GB2557235A

GB2557235A - Modular knee block

Info

Publication number: GB2557235A
Application number: GB1620357.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Moore Stuart; John Wilson Andrew
Original assignee: Helping Hand Co Ledbury Ltd
Current assignee: Helping Hand Co Ledbury Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-30
Filing date: 2016-11-30
Publication date: 2018-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-30
Also published as: GB2557235B; GB201620357D0

Abstract

A modular knee block 10 for placing between the legs of a person when lying on a bed comprises first and second C-shaped leg supports 12, each support 12 having a medial support region 14, an anterior support region 16 and posterior support region 18 for supporting the medial, anterior and posterior sides of a person's thigh respectively. The modular knee block 10 also comprises releasable attachment means 20 for connecting the first and second leg supports 12 together, the attachment means 20 connecting the medial support regions 14. A similar device with at least two interchangeable spacers (62 figure 3, 82 figure 5), wherein the sides of the spacers (62,82) are disposed at different angles to one another for supporting the leg supports 12 to support a persons legs at the knee at an angle to one another, is claimed.

Description

(54) Title ofthe Invention: Modular knee block Abstract Title: MODULAR KNEE BLOCK (57) A modular knee block 10 for placing between the legs of a person when lying on a bed comprises first and second C-shaped leg supports 12, each support 12 having a medial support region 14, an anterior support region 16 and posterior support region 18 for supporting the medial, anterior and posterior sides of a person's thigh respectively. The modular knee block 10 also comprises releasable attachment means 20 for connecting the first and second leg supports 12 together, the attachment means 20 connecting the medial support regions 14. A similar device with at least two interchangeable spacers (62 figure 3, 82 figure 5), wherein the sides ofthe spacers (62,82) are disposed at different angles to one another for supporting the leg supports 12 to support a person’s legs at the knee at an angle to one another, is claimed.

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MODULAR KNEE BLOCK

The present invention relates to a modular knee block for maintaining a person’s posture when lying on their back or side.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Persons of impaired mobility frequently sustain longs periods of time in the same position, particularly when reclining in a bed. If the knees are not held in the correct relationship to the pelvis, the hip joint can be arranged in a position of strain. Extended periods of occupying such a position can cause body deformity. This can cause secondary respiratory, digestive and musculoskeletal problems.

This is especially likely to occur in children, as the hip joints are not fully formed, and their development may be altered by bad posture.

It is common for a user to occupy a supine or side-lying position when lying in a bed. In such a position, the knees of the user may be in sustained contact. Sustained skin on skin contact near the bony prominence of the knees may increase the risk of pressure sore formation.

If the leg joints of the user are retained in an inappropriate degree of flexion, contractures may develop. Surgery may be required to correct this.

It is known to provide fixed cushions or supports to be placed between the knees of a user to aid in avoiding these problems.

However, support for the legs during lying is a very individual preference, particularly with respect to the separation of the knees, degree of flexion of the knee joints and angle between the thighs. This can lead to user dissatisfaction with current fixed leg supports, as such supports cannot be adapted to the needs of the individual.

Additionally, as children grow up, body size and proportion changes, and their postural requirements also change. This can render a fixed knee support obsolete and require it to be replaced periodically as the postural requirements of the user continue to change. This is particularly pertinent to child users, who may grow rapidly.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate these problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular knee block for placing between the legs of a person when lying on a bed, the modular knee block comprising:

a first C-shaped leg support having a medial support region, an anterior support region and posterior support region for supporting the medial, anterior and posterior sides of the person’s thigh respectively;

a second C-shaped leg support having a medial support region, an anterior support region and posterior support region for supporting the medial, anterior and posterior sides of the person’s other thigh respectively;

releasable attachment means for connecting the first and second leg supports together, the attachment means connecting the medial support regions.

The medial support region of each leg support prevents the legs from coming together and maintains separation of the legs. Advantageously, this prevents the person from adopting a position of poor posture, which may have negative health implications such as body deformity. Particularly advantageously, the head of the femur is maintained in correct orientation relative to the acetabulum, preventing dislocation of the hip joint.

This prevents subluxation, which may result from hip misalignment.

A further advantage is achieved in that skin on skin contact at the bony prominence of the knees, which may lead to the development of pressure sores, is prevented.

Support of the leg at the thigh allows for bending of the knee. Advantageously, a posturally appropriate and comfortable degree of knee flexion may thus be accommodated.

The anterior and posterior support regions aid in retaining the leg within the leg support. This prevents the legs of the person from disengaging with the medial support region, for example as a result of movement during sleep.

The posterior support region additionally supports the leg from below while the person is supine.

The releasable attachment means hold the leg supports to one another, fixing the spacing between the leg supports by preventing the leg supports from becoming separated and moving apart.

The modular knee block may further comprise at least two interchangeable spacers adapted to be positioned and fastened between the first and second leg supports; each spacer being shaped to hold the first and second leg supports at a specific angle relative to one-another.

Each interchangeable spacer holds the leg supports at a specific relative angle. In turn, the leg supports hold the person’s legs at a corresponding angle to one another. Persons of different postural requirements and different preferences may thus be accommodated by providing a spacer to correspond to their requirement or preference.

The spacer may be shaped to hold the first and second leg supports apart a specific distance. This allows the legs of a person to be supported at a specific separation. Advantageously, persons of different size may thus be accommodated.

Each leg support may further comprise a leg restraint for holding a leg within the leg support. This prevents the leg from unintentionally disengaging with the leg support, for example because of movement during sleep.

The leg restraint may be a strap.

First and second side wedges may be provided for attaching to the lateral sides of the respective leg supports, each side wedge comprising a base surface for contacting the bed. The side wedges serve to increase the area of contact between the modular knee support and the bed. This makes it more difficult for the person to roll from a supine position. Advantageously this allows people for whom a supine position is medically preferred to be maintained in such a position, for example during sleep. This is particularly advantageous for children, who may lack the necessary self-control to maintain a supine position.

Each side wedge may abut against an anterior and posterior lateral edge of the leg support, which closes the side of the C-shaped opening through the leg support and provides lateral support, that is, it forms part of the leg restraint.

The strap may pass around and hold the side wedge to the leg support. The side wedge is then firmly held.

At least one spacer may be disposed beneath the leg supports for elevating the leg supports above the bed. Advantageously, this allows persons who require increased knee flexion for medical reasons, or who prefer it, to be supported in a position of increased knee flexion. Multiple such spacer units may be provided interchangeably or together.

The spacer may substantially have the form of a triangular prism. This allows the modular knee block to be supported at an angle to the bed by a first surface of the prism and the calves of the user to be supported at a different angle by a second surface of the prism. The angle of the triangular prism may be selected to provide an appropriate degree of flexion to the knees. A plurality of interchangeable spacer units having the form of a triangular prism may be provided in which the internal angles of the prism vary.

The releasable attachment means may be zips or portions of a hook and loop material, for example, Velcro (RTM).

An interchangeable liner may be provided within each leg support. The interchangeable liner may be made of a moisture wicking material.

Liners of different thickness may be provided. The liner lines the interior surface of the channel. The interchangeable liner allows users of different sized legs to be accommodated by reducing or increasing the size of the channel depending on whether a liner of greater or lesser thickness is selected. The liner also acts to wick away sweat from the leg. Advantageously, this prevents the skin microclimate from becoming too moist, which reduces the risk of pressure ulcer formation.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular knee block for placing between the legs of a person when lying on a bed, the modular knee block comprising:

a first leg support for supporting a person’s thigh;

a second leg support for supporting the person’s other thigh; and at least two interchangeable spacers adapted to be positioned and fastened between the first and second leg supports; sides of each spacer being disposed at different angles to one another for supporting the leg supports and a person’s legs at an angle to one another.

This allows the angle between a person’s legs to be determined by the angle between the sides of the interchangeable spacer. Advantageously, the postural requirements and preferences of the user can thus be specifically accommodated.

Multiple interchangeable spacers are provided having different angles between the sides. To set the angle between the person’s legs, an appropriate interchangeable spacer is selected and placed between the leg supports. This allows differing postural requirements and preferences to be conveniently accommodated by a single knee block, again obviating the need for expensive bespoke equipment or a large number of interchangeable knee blocks.

The spacer may be shaped to hold the first and second leg supports apart a specific distance. This allows the separation of a person’s legs to be determined by the separation of the sides of the spacer. Advantageously, persons of different size may thus be accommodated.

Multiple spacers are provided having different separations of the sides. To set the separation of the person’s legs, an appropriate interchangeable spacer is selected and placed between the leg supports. This allows persons of different size to be conveniently accommodated by a single knee block, again obviating the need for expensive bespoke equipment or a large number of interchangeable knee blocks.

The leg restraint may be a strap.

First and second side wedges may be provided for attaching to the lateral sides of the respective leg supports, each side wedge comprising a base surface for contacting the bed. The side wedges serve to increase the area of contact between the modular knee block and the bed. This makes it more difficult for the person to roll from a supine position. Advantageously this allows people for whom a supine position is medically preferred to be maintained in such a position, for example during sleep. This is particularly advantageous for children, who may lack the necessary self-control to maintain a supine position.

Each side wedge may abut against an anterior and posterior lateral edge of the leg support.

If a strap is provided on a leg support, the strap may be used to hold the side wedge to the leg support. The side wedge is then braced against the anterior and posterior lateral edge of the leg support.

At least one spacer may be disposed beneath the leg supports for elevating the leg supports above the bed. Advantageously, this allows persons who require increased knee flexion for medical reasons, or who prefer it, to be supported in a position of increased knee flexion. Multiple such spacer units may be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a modular knee block;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the modular knee block of figure 1, with a central spacer;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the modular knee block of figure 1, with an alternative central spacer;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the modular knee block of figure 1, with a pair of side wedges;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the modular knee block of figure 1, with a central spacer and a pair of side wedges; and

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the modular knee block of figure 5 with a lining in each channel and an angled spacer underneath the modular knee block.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a modular knee block is indicated generally at 10. The modular knee block comprises a pair of leg supports 12.

Each leg support 12 is substantially shaped as an oblong block having planar faces, with a longitudinal channel 11 provided in a lateral face of the block. The channel 11 extends all the way across a longitudinal extent of the lateral face. The channel forms a leg receiving area and the leg support is substantially C shaped when viewed from the side, that is, it is C shaped in the transverse anatomical plane.

The leg support includes a medial support region 14, an anterior support region 16 and a posterior support region 18. The medial support region 14 forms the vertical portion of the C, the anterior support region 16 forms the upper horizontal portion of the C, and the posterior support region 18 forms the lower horizontal portion of the C.

The anterior and posterior support regions 16, 18 are spaced apart by a distance large enough to accommodate the leg. The anterior and posterior support regions 16, 18 adjoin the medial support region 14. The anterior and posterior support regions 16, 18 each extend laterally from the medial support region 14 and terminate in a rectangular lateral face 12a, 12b.

The interior surface 12c of the channel is formed of an interior supporting surface of the medial support region 14, an interior supporting surface of the anterior support region 16, and an interior supporting surface of the posterior support region 18. The interior surfaces of the anterior support region 16 and the posterior support region 18 are substantially parallel. The interior surface 12c is smooth and concave.

The position of a leg of a person is determined by contact with the supporting surface of the medial support region 14.

In other words, when used by a person in a supine position, the anterior support region 16 overlies the posterior support region 18 and the medial support region 14 forms a vertical connection between them.

The anterior support region 16 and the posterior support region 18 have substantially the same thickness, although it will be appreciated that the anterior support region 16 acts primarily as a restraint and is less weight bearing.

The medial support region 14 also has an outer surface (not shown). The outer surface is substantially planar and rectangular. The outer surface of the medial support region 14 of one leg support 12 abuts the outer surface of the medial support region 14 of the other leg support 12 in contact.

The inner surface of the medial support region 14 is parallel to the outer surface of the medial support region 14.

The leg supports 12 are connected together with a zip fastener. One half 20 of the zip fastener is provided along the edge of the outer surface of the medial support region 14 of each leg support.

Each leg support 12 also includes a strap 22 for retaining a leg of the person. The strap 22 extends around three sides of the leg support 12. The strap 22 is attached at one end to an outer surface of the anterior support region 16, and is attached at the other end to an outer surface of the posterior support region 18, passing over the lateral side of the leg support. The strap 22 contacts the rectangular surfaces 12a and 12b and extends across the space therebetween. The strap 22 closes off the concavity 12c. The strap 22 has a clip fastener 24.

The leg supports 12 are formed of a resilient material. The resilient material is washable.

A second strap (not shown) is provided and is attached to the bed and extends around the modular knee block for preventing movement of the modular knee block relative to the bed.

Referring now to Figure 2, a second arrangement of a modular knee block is indicated generally at 50. The second arrangement is identical to the first arrangement with the addition of a spacer 52 centrally disposed between the leg supports 12.

The spacer 52 has the form of a rectangular prism. The spacer is sized so that its sides are flush with the sides of the leg support in use. The spacer 52 includes a pair of lateral rectangular sides (not shown). The lateral rectangular sides are parallel. Each rectangular side contacts the outer side of the medial support region 14 of a leg support 12. The leg supports 12 are held tightly against the lateral rectangular sides of the spacer 52.

Because the inner and outer sides of the medial support region 14 of each leg support 12 are parallel, the legs of the person are supported in a parallel arrangement when abutting the medial support region 14.

The spacer 52 is releasably connected to the leg supports 12 by a zip fastener. One half 54 of the zip fastener is provided along the edge of each lateral surface of the spacer.

Referring now to Figure 3, a third arrangement of a modular knee block is indicated generally at 60. The third arrangement is identical to the first arrangement with the addition of a spacer 62 centrally disposed between the leg supports 12.

The spacer 62 has the shape of a triangular prism. The spacer is sized so that its sides are flush with the sides of the leg support in use. The spacer 62 includes a pair of rectangular substantially lateral sides (not shown). The internal angle of the prism is in the range of 5 to 45 degrees, and is typically, for example, 10, 20 or 30 degrees.

Each rectangular side contacts the outer surface of the medial support region 14 of a leg support 12. The leg supports 12 are held relative to one another at the internal angle of the prism.

The spacer 62 is releasably connected to each leg support 12 by a zip fastener. One half 64 of each zip fastener is provided along the edge of each lateral surface of the spacer for engaging with the one half 20 of a zip fastener of a leg support.

Referring now to Figure 4, a fourth arrangement of a modular knee block is indicated generally at 70. The fourth arrangement is identical to the first arrangement with the addition of a first and second side wedge 72. Each side wedge 72 is attached to a lateral side of a leg support 12. The strap 22 of each leg support 12 extends around the respective side wedge 72.

Each side wedge 72 has the form of a tapered block, having a bottom surface for contacting a bed (not shown), a medial surface (not shown) for contacting a lateral surface 12a, 12b of a leg support 12, an anterior surface 72a and a lateral surface 72b. The anterior surface 72a is smaller in lateral extent than the bottom surface and the lateral surface 72b is slanted.

In use, the bottom surface of each side wedge 72 lies flat against the bed when the person is lying in a supine position. This increases the contact area between the modular knee block and the bed, making it more difficult for the person to roll from a supine position.

Each side wedge 72 also includes a cross strap 74 disposed on the lateral surface 72b of the side wedge 72. The cross strap 74 secures the central alignment of the strap 22 on the side wedge 72.

Referring now to Figure 5, a fifth arrangement of a modular knee block is indicated generally at 80. The fifth arrangement is identical to the fourth arrangement with the addition of a spacer 82 disposed centrally between the leg supports 12. The spacer 82 is identical to the spacer 52 of the second arrangement, except that it is larger, providing greater spacing between the leg supports 12, the rectangular lateral sides of the spacer being spaced further apart. As in the previous embodiment, zips 20, 84 hold the spacer 82 to the leg supports 12.

Referring now to figure 6, a sixth arrangement of a modular knee block is indicated generally at 90. An additional spacer 98 is provided beneath the modular knee block as shown in figure 5. The additional spacer 98 may be an angled spacer, having a lower surface for contacting a bed and first and second upper surfaces 92, 94, the upper surfaces 92, 94 being disposed at an angle to one another. The angled spacer 98 is substantially in the form of a triangular prism, with a central apex and the surfaces 92, 94 sloping downwards on either side away from the apex.

In use, the first upper surface 92 supports the modular knee block. The modular knee block is supported at an angle to the bed. The person reclines on the bed with their thighs within the channels 11 of the modular knee block. The lower legs of the person are supported by the second upper surface 94. The angle between the first and second upper surfaces 92, 94 determines the position and orientation of the leg supports. The position and orientation of the leg supports, particularly their height above the bed, determine the degree of flexion of the user’s knees.

A plurality of interchangeable angled spacers 98 may be provided, having different angles between their first and second upper surfaces 92, 94 for supporting knees at a variety of different degrees of flexion. An angled spacer may be selected from this plurality to satisfy the medical needs and/or personal preferences of the user.

A shelf or upstand 96 may be provided at the apex of the triangular prism. The upstand 96 is elongate and extends in a transverse direction along the line where the first and second upper surfaces 92, 94 meet. The upstand 96 is formed as a continuation of the second upper surface 94 beyond the first upper surface 92. The upstand 96 is elevated above the first upper surface 92.

When the modular knee block is supported by the first upper surface 92, the upstand 96 acts as a stop and retains the modular knee block in position by contacting a front edge of the modular knee block. This prevents the modular knee block from unintentionally being pushed onto the second upper surface 94.

A lining 100 is provided to cover the interior surface 12c. The lining 100 is made of a washable and moisture wieking material. The material of the lining 100 has thermoregulatory properties for regulating the temperature of the leg. The lining is releasably attached to the interior surface 12c.

A set of interchangeable linings 100 of different thicknesses is provided for supporting different sized users. A greater thickness of the lining 100 reduces the separation of the anterior and posterior internal faces of the leg support. This allows the anterior and posterior internal faces of each leg support to support the posterior and anterior sides of a thinner leg respectively via the lining. Likewise, a thinner lining 100 provides more space in the leg support for accommodating a larger leg.

In use, a suitable spacer 52, 62, 72, 82 is selected and the leg supports 12 are fastened to the spacer 52, 62, 72, 82 by engagement of the half zip 20 of each leg support 12 with a respective half zip 54, 64, 84 of the spacer 52, 62, 82.

A lining is selected from the set of interchangeable linings and inserted into the concavity 12c of each leg support. Each lining is selected so that the thickness of the lining reduces the size of the concavity 12c to conform to the person’s leg size. As the person grows, thinner linings are progressively substituted to accommodate the increased girth of the person’s legs.

The modular knee block is then placed on a bed with the posterior support region 18 contacting the bed. If an additional spacer is to be used, it is placed between the posterior support region 18 and the bed. If an angled spacer 98 is to be used, the knee block is placed on the first upper surface 92. The straps 22 are opened using the clip fastenings 24. Each leg of a supine person is then placed in a channel 11 of a leg support

12. Each leg contacts the inner face of the medial support region 14 of a leg support 12. This contact determines the separation and orientation of the legs.

If a supine position is desirable, a side wedge 72 is fastened to each leg support 12 using the strap 22. The medial surface of each side wedge is held tightly against the lateral surfaces of the respective leg support 12a, 12b. The strap passes under the cross strap 74 of the side wedge 72.

The straps 22 are then fastened using the clip fastenings 24.

To release the person from the modular knee block, the straps 22 are unfastened using the clip fastenings 24, the side wedges 72, if used, are removed, and the person’s legs are removed from the channels 11.

This embodiment and its various arrangements are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular knee block for placing between the legs of a person when lying on a bed, the modular knee block comprising:

a first C-shaped leg support having a medial support region, an anterior support region and posterior support region for supporting the medial, anterior and posterior sides of a person’s thigh respectively;

a second C-shaped leg support having a medial support region, an anterior support region and posterior support region for supporting the medial, anterior and posterior sides of a person’s thigh respectively;

2. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least two interchangeable spacers adapted to be positioned and fastened between the first and second leg supports; each spacer being shaped to hold the first and second leg supports at a specific angle relative to one-another.

3. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 2, in which the spacer is shaped to hold the first and second leg supports apart a specific distance.

4. A modular knee block as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each leg support further comprises a leg restraint for holding a leg within the leg support.

5. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 4, in which the leg restraint is a strap.

6. A modular knee block as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a first and second side wedge are provided for attaching to the lateral sides of the respective leg supports, each side wedge comprising a base surface for contacting the bed.

7. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 6, in which each side wedge abuts against an anterior and posterior lateral edge of the leg support.

8. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 when dependent upon claim 5, in which each side wedge is attached to a respective leg support by the strap.

9. A modular knee block as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one spacer disposed beneath the leg supports for elevating the leg supports above the bed.

10. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 9, in which the spacer substantially has the shape of a triangular prism.

11. A modular knee block as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the releasable attachment means are zips.

12. A modular knee block as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, in which the releasable attachment means are portions of a hook and loop material.

13. A modular knee block as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an interchangeable liner is provided within each leg support.

14. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 13, in which the interchangeable liner is made of a moisture wicking material.

15. A modular knee block for placing between the legs of a person when lying on a bed, the modular knee block comprising:

a first leg support for supporting a person’s thigh;

a second leg support for supporting the person’s other thigh; and at least two interchangeable spacers adapted to be positioned and fastened between the first and second leg supports; sides of each spacer being disposed at different angles to one another for supporting the leg supports to support a person’s legs at the knee at an angle to one another.

16. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 15, in which the sides of each spacer are disposed apart by a specific separation for holding the leg supports apart.

17. A modular knee block as claimed in either of claims 15 or 16, in which each leg support further comprises a leg restraint for holding a leg within the leg support.

18. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 17, in which the leg restraint is a strap.

19. A modular knee block as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18, in which a first and second side wedge are provided for attaching to the lateral sides of the leg support, each side wedge comprising a base surface for contacting the bed.

20. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 19, in which each side wedge abuts against an anterior and posterior lateral edge of a leg support.

21. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 when dependent upon claim 16, in which each side wedge is attached to a respective leg support by the strap.

22. A modular knee block as claimed in any of claims 15 to 21, further comprising at least one additional spacer disposed beneath the leg supports for elevating the leg supports above the bed.

23. A modular knee block as claimed in claim 22, in which the spacer substantially has the shape of a triangular prism.

24. A modular knee block as claimed in any of claims 15 to 22, in which the leg supports are fastened to the interchangeable spacer by zips.

25. A modular knee block as claimed in any of claims 15 to 22, in which the leg supports are fastened to the interchangeable spacer by portions of a hook and loop material.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1620357.2 Examiner: Mr Tom Harris