GB2514594A

GB2514594A - Medical device

Info

Publication number: GB2514594A
Application number: GB1309688.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Susan Grant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-30
Filing date: 2013-05-30
Publication date: 2014-12-03
Also published as: GB201309688D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical device for treating or ameliorating a hand- or foot-related medical condition. The device comprises a glove 4 or sock (22, see figure 2) configured to receive a users hand or foot, a mitt 9 surrounding the glove 4 or sock 22, and a space 11 disposed therebetween and containing temperature control means 10, 32 for modulating the temperature of the glove or sock to thereby treat or ameliorate the hand- or foot-related condition. The temperature control means may be a grain or seed, such as millet, rapeseed, canary seed, flax seed or wheat, or a polymer cooling crystal. The glove or sock may be made from cotton, silk, satin or polyester. The device containing seeds or grains may be placed in a microwave oven to heat the grain or seed, or in a freezer to cool the grain or seed. The device containing polymer crystals may be placed in water for a cooling effect.

Description

MEDICAL DEVICE

The invention relates to medical devices, and particularly, although not exclusively, to devices for treating injuries and common conditions or ailments suffered in or on the hands and/or feet. The invention extends to the use of the medical devices for treating such conditions, for example arthritis, tendonitis, Raynaud's disease, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, poor circulation and general hand/feet injuries.

Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis, the most common form being osteoaithritis (i.e. degenerative joint disease). Arthritis is often localised in the sufferer's hand or foot, and causes significant pain in the affected joints.

The pain from arthritis is due to the inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from disease, and daily wear. Tendonitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of a tendon, and is common in the upper and lower limbs, including the hands and feet.

Other hand and feet-related diseases include Raynaud's disease, which is a vasopastie disorder causing discoloration of the fingers and toes, and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which is a nerve disease causing pain or numbness in the distribution of the medican nerve due to its compression at the wrist in the carpal tunnel.

In view of the foregoing, there is clearly a need to provide a medical device for alleviating or treating pain caused by hand-and foot-related conditions.

Hence, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a medical device for treating or ameliorating a hand-or foot-related medical condition, the dcvicc comprising a glove or sock configured to receive a user's hand or foot, a mitt surrounding the g'ove or sock, and a space disposed therebetween and containing temperature control means for modifiating the temperature of the glove or sock to thereby treat or ameliorate the hand-or foot-related condition.

Advantageously, the medical device of the invention provides an effective means for naturally soothing or alleviating pain in either a hand or foot of the user, when either heated or cooled, depending on the condition being treated. For example, the device can be used to alleviate pain, or treat or ameliorate injuries, common conditions or ailments suffered in or on the hands and/or feet, inchiding arthritis, tendonitis, Raynaud's disease, injuries, carpal tunne' syndrome or poor circulation, etc.. The design of the device with the inner gthve or sock disposed inside the outer mitt allows the temperature control means to be evenly distributed around the thumb, finger and toe joints, and extending up to the wrist or ankle areas, thereby maximising the contact surface and therefore pain relief areas.

io Hence, according to a second aspect, there is provided the medical device of the first aspect, for use in treating or ameliorating a hand-or foot-related medical condition.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for treating or ameHorating a hand-or foot-related medical condition, the method comprising: (i) modulating the temperature of a medica' device according to the first aspect; and (ii) contacting the sock or glove of the device with a hand or foot of a user in need of such treatment.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of preparing the device of the first aspect for use, the method comprising modulating the temperature of the device, and manipulating the device to redistribute the temperature control means between a user's thumb, fingers or toes.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a pack comprising the medical device of the first aspect, and optionally instructions for use of the device.

Preferably, the pack comprises a receptacle in which the medical device is received.

In one embodiment, the medica' device is used to treat a foot-r&ated medica' condition, and so the device comprises an inner sock surrounded by the outer mitt. Preferably, the sock comprises an opening for receiving the user's big toe and one or more openings for receiving the user's other toes. Preferably, the sock comprises an opening for receiving each of the user's toes. Accordingly, the sock resembles a glove, in that each of the toes is individually contained with a sheath around which the temperature control means can be arranged. This increased the surface area of contact between the toe joints and the temperature contrifi means.

In a preferred embodiment, however, the device is used to treat a hand-related medical condition, and so the device comprises an inner glove surrounded by the outer mitt. Preferably, the glove comprises an opening for receiving the user's io thumb and one or more openings for receiving the user's fingers. Preferahly, the glove comprises an opening for receiving each of the user's fingers. It is therefore preferred that the device is used to treat arthritis, Raynaud's disease, carpal tunnel syndrome or poor circulation.

Preferably, the temperature control means comprises grain or seed. For examp'e, the temperature control means may be se'ected from a group consisting of miflet, rapeseed, canary seed, flax seed and wheat. In some embodiments, the temperature control means may comprise one or more type of seed or grain. For example, the temperature control means may comprise 50% wheat and o% flax, or alternatively 33% rapeseed, 33% flax, and 33% millet, and so on.

In one embodiment, the temperature control means is configured to be heated, preferably to above room temperature, i.e. above 21°C. Preferably, the temperature control means is configured to be heated to above 30°C, more preferably above 40°C, and even more preferably above 50°C. Preferably, the temperature control means is configured to be heated to below 70°C, more preferably below 6o°C, and even more preferably below ss°C. Preferably, the temperature control means is configured to be heated to 30-70°C, more preferably to 40-60°C, cven more preferably to 50-55°C. The temperature control means may be heated by microwave energy, for examp'e using a domestic microwave oven. When contacted with the user, the heat is suitably transferred from the device to the user's hand or foot.

In another embodiment, the temperature control means is arranged, in use, to be cooled, preferably to less than room temperature, i.e. less than 21°C. Preferably, the temperature control means is configured to be cooled to below i°C, more preferably below 10°C, even more preferably below 5°C, and most preferably below 0°C. Preferably, the temperature control means is configured to be cooled to above -io°C, and more preferahly above -°C, even more preferably above - 3°C. The temperature control means may be cooled by placing the device in a domestic fridge or freezer.

When contacted with the user, the cooling energy is suitably transferred from the device to the user's hand or foot. The temperature control means may comprise seed or grain. Examples of grain and seed which may be used in the cooling Jo embodiment are described above. However, preferably the temperature contr& means comprises cooling cryst&s, which are configured to cool down when contacted with water.

Suitably, at least 50%, preferably at least ôo%, more preferably at least 70%, and even more preferaNy at least 80%, and most preferably at least 90% of the vohime of the space between the g'ove or sock and mitt is filled with the temperature control means. Suitably, the temperature contr& means occupies less than 100%, preferably less than 98%, more preferably less than 95% of the volume of the space between the glove or sock and mitt. It is preferred that the temperature control means occupy about 50-95%, more preferably about 70-90% of the volume of the space.

Advantageously, this allows the temperature control means to be easily redistributed around the space after heating or cooling so that the user can ensure that there is an even distribution thereof to each joint area (i.e. from above, below and either side of the joints), thereby maximising pain relief.

Furthermore, it facilitates equalisation of the temperature throughout the mass of temperature control means, thereby reducing the risk of hotspots being created (when warmed), or ice "burn" occurring (when cooled), when the device is in use.

The glove or sock may be made of a material which dissipates heat, for examp'e to a user's hand or foot, when the device is in use, at a greater rate than that of the material of which the mitt is made. This ensures that the heat or cold is preferably dissipated towards the user's hand or foot in the glove or sock rather than away from their hand or foot and out of the mitt. For example, the glove or sock may comprise cotton, silk, satin, or polyester. Cotton is preferred. In embodiments where the device is cooled, the glove or sock may comprise a waterproof material, for examp'e latex or rubber. Such materia's prevent the user's hand or foot from getting wet. The mitt may comprise vehet, velour or suede.

Preferably, the device comprises guide means for guiding the correct orientation of the user's hand or foot into the glove or sock. For example, the guide means may be disposed on an outer surface of the mitt. In an embodiment where the io device is for treating hand-rethted conditions, and the device comprises an inner glove, the guide means preferably comprises indicia corresponding to the position in which either the thumb or little finger is disposed when worn by the user. Thus, the indicia may be disposed on the outer surface of the mitt, at a position which corresponds to the position of the thumb opening.

In an embodiment where the device is for treating foot-rethted conditions, and the device comprises an inner sock, the guide means preferably comprises indicia corresponding to the position in which either the big toe or little toe is disposed when worn by the user. Thus, the indicia may be disposed on the outer surface of the mitt, at a position which corresponds to the position of the big toe.

The maximum length of the medical device is preferably at least i5cm, more preferably at least 20cm, and even more preferably at least and most preferably at least 28cm. The maximum width of the device may be at least 8cm, preferably at least 10cm, more preferably at least i5cm.

Preferably, the device comprises a gathered section which, when the device is in use, corresponds to the user's wrist or ankle. Preferably, the width of the gathcrcd scction is css than the width of the section of the device which corresponds to the user's hand or foot. Thus, the width of the gathered section is preferably less than icm, preferably less than 10cm, and more preferably tess than 8cm.

Preferably, the device comprises a retaining means for securing the device to the user when their hand or foot is inserted therein. The retaining means may be disposed at least adjacent the gathered section, and preferably on the gathered the section. The retaining means may comprise a strap, which maybe elasticated. Preferably, the retaining means comprises fastening means, for examp'e one or more Velcro regions.

All of the features described herein (including accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. I0

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a medical device of the invention, which is used for treating hand-related compthints; and Figure 2 is a p'an view of a second embodiment of the medical device, which is used for treating foot-related pain.

Example

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there are shown two different embodiments of a medical device 2, which can be used to treat a wide range of hand-or foot-related medical conditions, such as arthritis, tendonitis, Raynaud's disease, injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and poor circulation. It will be appreciated however that this list of conditions is not exhaustive that the device 2 can be used to treat any kind of pain or condition stemming from a user's hand or foot.

The embodiment of the device 2 illustrated in Figure 1 is for treating hand- related pain, whereas the embodiment shown in Figure 2 is for treating foot-related conditions.

Referring first to Figure 1, the device 1 includes an inner hand-shaped opening or glove 4, which is designed to receive a user's who'e hand 14. The glove 4 is made of cotton or silk and inchides a thumb-shaped opening 6 and four openings 8 for receiving the user's fingers. The glove 4 is surrounded by an outer pouch or mitt 9 made of a soft velvet or velour material, which is attached thereto at a gathered wrist section 12, which is designed, in use, to correspond with the user's wrist.

The mutual spaced-apart arrangement of the inner glove 14 and outer mitt 9 defines a space 11 therebetween in which a plurality of microwaveable wheat grains 10 are disposed. The grains 10 are a mix of natural grain (e.g. 50% wheat and 50% millet), which has been developed to ensure that the device 2 warms to the correct temperatures in the least amount of time, and then retains the heat for as long as possible, and at a comfortable level. Other grains 10 that could be used are rapeseed, canary seed or flax seed, either alone or in combination.

For clarity, Figure 1 does not show a full complement of grains 10; instead it merely shows small groupings of grains 10 at various positions around the space ii. However, it shoffid be appreciated that the space 11 between the inner glove 4 and the outer mitt 9 contains enough grains 10 to be fully dispersed around the hand 14, and in between the thumb 6 and each of the fingers 8. Conversely, the space 11 is not completely filled with grains 10 so that the user can easily move the grains 10 around the space ii and in between the thumb 6 and fingers 8. As a is guide, the space 11 is filled to about 50-70% of its capacity with the grain 10.

To h&p the user correctly orientate and insert their hand 14 into the glove 4, the device 2 has a small label 20 (or a similar indicia) secured to the outer mitt 9 at a position which corresponds to the thumb opening 6. The gathered wrist section 12 ensures that the grains 10 are maintained around the hand 14 and fingers 8, and do not fall back to below the wrist. In addition, the device 2 also includes an elasticated wrist strap i6 attached to the wrist section 12. The strap 16 has two Velcro patches 18 attached thereto, by which the tightness of the strap 16 around the user's wrist can be adjusted.

In use, the user first places the device 2 on a clean microwaveable plate, and then heats it on full power (based on a 8o-iooo Watt microwave) for approximately 1 minute. The microwave energy is absorbed by the grains 10, which arc therefore heated up to an devated temperature of about 52°C.. In order to distribute the heat effectively, and to prevent any "hot spots" developing, the device 2 can be shaken during (e.g. about haff-way) through the heating period and before use. Once fully heated, the user than carefully checks the temperature of the grains to by touching the mitt 9 and glove 4 and, if not too hot, carefully inserts the hand 14 therein. This can easily be achieved by first locating the thumb label 20, and the appropriate finger openings 8 of the glove 4 inside the mitt 9, and then elevating the hand 14. This allows the grains 10 to fall down towards the wrist section 12, and helps the user to fully insert the hand 14 into the glove 14. The hand 14 is then lowered, and the user then wriggles the thumb 6 and fingers 8 inside the glove 4 and manipulates the heated grain 10 to work its way around the hand and between the fingers 8. The device 2 is then eft on the hand 14 for as long as necessary, until the pain has subsided or until the grains 10 have cooled down. The internal glove 4 provides a tight support and even distribution of the grain 10 to each joint area (i.e. from above, below and either side of the joints), thereby maximising pain relief.

Jo It is widely recognised and accepted that warmth eases pain and hàlps movement in musdes and joints, by increasing vasodilation and therefore blood flow to restricted areas. Accordingly, the device 2 is useful for treating a range of conditions which would benefit from such soothing heat treatment. However, it is also possible to use the device 2 to reduce swelling in joints and tendons by using the device 2 when it is cold, rather than warm (fofiowing microwaving).

App'ying the device 2 when c&d reduces pain and swelling by causing blood vesse's to vasoconstrict. To use the device 2 cold, it should first be p'aced inside a receptacle, such as a clean plastic bag or a pouch (not shown), and left in the freezer for at least an hour. The user then places their hand 14 in the device 2, as described above, and allows the cool soothing effect to act on the hand 14. It is highly unlikely that the user would get ice burns from using the device 2 when chilled. However, for safety, it is preferred that the device 2 is not used for more than 10 minutes at any one time.

Referring now to Figure 2, the second embodiment of the device 2 is shown. This embodiment is similar to that shown in Figure 1 in construction, except that it is designed to be used on a user's foot 24 instead of the hand 14. The device 2 includes an inner sock 22, which is shaped to receive a user's foot 24, and it inchidcs opcnings for receiving the big toc 26 and other toes 28. As with the first embodiment, the inner sock 22 is surrounded by an outer mitt 9, which is secured thereto at a gathered ankle section (not shown). To assist the user put the device 2 on their foot 24 in the correct orientation, a abel 30 corresponding to the position of the big toe 26 is provided on the outside of the mitt 9. The device 2 also includes an elasticated ankle strap (not shown) to secure in position on the foot 24.

The spaced apart arrangement of the inner sock 22 and the outer mitt 9 provides a space 11 in which microwaveable grains 10 maybe contained. As with the first embodiment, however, the device 2 can also be used cold, following a cooling period in a freezer. Accordingly, the sock 22 based device 2 can be used to treat foot-related ailments or conditions, when either hot or cold. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, instead of grain 10, the space 11 instead contains numerous tiny polymer cooling crystals 32 (available from N-nt co., ltd, #223- 427, Seoknam2-Dong, Seo-gu, Incheon City, Korea 404-825), which can also be used to cool down the device 2, but without the need for a freezer. To cool the io device 2, it is first immersed in cold water for 3-5 minutes until the high-tech p&ymer cryst&s 32 fully absorb the water and become "activated". It may be desirable to also place the activated crystals in a fridge for 30 minutes for an even grater cooling effect. The crystals 32 are made of a non-toxic crystal polymer which becomes cold, and has a long-lasting cooling effect. The user can is the insert their foot 24 into the device 2 and enjoy the soothing, cooling effect imparted by the crystals 32 thereon. It shou'd be appreciated that the coollng crystah 32 can be used instead of the grains loin either embodiment, for treating either foot or hand conditions.

Advantages of the device 2 reside in the effective manner in which it naturally soothes pain in either a hand or foot of a user. The device 2 can be used either hot/warm or cold/cool, to treat arthritis, tendonitis, Raynaud's disease, injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome or poor circulation, etc.. The design of the device 2, with the inner glove 4 or sock 22 disposed inside the outer mitt 9 allows the grain 10 or cooling crystals 32 to be evenly distributed around the thumb, finger and toe joints and right up to the wrist or ankle areas, maximising the contact surface and therefore pain relief areas. The device 2 is a cost-effective, natural home treatment, and is a registered Class 1 medical device with the Medicines & healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). It is convenient and easy to use, and one side fits all. It is provided with a pouch (not shown) for safe, clean and dry storage. -10-

Claims

Claims 1. A medical device for treating or ameliorating a hand-or foot-related medica' condition, the device comprising a g'ove or sock configured to receive a user's hand or foot, a mitt surrounding the g'ove or sock, and a space disposed therebetween and containing temperature control means for modulating the temperature of the glove or sock to thereby treat or ameliorate the hand-or foot-related condition.
2. A medical device according to claim 1, wherein the sock comprises an Jo opening for receiving the user's big toe and one or more openings for receiving the user's other toes.
3. A medical device according to either claim 1 or 2, wherein the sock comprises an opening for receiving each of the user's toes.
4. A medica' device according to claim 1, wherein the glove comprises an opening for receiving the user's thumb and one or more openings for receiving the user's fingers.
5. A medical device according to claim 4, wherein the glove comprises an opening for receiving each of the user's fingers.
6. A medical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature control means comprises grain or seed.
7. A medical device according to claim 6, wherein the temperature control means is selected from a group consisting of millet, rapeseed, canary seed, flax seed and wheat.
8. A medica' device according to any preceding c'aim, wherein the temperature control means is configured to be heated to above room temperature, or above 30°C, or above 40°C, or above 50°C.
9. A medical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature control means is arranged, in use, to be cooled to below i°C, or below 10°C, or below s°C, or below 0°C.-11 -
10. A medical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature control means comprises cooling crystals, which are configured to cool down when contacted with water.
ii. A medical device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the volume of the space between the glove or sock and mitt is filled with the temperature control means.
12. A medical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the io temperature control means occupies tess than ioo%, 98%, or 95% of the volume of the space between the g'ove or sock and mitt.
13. A medical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the glove or sock is made of a material which dissipates heat to a user's hand or foot, when the device is in use, at a greater rate than that of the material of which the mitt is made.
14. A medical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the glove or sock comprises cotton, silk, satin, or polyester.
15. A medical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the glove or sock comprises a waterproof material, for example latex or rubber.
16. A medical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the mitt comprises velvet, velour or suede.
17. A medical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises guide means for guiding the correct orientation of the user's hand or foot into the glove or sock.
18. A medica' device according to claim 17, wherein the guide means is disposed on an outer surface of the mitt.
19. A medical device according to either claim 17 or i8, wherein the guide means comprises indicia corresponding to the position in which either the thumb or little finger is disposed when the device is worn by the user, or wherein -12 -the guide means comprises indicia corresponding to the position in which either the big toe or little toe is disposed when the device is worn by the user.
20. A medical device according to any preceding cthim, wherein the device comprises a gathered section which, when the device is in use, corresponds to the user's wrist or ankle.
21. A medical device according to claim 20, wherein the width of the gathered section is less than the width of the section of the device which corresponds to io the user's hand or foot.
22. A medical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a retaining means for securing the device to the user when their hand or foot is inserted therein.
23. A medical device according to any one of claims 20-22, wherein the retaining means is disposed at east adjacent the gathered section, and preferably on the gathered the section.
24. A medical device according to either claim 22 or 23, wherein the retaining means comprises a strap.
25. A medical device according to any one of claims 22-24, wherein the retaining means comprises fastening means, for example one or more Velcro regions.
26. The medical device according to any preceding claim, for use in treating or ameliorating a hand-or foot-related medical condition.
27. The medica' device according to claim 26, for afleviating pain, or treating or ameliorating injuries, common conditions or ailments suffered in or on the hands and/or feet, including arthritis, tendonitis, Raynaud's disease, injuries, carpa tunnel syndrome or poor circulation, etc..
28. A method of preparing the device according to any one of claims 1-25 for use, the method comprising modulating the temperature of the device, and -13 -manipulating the device to redistribute the temperature control means between a user's thumb, fingers or toes.
29. A pack comprising the medic& device according to any one of daims 1-25, and optionally instructions for use of the device. I0