WO2017215717A1

WO2017215717A1 - A protective device, a method for removing a protective device and use of a protective device

Info

Publication number: WO2017215717A1
Application number: PCT/DK2016/050195
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Østeril MADSEN; Henrik KONSTMANN; Sune Rysz CHRISTIANSEN
Original assignee: Madsen Thomas Østeril
Priority date: 2016-06-17
Filing date: 2016-06-17
Publication date: 2017-12-21
Also published as: EP3471678A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a protective device(1) comprising a container part (2) formed by a water impermeable material, wherein the container part (2) includes at least one container opening (3). The protective device(1) further comprises a tubular fixation device (4) formed by an elastic water impermeable material, wherein a first end (5) of the fixation device (4) is connected to the container part (2) at the container opening (3) and wherein a second end (6) of the fixation device (4) comprises an edge portion (7) encircling a protective device opening (8) enabling access through the tubular fixation device (4) and into the container part (2). Furthermore, the tubular fixation device (4) comprises at least one tear zone (9) arranged at the edge portion (7). A method for removing a protective device(1) from a limb (12) and use of a protective device (1) is also disclosed.

Description

A PROTECTIVE DEVICE, A METHOD FOR REMOVING A PROTECTIVE DEVICE AND USE OF A

PROTECTIVE DEVICE

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a protective device comprising a container part formed by a water impermeable material and tubular fixation device formed by an elastic water impermeable material. The invention further relates to a method for removing a protective device from a limb and use of a protective device. Background of the invention

In some cases, it is advantageous to protect a limb from getting wet e.g. in relation to specific types of allergies or other diseases or in case of ulcers, sores or wounds or other. It is also a known problem that bandages, dressings, plasters and similar placed on a fractured or wounded limb should not get wet e.g. during showering. And, although this problem is particularly pronounced with humans it also a known problem with animals. It is therefore known to cover such a limb in some sort of waterproof material - such as a plastic bag - during showers or other activities involving a risk of getting the affected area wet or contaminating it.

However, it is problematic to ensure a tight seal between such a cover and the affected limb and from US 6,916,301 Bl it is therefore known to form a protective cover from as a rolled up elastic bag and then unroll the bag onto the affected limb so that it squeezes against the limb and forms a watertight seal. However, rolling and unrolling a ring of tightly fitting elastic material across a wound or other sore areas is painful or at least uncomfortable. An object of the invention is therefore to provide for an advantageous technique for protecting a limb from getting wet.

The invention

The invention provides for a protective device comprising a container part formed by a water impermeable material, wherein the container part includes at least one container opening. The protective device further comprises a tubular fixation device formed by an elastic and water impermeable material, wherein a first end of the fixation device is connected to the container part at the container opening and wherein a second end of the fixation device comprises an edge portion encircling a protective device opening enabling access through the tubular fixation device and into the container part. Furthermore, the tubular fixation device comprises at least one tear zone arranged at the edge portion. Arranging a tear zone at the edge portion of the elastic tubular fixation device is advantageous in that it hereby is possible remove the protective device from a limb after use in a simple and convenient manner in that the tear zone enables that the elastic tubular fixation device may be torn to break its elastic hold on the limb - thus making it easy to remove the protective device without affecting sore areas of the limb.

Furthermore, arranging the tear zone at the at the edge portion encircling the protective device opening is advantageous in that it is easier and more convenient to start the tear at the edge and ensure that it propagates through the tubular fixation device to cancel out its fixating and sealing effect. And locating the tear zone at the at the edge portion is advantageous in that it hereby is possible to prevent the tear zone from starting a tear at an unwanted time. This can be done by rolling up at least a part of the second end of the fixation device to enclose the tear zone inside this rolled up end - e.g. during application on a limb and during use - so that after use the rolled up end may be unrolled to expose the tear zone and make it easy to initiate the tear at the tear zone. It should be noted that by the term "elastic ... matericiF is to be understood any kind material capable of a high degree of elastic deformation under stress and still capable of returning to its previous size without permanent deformation. Such materials are characterised by a low Young's modulus i.e. typically below 2 giga-Pascal (GPa), and preferably below 1 giga-Pascal. Such materials include many types of natural or synthetic rubber materials, such as latex, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber or other.

It should also be noted that by the term tear zone" in this context is to be understood any kind of local area prone to tear. I.e. the areawise confined tear zone is different from the remaining edge portion in that if the edge portion is stressed - e.g. by manually pulling the edge portion - the edge portion will start to tear in the tear zone and the tear will propagate from the tear zone, into the edge portion and further through the tubular fixation device.

In an aspect of the invention, the at least one tear zone has a reduced tensile strength in relation to the remaining material at the edge portion.

Forming the tear zone with a reduced tensile strength in relation to the remaining material at the edge portion - e.g. by forming a local weakening of the material forming the edge portion - is advantageous in that it is a simple, inexpensive and efficient way of forming a tear zone enabling that the elastic tubular fixation device may easily be torn and enabling control over where the tear will start. In this context the term "tensile strength" refers to the maximum amount of tensile stress that a material can take before breaking. Particularly with elastic materials tensile strength is also often referred to as ultimate strength - i.e. the maximum stress a material can withstand. Tear resistance can be measured by the ASTM D 412 method - an internationally recognised standard for testing tensile strength of elastomers. In an aspect of the invention, the edge portion comprises an elastic ring formed by or connected to the tubular fixation device.

Providing an elastic ring at the edge portion is advantageous in that it makes it easier to manually get hold of the edge portion and to control the sealing effect of the elastic tubular fixation device.

In an aspect of the invention, the tear zone comprises a part of the ring having a reduced cross sectional diameter.

Locally reducing the cross sectional diameter of the ring is a simple and efficient way of forming an efficient and controllable tear zone which is easy to spot.

In an aspect of the invention, the tear zone is formed by a hack in the edge portion.

Removing a small amount of material at the edge portion or cutting the edge porting to form a hack - i.e. a notch, an indentation, a nick, a cut or the like - is a simple and inexpensive way of forming a defined tear zone. In an aspect of the invention, the area of the container opening is larger than the area of the protective device opening.

It is advantageous if the elastic tubular fixation device fits snugly around the limb on which it is placed to form a tight seal between the protective device and the limb. It is also advantageous that the container part does not press against the limb or a dressing or a bandage on the limb to reduce discomfort. I.e. it is advantageous to form the diameter of the tubular fixation device smaller than the diameter of the container part. Thus, it is advantageous to increase the diameter of the tubular fixation device from the protective device opening towards the container opening to enable a smooth transition between the two. Another way of putting it would be that in an aspect of the invention, the first end diameter of the fixation device at the first end is larger than the second end diameter of the fixation device at the second end. In an aspect of the invention, the container part and/or the tubular fixation device is formed by a transparent material.

Making the container part and/or the tubular fixation device from a transparent material is advantageous in that it hereby is possible to observe the covered limb both during use and application of the protective device.

In an aspect of the invention, the container part and the tubular fixation device are formed integrally. Forming the container part and the tubular fixation device integrally from the same piece of material is advantageous in that it simplifies the manufacturing process and logistics.

In an aspect of the invention, the container part and the tubular fixation device are formed as two separate parts being connected by permanent connection means.

Forming the container part and the tubular fixation device as two individual parts is advantageous in that it hereby is possible to form the two parts from different materials having different characteristic.

It should be noted that by the term "permanent connection means" is to be understood any kind of connector capable of permanently connecting a container part to a tubular fixation device - i.e. any kind of adhesive, welding, soldering, riveting or other. In an aspect of the invention, the container part is formed as a bag. Forming the container part as a bag - i.e. with only a single opening in the form of the container opening - is advantageous in that it hereby is possible to make the protective device completely enclose the limb on which it is mounted and thereby efficiently protect the covered limb from getting wet.

In an aspect of the invention, the tubular fixation device is rolled up to encircle the at least one tear zone.

By containing the tear zone inside the rolled up part of the tubular fixation device is advantageous in that the diameter of the elastically tubular fixation device hereby can be expanded - e.g. while mounting it on the limp of a patient - without risking that the tear zone will propagate tearing of the entire tubular fixation device due to friction between the rolled up material. In an aspect of the invention, the tubular fixation device comprises flap means.

Providing the tubular fixation device with flap means is advantageous in that the flap means are easy to grip and get a hold of even though the tubular fixation device tightly encircles the limp on which it is mounted.

In an aspect of the invention, the flap means is arranged adjacent to the at least one tear zone.

Arranging the flap means right beside the at least one tear zone is advantageous in that the flap means hereby will aid in tearing the tubular fixation device when pulled.

In an aspect of the invention, the flap means are formed integrally with the edge portion. Forming the flap means integrally with the edge portion is advantageous in that it ensures a simple manufacturing process, and in that the flap means and the edge portion will form a strong connection. In an aspect of the invention, the flap means are formed as a separate part in relation to the edge portion.

Forming the flap means in a material separate from the material of the edge portion is advantageous in that the flap means hereby more easily can be formed in a material more suited for forming flap means. I.e. this design enables that the flap means can be formed in a stronger and/or less elastic material.

In an aspect of the invention, the flap means are longer than the axial extend of the tubular fixation device.

Forming the flap means are longer than the axial extend of the tubular fixation device is advantageous in that it hereby is ensured that when the tubular fixation device is rolled up to protect the tear zone, the flap means will still extend from the rolled up part and ensure more efficient unrolling, ensure that the tear zone is more easily identified and/or ensure that the unrolling and tearing process can happen substantially continuously in a single process since the flap means is attached at the tear zone.

In an aspect of the invention, the tubular fixation device is made from a natural or synthetic rubber material.

Forming the tubular fixation device from a natural or synthetic rubber material is advantageous in that these materials are relatively cheap and elastically. Furthermore, the friction between the layers in the rolled up tubular fixation device will be very high when the tubular fixation device is made from natural or synthetic rubber material, thus ensuring that the tear zone is well protected inside the rolled up part. In an aspect of the invention, the tubular fixation device is made from a material prone to tear in one direction.

Forming the tubular fixation device in a material prone to tear in one direction so that the tubular fixation device is prone to tear in the axial direction of the tubular fixation device is advantageous in that the risk of the tubular fixation device breaking while expanded during the mounting process is reduced while the subsequent tearing process is more efficient. The ability of tearing more easily in one direction than the other (typically perpendicular to the first) can be achieved by pre- stretching the material in one direction during the manufacturing process or in other ways forming the molecular structure of the material so that the mutual bonds are e.g. stronger lengthwise than laterally.

Furthermore, the invention provides for a method for removing a protective device from a limb. The method comprises the steps of:

• unrolling a rolled up end of the protective device to expose a tear zone, wherein the rolled up end tightly surrounds the limb to form a seal between the protective device and the limb,

• tearing the protective device at the tear zone to break the seal, and

• removing the protective device from the limb.

Arranging the tear zone inside a rolled up end of the protective device is advantageous in that the even if the rolled up end is stretched, the tear zone will not initiate a tear in the protective device. However, as soon as the rolled up end is unrolled and the tear zone is exposed only a slight pull in the protective device at the tear zone will initiate propagation of a tear which will break the seal at thus loosen the protective device from the limb and make it easy to remove the protective device. In an aspect of the invention, the tear zone is protected inside the rolled up end until the rolled up end is unrolled.

Hereby is achieved an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

In an aspect of the invention, the protective device is torn by manually pulling the protective device at the exposed tear zone.

Tearing the protective device apart by manually pulling the protective device at the exposed tear zone is advantageous in that it hereby is possible for the user to easily remove the protective device after use without requiring further assistance.

In an aspect of the invention, the unrolling of the rolled up end is at least aided by pulling one or more flap means, having one end extending from the rolled up end and another end being attached to the protective device at the tear zone.

Aiding the unrolling by pulling flap means - being attached at the tear zone and being rolled up with the rolled up end - is advantageous in that it ensures a more efficient unrolling, in that the tear zone is more easily identified and/or in that the unrolling and tearing process can happen substantially continuously in a single process since the flap means is attached at the tear zone.

In an aspect of the invention, the method is a method for removing a protective device according to any of the previously mentioned protective devices. The invention also provides for use of a protective device according to any of the previously mentioned protective devices for protecting a bandage, a plaster or similar on a limb from becoming wet.

A bandage, a dressing, a plaster or similar is typically applied in relation with wounds, fractures or other injuries and in this relation it is therefore advantageous to use a protective device according to the present invention since this protective device easily can be removed without affecting the injuries.

Figures

The invention will be described in the following with reference to the figures in which illustrates a protective device placed on an arm, as seen from the side, illustrates a protective device covering a plaster on an arm, as seen in perspective, illustrates a protective device formed as a sleeve, as seen from the side, illustrates a tubular fixation device comprising a tear zone formed as a narrowing of a cross sectional diameter of a ring, as seen from the side, illustrates a tubular fixation device comprising a tear zone formed as a perforation, as seen from the side, illustrates a tubular fixation device comprising a tear zone formed as a hack, as seen from the side, fig. 7 illustrates a tubular fixation device comprising flap means at the tear zone, as seen from the side, fig. 8 illustrates a tubular fixation device comprising a tear zone formed as hole in the edge portion, as seen from the side, fig. 9 illustrates a tubular fixation device comprising a tear zone formed between two flap means, as seen from the side, fig. 10 illustrates a protective device with a torn fixation device, as seen from the side, fig. 11 illustrates a folded up protective device, as seen from the side, fig. 12 illustrates a catheter being guided into a protective device, as seen from the side, and fig. 13 illustrates a catheter guiding means, as seen in perspective. Detailed description

Fig. 1 illustrates a protective device 1 placed on an arm 12, as seen from the side.

In this embodiment the protective device 1 comprises a container part 2 formed as a bag and a tubular fixation device 4. These two parts 2, 4 are connected to each other in a transitional overlap zone 20 in which the container part 2 and the tubular fixation device 4 are connected to each other by permanent connection means 11 in the form of welding. However, in another embodiment the container part 2 and the tubular fixation device 4 could be formed by the same piece of material and in such a case the protective device 1 would not comprise an overlap zone 20.

In this embodiment the container part 2 is made from a waterproof transparent polyethylene plastic film material making the container part 2 easy to adapt to any shape, inexpensive, easy to manufacture and easy to place on a limb of e.g. a patient. However, in another embodiment the container part 2 could be formed in a more rigid material e.g. by increasing the thickness of the material or making the container part 2 from a more rigid plastic material.

In this embodiment the tubular fixation device 4 is made from a highly elastic rubber material enabling that the rolled up end 13 of the protective device 1 - i.e. the second end 6 of the tubular fixation device 4 - and the rest of the tubular fixation device 4 can be stretched to a larger diameter - e.g. by another person assisting the user - during application on a limb 12, so that the protective device 1 may be mounted on a limb 12 substantially without the tubular fixation device 4 touching the injured area on the limb 12. At the same time the elastic quality of the tubular fixation device 4 ensures that when the tubular fixation device 4 has passed the area to be protected and the rolled up end 13 of the protective device 1 is released, the tubular fixation device 4 will retract to its original diameter and form a tight seal against the limb 12. In this embodiment the highly elastic rubber material is an elastomeric polymer but in another embodiment the tubular fixation device 4 could instead or also be made from another type of polymer. The tubular fixation device 4 could e.g. comprise Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Butyl rubber (PIB), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE) or another thermoplastic material or any combination thereof.

In this embodiment the smallest diameter of the tubular fixation device 4 in no-load condition is around 4 cm and when it is stretched the smallest diameter can exceed 20 cm hereby enabling that the present protection device 1 and be applied and fit tightly on an arm 12 of most children and adults. However, in another embodiment the tubular fixation device 4 could be formed with a larger unloaded smallest diameter e.g. to be able to fit around a leg or a limb 12 of a large animal or the tubular fixation device 4 could be formed with a smaller unloaded smallest diameter e.g. to be able to fit around a finger or a limb 12 of a small animal. Fig. 2 illustrates a protective device 1 covering a plaster 14 on an arm 12, as seen in perspective.

In this embodiment the container part 2 is formed with a relatively large diameter so that it can be fitted over the plaster 14 substantially without touching it.

Fig. 3 illustrates a protective device 1 formed as a sleeve, as seen from the side.

In this embodiment the container part 2 and the tubular fixation device 4 is formed by the same elastic material and with the same constant diameter so that the protective device 1 fits tightly against the limb 12 throughout its entire extend on the limb 12.

In this embodiment the container part 2 is open in both ends so that the protective device 1 is formed as a sleeve. In this embodiment the tear zone (not visible) is protected inside the rolled up end 13 at the overarm of the patient. However, in another embodiment both ends of the protective device 1 could be provided with a tear zone protected inside a rolled up end 13 or the rolled up end 13 could be located only in the other end of the protective device 1.

Also in another embodiment the diameter of the protective device 1 could vary along its lengthwise extend e.g. if a relatively narrow tubular fixation device 4 was provided at both ends of a relatively loose container part 2. Fig. 4 illustrates a tubular fixation device 4 comprising a tear zone 9 formed as a narrowing of a cross sectional diameter CD of a ring 21, as seen from the side.

In this embodiment the edge portion 7 surrounding the opening 8 of the protective device 1 is provided with an elastic ring 21 connected to the tubular fixation device 4. During use and application the elastic ring 21 and the edge portion 7 is protected inside a rolled up end (not shown) and after use the rolled up end 13 is completely unrolled from the dotted line to expose the ring 21.

In this embodiment the ring 21 is formed with a substantially constant cross sectional diameter CD except for a local narrowing forming a tear zone 9. I.e. when the rolled up end 13 is unrolled and the tear zone 9 is exposed, the protective device can easily be removed by pulling the ring 21 to tear it at the tear zone 9 where after this tear will propagate down through the tubular fixation device 4 to break the seal formed by the fixation device 4 retracting against a limb (not shown).

Fig. 5 illustrates a tubular fixation device 4 comprising a tear zone 9 formed as a perforation 15, as seen from the side.

In an embodiment of the invention the tear zone 9 could be formed by reducing the tensile strength locally at the edge portion 7 in relation to the remaining material at the edge portion 7. This could e.g. be done by locally reducing the thickness of the material forming the edge portion 7 at the tear zone 9.

In this embodiment the tear zone 9 formed by a number of continuous cuts in the edge portion 7 forming a perforation 15. To ensure that the perforation 15 will not start a tear of the tubular fixation device 4 at the wrong time, the perforation 15 is only formed near the outer edge of the tubular fixation device 4 so that the tear zone in well protected inside the rolled up end 13 when the fixation device 4 is rolled up. Fig. 6 illustrates a tubular fixation device 4 comprising a tear zone 9 formed as a hack 10, as seen from the side.

In this embodiment the hack 10 is formed as a notch designed to initiate and propagate a tear in the tubular fixation device 4. Fig. 7 illustrates a tubular fixation device 4 comprising flap means 16 at the tear zone 9, as seen from the side.

In this embodiment the edge portion 7 is provided with flap means 16 in the form of a flap enabling that the tear zone 9 more easily can be identified and torn. In this embodiment the flap means 16 are formed integrally with the material of the edge portion 7 but in another embodiment the flap means 16 could be formed as a separate part attached to the edge portion 7 or the flap means 16 could form or aid in forming the tear zone 9 e.g. if the flap means 16 was formed as a tear strip.

In this embodiment the flap means 16 are relatively short but in another embodiment the flap means 16 could be so long that even when the end is rolled up the flap means

16 would extend out of the rolled up end. Thus, in such an embodiment the flap means 16 could aid in identifying the location of the tear zone 9 and when pulling the flap means 16, the flap means 16 could aid in unrolling the rolled up end.

In this embodiment the flap means 16 and the tear zone 9 are similar in appearance to the surrounding material but in another embodiment the flap means and/or the tear zone 9 could be indicated by means of colors, text, pictograms, alternative texture or other to help identifying the location of the flap means 16 and/or the tear zone 9.

Fig. 8 illustrates a tubular fixation device 4 comprising a tear zone 9 formed as hole

17 in the edge portion 7, as seen from the side. In this embodiment the tear zone 9 is formed by weakening the material by punching a hole 17 in the edge portion 7. In this embodiment the hole 17 is oval to better initiate the tear but in another embodiment the hole 17 could be round, square, polygonal or other. Fig. 9 illustrates a tubular fixation device 4 comprising a tear zone 9 formed between two flap means 16, as seen from the side.

In this embodiment the tear zone 9 is slightly displaced from the outer edge of the edge portion 7 and arranging flap means on both sides of the tear zone 9 enables that the tubular fixation device 4 easily can be torn from both sides.

In this embodiment and in all the other embodiments shown in the figures the edge portion 7 only comprises a single tear zone 9 but in another embodiment the ring 21 and/or the edge portion 7 could comprise several tear zones 9 e.g. evenly distributed to enable the user easy access to a tear zone 9 no matter how the protective device 1 is orientated on the user - in relation to rotation.

In this embodiment and in all the other embodiments shown in the figures a dotted line indicates the position of the rolled up end 13 in rolled up state i.e. to where the end is rolled up during normal use and application. In this embodiment this dotted line is indicated on the protective device by means of colors but in another embodiment the dotted line would not be present and the rolled up end 13 would instead (or also) be biased against unrolling by a weak adhesive or other means maintaining the rolled up end 13 in its rolled up state until forcefully unrolled.

Fig 10 illustrates a protective device 1 with a torn fixation device 4, as seen from the side. In this embodiment the rolled up end 13 of the protective device 13 has been rolled out from the dotted line to a rolled out position exposing the ring 21 of the protective device 1. In this embodiment the ring 21 comprises a tear zone 9 wherein the ring 21 has a smaller diameter then the rest of the ring 21. Pulling the tubular fixation device 4 at the exposed tear zone 9 breaks the ring 21 and starts a crack in the tubular fixation device 4 that propagates to the overlap zone 20 of the protective device 1 where the crack in this embodiment stops. The crack makes the opening of the protective device 1 large enough so that the protective device 1 easily can be removed from a limb 12.

In another embodiment the container part 2 and the tubular fixation device 4 is made of a single elastic material enabling the crack to propagate further e.g. all the way to the end of the container part 2.

Fig 11 illustrates a folded up protective device 1, as seen from the side In this embodiment the tubular fixation device 4 is in a rolled up position and the container part 2 is in a folded position. In this embodiment the container part 2 is maintained in folded position by means of a weak adhesive. As the protective device 1 is put on a limb 12 the container part 2 will begin to unfold if the length of the limb 12 exceeds the length of the folded protective device 1. By having an initially folded protective device 1, the same protective device 1 can fit limbs 12 of different lengths.

In another embodiment the folded container part 2 is held in the folded position, by making the container part 2 elastic so that it can be stretched as the protective device is pulled on a limb 12.

In another embodiment the folded container part 2 is held in a folded position by adhesive tape. The amount of adhesive tape being removed determines how much of the container part 2 is folded out. Fig 12 illustrates a catheter 18 being guided into a protective device 1, as seen from the side.

In this embodiment the protective device 1 is used to protect a hand, while the hand is receiving drip through a cannula positioned inside the protective device 1. In this embodiment a catheter guiding means 19 enables a catheter 18 to connect with the needle in the hand while the rolled up end 13 of protective device 1 forms a tight seal around the limb 12 and the catheter guiding means 19. In another embodiment the catheter guiding means 19 could be formed as a ring or another device arranged to at least partly surround the catheter 18 where it enters the protective device 1. Such catheter guiding means 19 could be made from a highly flexible material such as neoprene or another foam material, enabling it to deform and fill any gab between the catheter 18 and the tubular fixation device 4.

Fig 13 illustrates a catheter guiding means 19, as seen in perspective.

In this embodiment a catheter guiding means 19 is shaped like a crescent - i.e. like two opposing wedges - comprising a groove that fits with the size of a catheter 18. The catheter guiding means 19 is made of rubber or another elastic material enabling the bottom side of the catheter guiding means 19 to fit the contour of a limb, thereby enabling the catheter guiding means 19 to form a tight seal when pressed against the limb. The groove extends along the catheter guiding means 19 and is configured to fit the catheter 18 such that a catheter 18 can be guided into the protective device 1 while the topside of the catheter guiding means 19 forms a tight seal with a tubular fixation device 4 as it presses against the topside of the catheter guiding means 19.

In this embodiment the catheter guiding means 19 is made of elastic material enabling the catheter guiding means 19 to seal tightly, however in another embodiment the catheter guiding means 19 could be made from a rigid material such as plastic, metal or another material.

In another embodiment the catheter means 19 comprise two or more grooves, enabling two or more catheters 18 to be guided into the protective device 1 while maintaining a tight seal. In this embodiment the grooves can also have different diameters enabling catheters 18 of different sizes.

The invention has been exemplified above with reference to specific examples of protective devices 1, container parts 2, tubular fixation devices 4, tear zones 9 and other. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular examples described above but may be designed and altered in a multitude of varieties within the scope of the invention as specified in the claims.

List

1. Protective device

2. Container part

3. Container opening

4. Tubular fixation device

5. First end of said fixation device

6. Second end of said fixation device

7. Edge portion

8. Protective device opening

9. Tear zone

10. Hack

1 1. Permanent connection means

12. Limb

13. Rolled up end of protective device

14. Plaster

15. Perforation

16. Flap means

17. Hole in edge portion

18. Catheter

19. Catheter guiding means

20. Overlap zone

21. Ring

CD. Cross sectional diameter of elastic ring

Claims

1. A protective device (1) comprising a container part (2) formed by a water impermeable material, wherein said container part (2) includes at least one container opening (3), a tubular fixation device (4) formed by an elastic water impermeable material, wherein a first end (5) of said fixation device (4) is connected to said container part (2) at said container opening (3) and wherein a second end (6) of said fixation device (4) comprises an edge portion (7) encircling a protective device opening (8) enabling access through said tubular fixation device (4) and into said container part (2), wherein said tubular fixation device (4) comprises at least one tear zone (9) arranged at said edge portion (7).

2. A protective device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one tear zone (9) has a reduced tensile strength in relation to the remaining material at said edge portion (7).

3. A protective device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said edge portion (7) comprises an elastic ring (21) formed by or connected to said tubular fixation device (4).

4. A protective device (1) according to claim 3, wherein said tear zone (9) comprises a part of said ring (21) having a reduced cross sectional diameter (CD).

5. A protective device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tear zone (9) is formed by a hack (10) in said edge portion (7).

6. A protective device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the area of said container opening (3) is larger than the area of said protective device opening (8).

7. A protective device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said container part (2) and/or said tubular fixation device (4) is formed by a transparent material.

8. A protective device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said container part (2) and said tubular fixation device (4) are formed integrally.

9. A protective device (1) according to any of claims 1-7, wherein said container part (2) and said tubular fixation device (4) are formed as two separate parts being connected by permanent connection means (11).

10. A protective device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said container part (2) is formed as a bag.

11. A protective device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tubular fixation device (4) is rolled up to encircle said at least one tear zone (9).

12. A protective device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tubular fixation device (4) comprises flap means (16).

13. A protective device (1) according to claim 12, wherein said flap means (16) is arranged adjacent to said at least one tear zone (9).

14. A protective device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said flap means (16) are formed integrally with said edge portion (7).

15. A protective device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said flap means (16) are formed as a separate part in relation to said edge portion (7).

16. A protective device (1) according to any of claim 12 to 15, wherein said flap means (16) are longer than the axial extend of said tubular fixation device (4).

17. A protective device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tubular fixation device (4) is made from a natural or synthetic rubber material.

18. A protective device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tubular fixation device (4) is made from a material prone to tear in one direction.

19. A method for removing a protective device (1) from a limb (12), said method comprises the steps of:

· unrolling a rolled up end (13) of said protective device (1) to expose a tear zone

(9), wherein said rolled up end (13) tightly surrounds said limb (12) to form a seal between said protective device (1) and said limb (12),

• tearing said protective device (1) at said tear zone (9) to break said seal, and

• removing said protective device (1) from said limb (12).

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said tear zone (9) is protected inside said rolled up end (13) until said rolled up end (13) is unrolled.

21. A method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein said protective device (1) is torn by manually pulling said protective device (1) at said exposed tear zone (9).

22. A method according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein said unrolling of said rolled up end (13) is at least aided by pulling one or more flap means (16), having one end extending from said rolled up end (13) and another end being attached to said protective device (1) at said tear zone (9).

23. A method according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein said method is a method for removing a protective device (1) according to any of claims 1-18.

24. Use of a protective device (1) according to any of claims 1-18 for protecting a bandage, a plaster (14) or similar on a limb (12) from becoming wet.