The flexibility and breathability of the joint safe pads can be adjusted easily, and allows the skin to breath in order to avoid sensitive wear on tissue around a damaged joint; an innovation that until now has been unavailable in this area of medical care.

The bladders can be individually pre-programmed during the initial fitting of the appliance either by a medical technician or by the user themselves. This unique flexibility of fit provides each user with optimum levels of comfort and support, and allows therapeutic pressure to be applied to the areas around the joint where it will be of most positive benefit. The Joint Safe device can be re-programed as often as necessary.

The programming of individual bladders can make use of either simple or advanced technology. The simple inflation control system would consist of internal press studs or sticky pads to reduce the bladders potential inflatable volume. If glue were used in such a system this would create the opportunity for permanent bladder programming. Advanced programming solutions would involve the use of customisable air valve systems.

Inflation of the bladders would be carried out manually or electronically. The manual system would consist of a rubber hand pump located conveniently near the users' waist and connected to the joint safe inflatable straps by a single inflation tube. Electronic inflation capability using the small motor and battery system currently used in personal blood pressure monitoring kits would be built into the knee product itself. Inflation could then be activated through clothing via a small on/off button located on the knee unit.

The joint safe adjustable bladder principle can be configured in many ways to provide support to a very wide range of applications within medical, recreational or other market sectors. Each shares the ability to be adjusted to suit the individual user, or specific problem encountered. Here are some of the other configurations and examples of how they could be applied within a medical or recreational environment: 1) Figure of 8 bladder -to stabilise hinge joints such as knees and elbows Figure 1. shows a figure of 8 systems with a series of mini bladders running horizontally. The protective cradle (a) braces the knee, using the adjustable straps (b) for comfort and the air bladder (c) to adjust the amount of inflation pertinent to the level of injury or support needed from the system to the affected area. In this version, the I shaped strap is spaced with a figure of 8 inflated connector (e). Note air and comfort adjustments can be varied during use dependent upon need.

2) lioman II shaped strap with connected pocket bladders -for extra support * Figure 2-shows the II shaped system -the adjustable straps (b) and the air pocket bladders (c). This system can be used medically or recreationally to any hinge joint to stabilise and help prevent collapse during sport or remedial healthcare for illnesses such as MS or Parkinson's.

3) I shaped straps with connected pocket bladders -for extra support in movement or swimming * Figure 3-shows the I support system. This has adjustable straps (b),and pocket bladder bladders (c). They can be added to any item of clothing or equipment to reduce the weight load and rubbing on the body (ie backpacks or body armour). This system with its series of mini bladders can provide the necessary buoyancy needed for swimming whilst enabling maximum joint movement. It can also be used on pressure points to help stimulate muscles to enable ease of movement either assisted or self-propelled.

4) W shaped head & neck protector with sausage shaped pocket bladders * Figure 4-shows the head and neck protector -the adjustable straps (b) secure the sausage shaped bladder straps to the hard outer shell and the air bladder (c) is inflated to cushion the head and protect in collision. These fit within conventional hard outer shells. Can be used for recreation or construction industries 5) Figure of 8 pocket bladder impact protector * Figure 5 shows a joint impact protector -with a hard protective cradle (a) which sits in front of the joint and a doughnut shaped ring bladder (d) sits behind the cradle to protect the joint and cushion impact. The straps (b) adjust to fit and contain pocket air bladders (c) which are kept in place by running through guides (f) in the protective cradle. This enables free movement of the hinge joint, whilst providing maximum impact protection. Used on either the elbow or the knee, it will be lighter than conventional pad systems. The bladder will cup the muscles providing extra support during impact as well as preventing cramping during normal play. The air in the bladder system will be sufficient to disperse the kinetic energy from the impact. The straps can be adjusted with Velcro to fit. These figure of 8 straps can be interchanged for the standard I bar with 2 connecting straps, dependent upon the comfort and needs of the user.

* This protective pad is light weight and can be folded down to fit in a pocket when not in use -unlike conventional bulky systems.

6) Roman II pocket bladder -prosthetic protection * This bladder system compliments the pressure points by providing support in a figure of 8. The top strap (b) sits on the lower thigh, the middle on the cup and the bottom straps (bi) to the prosthetic. Once inflated the bladders (c) lift and cup in a natural holding position (up to 1.5"). This alleviates the rubbing and pain caused by bearing down on the limb. The lift provided by the air pressure also levels the pelvic bone reducing undue stress on the sciatic nerve and the ensuing pain that mal-alignment causes.

7) 2 x I Inflation pads on a II system with velcro adjustment straps -dynamic support * 2 of these I pads are added laterally to the basic II (see Figure 2) strap system. The extra pressure point inflation pads (g) sit on the pressure points above and below the back of the knee. They can be independently inflated via a discrete hand held bladder pump, to provide additional uplift within complex moves, or prevent buckling of the joint during high impact sports such as boarding. This prevents knee lock and protects against RSI.

8) Single I strips with connected pocket bladders -sprain, fractures or weakened limbs * These can be inflated independently or en-mass using an extended air feed tube.

The single adjustable I air pocket bladders (b) can be re-configured into a more dynamic system. Adjusted to fit using hook & eye connectors(c). They can be used singularly or in multiples connected together laterally to provide varying levels of support for weak areas due to injury (sprain, fracture) or illness (Parkinson's or MS).

A series of I strips can be joined together to provide varying levels of support to match the progressive nature of the weakness.

* This system can also be used to support similar problems in animals such as horses.

9) Ladder bladder system -shin guard cushion. For explosive sports -advanced shin guards * Ladder configuration of air filled pocket bladders (b) with adjustable fastenings (c).

Designed to fit within conventional hard plastic shin guards -to provide maximum comfort and cushion impact.

Claims

Claims 1) A fully adjustable pocket bladder framework to protect and support joints & vulnerable body parts. Adjustable straps use hook and eye fasteners to provide best fit. The basic pocket bladder system uses a durable, breathable plastic which is pre filled with air.
2) As in claim 1, but where the air contained within the pocket bladder support system can be adjusted using a hand inflated pump (b) to alter the amount of air in the bladders to vary the amount of support given by the system.
3) As in claim 1, but where the adjustable straps (a) have Velcro adjusters and the bladders are attached to neoprene to provide comfort and breathability.
4) As in claim 1, but where the inflation device (b) is powered by a small battery, similar to a blood pressure system as often as necessary.
5) As in claim 1, but where the inflation of the individual bladders can be restricted by internal press studs or sticky pads to reduce the bladders potential inflatable volume.
6) As in claims, but where glue is used instead of studs to enable permanent bladder programming.
7) As in claims, but where the air valve system is customisable.
8) As in claim 1, but where the pocket bladder is filled with some other inert gas or liquid.