WO2015166220A1 - A waterproof protective cover for an orthopaedic cast - Google Patents

A waterproof protective cover for an orthopaedic cast Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015166220A1
WO2015166220A1 PCT/GB2015/051216 GB2015051216W WO2015166220A1 WO 2015166220 A1 WO2015166220 A1 WO 2015166220A1 GB 2015051216 W GB2015051216 W GB 2015051216W WO 2015166220 A1 WO2015166220 A1 WO 2015166220A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
waterproof cover
envelope
cover
cut
waterproof
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2015/051216
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Joanna DONOVAN WINSLADE
Original Assignee
Qol Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Qol Limited filed Critical Qol Limited
Priority to GB1617565.5A priority Critical patent/GB2539155A/en
Publication of WO2015166220A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015166220A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/06—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads specially adapted for feet or legs; Corn-pads; Corn-rings
    • A61F13/064—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads specially adapted for feet or legs; Corn-pads; Corn-rings for feet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F15/00—Auxiliary appliances for wound dressings; Dispensing containers for dressings or bandages
    • A61F15/004—Bandage protectors

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a waterproof protective cover for protecting limbs with orthopaedic casts, bandages, stitches, and wounds etc.
  • Orthopaedic casts comprise a soft inner layer of padding material, which is surrounded by a rigid outer layer of plaster of paris or a synthetic material.
  • a problem of orthopaedic casts is that it is undesirable to allow water to come into contact with the cast and to saturate the inner layer of padding material: it will be appreciated that the inner layer is absorbent and the outer layer prevents the inner layer from drying, with the result that the patient's skin suffers prolonged exposure to stale water and can degrade and become infected.
  • Another problem with allowing water to come into contact with an orthopaedic cast is that the water may soften the outer rigid layer, which then undesirably allows the limb to move inside the cast or causes the cast to disintegrate altogether.
  • a waterproof cover for an orthopaedic cast comprising an envelope having a pair of walls of a resiliently flexible waterproof material which are interconnected around their periphery to define a compartment for receiving the cast to be protected, the cover further comprising a cut-out formed in a portion of the edge of the envelope to define an opening into the compartment.
  • a patient inserts the portion of their body bearing and the cast through the opening until the cast is completely contained within the compartment.
  • the cut-out is dimensioned to stretch and fit tightly around the projecting part of the patient's body and thereby provides an extremely effective seal against the ingress of water.
  • the cover is a one-piece unitary member and is simple and inexpensive in construction.
  • the cut-out is formed in a portion of the edge which is substantially straight.
  • the walls of the envelope may be sealed together by bonding, welding or heat sealing.
  • the walls of the envelope are formed of a single sheet of resiliently flexible waterproof material which is folded and interconnected around its free edge(s).
  • the resiliently flexible waterproof material comprises an elastomeric material, such as poly (styrene ethylene-butyl, styrene) elastomer.
  • an elastomeric material such as poly (styrene ethylene-butyl, styrene) elastomer.
  • the elastomeric material has anti-microbial properties and is preferably latex-free.
  • the portion of the edge in which the cut-out is provided comprises the fold which interconnects the walls of the envelope. The prevision of the cut out in the fold prevents any risk of the material tearing along the line where the walls are interconnected. Also, it helps to avoid any risk that water may enter the envelope along a sealed line.
  • the cut out is disposed intermediate opposite ends of said edge portion of the envelope.
  • said edge portion comprises portions of the walls which bound the cut out. In use, these wall portions form a tubular collar which extends around the projecting part of the patient's body.
  • the envelope is elongate, said cut out being formed in an end edge thereof.
  • the cut out comprises overlying portions of the respective walls which are identical in shape.
  • the cut out is hemispherical, such that the opening into the envelope is substantially circular.
  • the envelope may comprise a pair of cut outs, preferably at opposite ends of the envelope so that the device can be used to protect parts of limbs such as knees and elbows.
  • Figure 1 is a front view of a waterproof cover in accordance with the present invention for an orthopaedic cast
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view along the line ll-ll of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the cover when in use.
  • the cover comprises an envelope 10 formed of a single sheet of elastomeric material, such as poly (styrene ethylene-butyl, styrene) elastomer.
  • the envelope 10 is formed by folding the sheet into two along the line L-L such that the folded portions of the sheet come into face-to-face registration, whereupon the folded sheet is fed into a cutting and sealing apparatus.
  • the folded sheet of material is fed into the apparatus in an orientation, such that the folded edge travels longitudinally of itself.
  • the apparatus is arranged to cut the sheets of material into successive envelopes of the required shape and to form a seal 14 around the cut edge.
  • the apparatus is also arranged to form a hemispherical cut out 16 in the folded edge 13.
  • the cut out 16 is formed intermediate opposite ends of the folded edge 13, with substantial regions of material being disposed on opposite sides of the cut out 16 between the cut out 16 and respective ends of the seal 14.
  • the envelope 10 thus defines an impermeable compartment 15 which is bounded by front and rear walls 1 1 , 12 of the sheet material, the cut out 16 forming a circular opening into the compartment 15.
  • a patient in use enlarges the opening defined by the cut out 16 by stretching the material until the opening is sufficient to allow their leg cast 21 to be inserted into the compartment 15 through the opening. Once the cast 21 is fully contained within the compartment 15, the opening recovers its shape and forms a good seal 22 around the patient's leg 20.
  • the seal 22 is arranged to form a collar which extends axially of the leg 20 so as to provide an extensive seal.
  • the cover can be used to protect limbs with bandages, stitches, and wounds etc. It will also be appreciated that the cover can be used to protect arms, legs, knees, elbows, hands, wrists and feet.
  • a cover in accordance with the present invention is simple and inexpensive in construction, yet provides an extremely reliable seal to prevent the ingress of water into the compartment.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Abstract

A waterproof protective cover for protecting limbs (20) with orthopaedic casts (21), bandages, stitches, and wounds etc. comprises envelope (10) of resiliently flexible sheet material which is folded along one edge 13 to form a pair of walls (11, 12) which are interconnected around their periphery by a seal (14) to define a compartment (15) for receiving the limb 20 to be protected. A cut-out (16) is formed in the folded edge (13) to define an opening into the compartment (15) through which the limb (20) can be inserted. The cut-out 16 is dimensioned to stretch and fit tightly around the projecting part of the limb (20) and thereby provides an extremely effective seal against the ingress of water. The cover is a one-piece unitary member and is simple and inexpensive in construction.

Description

A WATERPROOF PROTECTIVE COVER FOR AN ORTHOPAEDIC CAST
This invention relates to a waterproof protective cover for protecting limbs with orthopaedic casts, bandages, stitches, and wounds etc.
It is well known to treat orthopaedic conditions of the limb, such as a limb bone fracture, by fitting a cast around the limb which stabilises and holds the limb until healing occurs.
Orthopaedic casts comprise a soft inner layer of padding material, which is surrounded by a rigid outer layer of plaster of paris or a synthetic material. A problem of orthopaedic casts is that it is undesirable to allow water to come into contact with the cast and to saturate the inner layer of padding material: it will be appreciated that the inner layer is absorbent and the outer layer prevents the inner layer from drying, with the result that the patient's skin suffers prolonged exposure to stale water and can degrade and become infected. Another problem with allowing water to come into contact with an orthopaedic cast is that the water may soften the outer rigid layer, which then undesirably allows the limb to move inside the cast or causes the cast to disintegrate altogether.
It is well known to provide waterproof protective covers for orthopaedic casts, which can be worn when bathing, showering or swimming to prevent the cast from getting wet. One such cover is disclosed in US4363317 and comprises an elongate tubular member of waterproof material which is sealed at one end. An elasticated strap is provided at the opposite end. In use, a patient inserts their limb though the open end of the tubular member, whereupon the strap is tightened around the limb to hold the cover in-situ and to prevent the ingress of water. Such covers are complicated and expensive in construction and the adjustable strap provides an ineffective seal which undesirably allows water to enter the cover.
We have now devised an improved waterproof protective cover for an orthopaedic cast.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a waterproof cover for an orthopaedic cast, the cover comprising an envelope having a pair of walls of a resiliently flexible waterproof material which are interconnected around their periphery to define a compartment for receiving the cast to be protected, the cover further comprising a cut-out formed in a portion of the edge of the envelope to define an opening into the compartment.
In use, a patient inserts the portion of their body bearing and the cast through the opening until the cast is completely contained within the compartment. The cut-out is dimensioned to stretch and fit tightly around the projecting part of the patient's body and thereby provides an extremely effective seal against the ingress of water. The cover is a one-piece unitary member and is simple and inexpensive in construction. Preferably, the cut-out is formed in a portion of the edge which is substantially straight.
The walls of the envelope may be sealed together by bonding, welding or heat sealing.
Preferably the walls of the envelope are formed of a single sheet of resiliently flexible waterproof material which is folded and interconnected around its free edge(s).
Preferably the resiliently flexible waterproof material comprises an elastomeric material, such as poly (styrene ethylene-butyl, styrene) elastomer.
Preferably the elastomeric material has anti-microbial properties and is preferably latex-free. Preferably the portion of the edge in which the cut-out is provided comprises the fold which interconnects the walls of the envelope. The prevision of the cut out in the fold prevents any risk of the material tearing along the line where the walls are interconnected. Also, it helps to avoid any risk that water may enter the envelope along a sealed line.
Preferably the cut out is disposed intermediate opposite ends of said edge portion of the envelope. Preferably said edge portion comprises portions of the walls which bound the cut out. In use, these wall portions form a tubular collar which extends around the projecting part of the patient's body. Preferably the envelope is elongate, said cut out being formed in an end edge thereof.
Preferably the cut out comprises overlying portions of the respective walls which are identical in shape.
Preferably the cut out is hemispherical, such that the opening into the envelope is substantially circular.
The envelope may comprise a pair of cut outs, preferably at opposite ends of the envelope so that the device can be used to protect parts of limbs such as knees and elbows.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of an example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front view of a waterproof cover in accordance with the present invention for an orthopaedic cast;
Figure 2 is a sectional view along the line ll-ll of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the cover when in use.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a waterproof cover for an orthopaedic foot cast. The cover comprises an envelope 10 formed of a single sheet of elastomeric material, such as poly (styrene ethylene-butyl, styrene) elastomer. The envelope 10 is formed by folding the sheet into two along the line L-L such that the folded portions of the sheet come into face-to-face registration, whereupon the folded sheet is fed into a cutting and sealing apparatus. The folded sheet of material is fed into the apparatus in an orientation, such that the folded edge travels longitudinally of itself. The apparatus is arranged to cut the sheets of material into successive envelopes of the required shape and to form a seal 14 around the cut edge.
The apparatus is also arranged to form a hemispherical cut out 16 in the folded edge 13. The cut out 16 is formed intermediate opposite ends of the folded edge 13, with substantial regions of material being disposed on opposite sides of the cut out 16 between the cut out 16 and respective ends of the seal 14.
The envelope 10 thus defines an impermeable compartment 15 which is bounded by front and rear walls 1 1 , 12 of the sheet material, the cut out 16 forming a circular opening into the compartment 15.
Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, in use a patient enlarges the opening defined by the cut out 16 by stretching the material until the opening is sufficient to allow their leg cast 21 to be inserted into the compartment 15 through the opening. Once the cast 21 is fully contained within the compartment 15, the opening recovers its shape and forms a good seal 22 around the patient's leg 20. The seal 22 is arranged to form a collar which extends axially of the leg 20 so as to provide an extensive seal. When bathing or swimming, air is expelled out of the compartment by virtue of the water pressure, with the air escaping though the opening which acts as a form of valve.
Whilst the invention has been defined in terms of a waterproof cover for an orthopaedic cast, it will be appreciated that the cover can be used to protect limbs with bandages, stitches, and wounds etc. It will also be appreciated that the cover can be used to protect arms, legs, knees, elbows, hands, wrists and feet.
A cover in accordance with the present invention is simple and inexpensive in construction, yet provides an extremely reliable seal to prevent the ingress of water into the compartment.

Claims

1. A waterproof cover for an orthopaedic cast, the cover comprising an envelope having a pair of walls of a resiliently flexible waterproof material which are interconnected around their periphery to define a compartment for receiving the cast to be protected, the cover further comprising a cut-out formed in a portion of the edge of the envelope to define an opening into the compartment.
A waterproof cover as claimed in claim 1 , which is a one-piece unitary member formed of a single sheet of flexible waterproof material.
A waterproof cover as claimed in claims 1 or 2, in which the cut-out is formed in a portion of the edge which is substantially straight.
A waterproof cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the walls of the envelope are sealed together by bonding, welding or heat sealing.
A waterproof cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the walls of the envelope are formed of a single sheet of resiliently flexible waterproof material which is folded and interconnected around its free edge(s).
A waterproof cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the resiliently flexible waterproof material comprises an elastomeric material.
A waterproof cover as claimed in claim 6, in which the resiliently flexible waterproof material
A waterproof cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the elastomeric material has anti-microbial properties
9. A waterproof cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the elastomeric material is latex-free.
A waterproof cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the portion of the edge in which the cut-out is provided comprises the fold which interconnects the walls of the envelope.
. A waterproof cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cut out is disposed intermediate opposite ends of said edge portion of the envelope.
12. A waterproof cover as claimed in claim 1 1 , in which said edge portion comprises portions of the walls which bound the cut out.
13. A waterproof cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the envelope is elongate, said cut out being formed in an end edge thereof.
A waterproof cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cut out comprises overlying portions of the respective walls which are identical in shape.
A waterproof cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cut out is hemispherical, such that the opening into the envelope is substantially circular.
. A waterproof cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the envelope comprises a pair of cut outs.
17. A waterproof cover as claimed in claim 16, in which the envelope compri pair of cut outs at respective opposite ends of the envelope.
PCT/GB2015/051216 2014-04-28 2015-04-27 A waterproof protective cover for an orthopaedic cast WO2015166220A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1617565.5A GB2539155A (en) 2014-04-28 2015-04-27 A waterproof protective cover for an orthopaedic cast

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1407392.8A GB201407392D0 (en) 2014-04-28 2014-04-28 A waterproof protective cover for an orthopaedic cast
GB1407392.8 2014-04-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015166220A1 true WO2015166220A1 (en) 2015-11-05

Family

ID=50971944

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2015/051216 WO2015166220A1 (en) 2014-04-28 2015-04-27 A waterproof protective cover for an orthopaedic cast

Country Status (2)

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GB (2) GB201407392D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2015166220A1 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4966135A (en) * 1988-10-25 1990-10-30 Renfrew R Bruce Orthopedic cast cover and method of manufacture
US6916301B1 (en) * 2000-07-24 2005-07-12 Kenneth Clare Elastomeric waterproof cast and bandage cover

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4966135A (en) * 1988-10-25 1990-10-30 Renfrew R Bruce Orthopedic cast cover and method of manufacture
US6916301B1 (en) * 2000-07-24 2005-07-12 Kenneth Clare Elastomeric waterproof cast and bandage cover

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY", vol. 509, 1 January 2012, ACADEMIC PRESS, US, ISSN: 0076-6879, article Z. AHMAD ET AL: "Antimicrobial Properties of Electrically Formed Elastomeric Polyurethane-Copper Oxide Nanocomposites for Medical and Dental Applications", pages: 87 - 99, XP055197976, DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-391858-1.00005-8 *
R VINODH ET AL: "SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF NOVEL QUATERNIZED POLY (STYRENE ETHYLENE BUTYLENE POLY STYRENE)", J. BIOSCI. TECH., vol. 1, no. 1, 2009, pages 45 - 51, XP055197959 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2539155A (en) 2016-12-07
GB201407392D0 (en) 2014-06-11
GB201617565D0 (en) 2016-11-30

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