CA1208512A

CA1208512A - Bandage for animals and humans

Info

Publication number: CA1208512A
Application number: CA000437098A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Francis J. Bonner, Jr.; Francis J. Bonner, Iii
Original assignee: Universal Medical Products Inc
Current assignee: Universal Medical Products Inc
Priority date: 1982-09-29
Filing date: 1983-09-20
Publication date: 1986-07-29
Also published as: FR2533434A1; GB8325685D0; DE3334929A1; SE8305320L; GB2127697B; IE832283L; SE8305320D0; GB2127697A; AU1961683A; IE54636B1

Abstract

BANDAGE FOR ANIMALS AND HUMANS

Abstract Of The Disclosure A bandage is defined by a layer of closed cell foam polymeric material sandwiched between and bonded to ad-jacent layers of fabric. The foam layer is thicker than the fabric layers and partially absorbent. One of the layers of fabric is absorbent with respect to aqueous liquids and is adapted to be in contact with an area of the body.

Description

~Z~512 BANDAGE FOR ANIMALS AND HUMANS
. _ _ . . .

Background Of The Invention The therapeutic effects of locally applied cold (cryotherapy) have been utilized by man for long periods of time. However, the mechanism of action has been poorly understood. Likewise, the use of compressive bandages has been known to control swelling and bleeding. All products currently available either rely on another device to apply compression with cold or fail to reach temperatures com-patible with maximum therapeutic effects of cold, namely 0-8C with 6C being the preferred temperature. An example of the former would include an icepack applied with an elastic bandage. An example of the latter includes gel bandages which rely on the latent heat of evaporation for skin cooling.
The present invention is directed to solution of the problem of a means for applying cold to a body portion within a therapeutic range by way of an insulated, hygro scopic and protective material applied as a bandage.
5ummary 0f The Invention The present invention is directed to a bandage in the eorm Oe a layer o~ closed cell foam polymeric material sandwiched between and bonded to layers of fabric, said foam layer being substantially thicker than the layers of fabric. One of the layers of fabric is adapted to absorb water. A strap or panel may be attached to the bandage ,.

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and adapted to be releasably engaged with mating structure on the other end of the bandage or on another piece of material used to secure the bandage in position against the body.
Various objects an~ advantages of the present inven-tion are set forth hereinafter.
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is pres0ntly preferred;
it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
Figure 1 is an elevation view of a knee with one em-bodiment of the bandage of the present invention attached thereto.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bandage in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 2 but on an enlarged scale.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the bandage of the present invention for application to the user's back.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further embodi-ment of the bandage o the present invention also for appli-cation to the user's back.
Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in Figure 5 but on an ~nlarged scale.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further embodi-ment of the banda~e of the present invention for applica-tion to the user's shoulder.
Figure ~ is an enlarged view o thc end portion of the bancJac~e shown in Fi~ure 7, Figure 9 is a perspective view of a further embodi ment.
Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 in f igure 9.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a leg of an animal wearing the bandage of figure 9.

~Z(~851;2 Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12-12 in figure 11.
Figure 13 is an elevation view of a packaged bandage.
Detailed Descri~ion Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in Figures 1-3 a bandage in accordance with the present invention designated generally as 10. In Figure 1, the bandage 10 is shown applied to a joint of a limb 12 such as a leg.
The bandage 10 is laminated and preferably comprises a layer of closed cell foam polymeric material 14 sand-wiched between and bonded to layers of fabric 16 and 18.
Layer 14 is substantially thicker than the layer 16 and 18.
It is important that layer 14 be a closed cell layer where-by its absorbency is only about 5~. Layer 16, which is the layer adapted to be in contact with the skin, is an absorbent layer of towelling fabric such as terry cloth having longitudinal stretch. Layer 18 is preferably a woven layer of nylon or LYCRA (trademark) which is woven from spandex fibers having stretch in the longitudinal direction Layer 18 preferably reflects cold that tends to escape through the closed cell layer back toward the terry cloth layer and slows the tendency of the bandage to warm to room temperature. The outer surface of layer 18 reflects heat and similarly slows ~he warming of the ban-dage.
~ y way of example and not by way of limitation, preferred thickne6ses for the layerc3 are as follows:
layer 18 preferably has a thickness of l/32", layer 14 preferably has a thickness of 3/16", and layer 16 preE-crably has a thickness of 1/1~". Layers l6 and 18 are preferably bonded to layer 14 by application of heat and E~ressure.
While layer 18 preferably has stretch in the longitudinal direction, it may optionally have stretch in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.
The bandage 10 has a strap 20 fixedly secured to one end in any convenient mann~r. Strap 20 is adapted to bc lZ~3512 releasably engaged with mating structure on the other end of the bandage such as element 22. In the preferred embod-iment, the mating structure on strap 20 and element 22 are interen~aging fibers of the type sold com~erically under the trademark VELCRO.
The preferred manner o~ using the bandage of the pre-sent invention for dealing with pain resulting from a con-dition such as chronic arthritis or an injury is as follows.
Bandage 10 is dampened by contact with water. Only layer 16 absorbs the water. Layer 14 partially absorbs water.
The bandage is then placed in a refrigerator and cooled to a temperature in the range of 0-8C with the optimum tem-perature being approxima~ely 6C. Thereafter, the bandage is applied to the knee joint shown in Figure 1 with suffic-ient tightness so as to apply pressure to the joint. Even though it contains ice crystals, the bandage 10 will con-form to the area being treated, and will impart a cold stimulus directly to that area.
The pressure stimulates the release of endorphins by the body which provides a therapeutic e~fect~ Endorphins are released by the cold stimulus and by the application of pressure. The foam layer 14 is an insulator which minimizes heat transfer between inner and outer surfaces of the bandage 10. The layer 18 is preferably a light or re-flective color so as to re~lect heat away from the bandage.
The bandage 10 is sufficiently pliable to anatomically conform to the joint and will comform better as it warms up. The bandage 10 will gradually warm up to r~om tempera-ture after about 1/2 hour.
If flesired the bandage 10 could be applied on the back of a user a5 shown in Fi~ures 4-6. As shown in Figure 4, the banda~e 10' i~ provided at opposite ends with ~
transverse panel 24 of VELCRO material. Panel 24 may be stitched or otherwise fastened to the bottom surface of bandage 10'. Each panel 24 is adapted to be releasably engaged with an associated mating transverse panel 26 of ,.;

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VELCRO material stitched or otherwise fastened to the end of a strap 28a and the end of a s'crap 28b at one end thereof.
A transverse panel 30 of VELCRO material is also stitched or otherwise secured to the other end of strap 28a. Transverse panel 30 is adapted to be releasably engaged with the bottom surface 32 of strap 28b. Substan-tially the entire bottom surface 32 may be made of a material adapted to mate with and releasably engage the transverse VELCRO panel 30 so as to facilitate adjustment. Thus, panel 30 may be releasably secured at a variety of locations along bottom surface 32 according to the si~e ~f the area to be treated. Preferably, the strap 28a is made of an elastic material which can be stretched to enable placement of the panel 30 at selected locations along the bottom surface 32 of strap 28b.
Bandage 10' has the laminate structure shown in Figure 3, strap 20 not included. In use, only bandage 10' need be coole~. since it is the only portion which applies cold to the back. Thus, bandage 10' may be disengaged from straps 28a, 2~b and then soaked and refrigerated as previously described. Thereafter, the bandage 10' is secured to the strap end panels 24, and the straps 28a and 28b are fastened about the area to be treated so that the bandage 1(1' contacts the injured area with the de.sired pressure.
The bandage 10 c~ar also be modified as shown in F~i~ures S-6. The bandage 10'' has the laminate structure shown in Fi~ure 3, .~trap 211 not included. A panel 34 of VELCRO material is 5ecured by stitching or otherwise to the underside of bandage 10'. Mating structurc in the orm o a VELCRO panel 3fi i~ secured by stitching or the like ko the upper surace O~ strap 2t~. Strap 28 is made of an elastic material such as woven n~lon or LYCRA. A
panel 3() of VELCRO material is secured to one end of the strap. A layer 32 made of a material adapted to rnate with and releasably engage the VELCRO panel ~n is secured to the bottom surface of strap 28.

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In use, the bandage 10" is removed from strap 28 and then soaked and refrigerated as previously described. There-after, the bandage is removed from the refrigerator and secured to strap 28 by placing the bandage over the straps such that panels 34 and 36 engage. The user places the bandage 10'' on the injured area and wraps strap 28 about the body while securing panel 30 to the mating layer 32 at a location conforming to the body size.
A further modification of the invention is shown in Figures 7-8 wherein a bandage 10''' is used to treat a shoulder injury. The bandage 10''' is identical in struc-ture to bandage 10 shown in Figure 3, strap 20 not included.
Each end of bandage 10''' is provided with a trans-verse panel 38 secured by stitching or the like to the bottom surface of the bandage. Panel 38 is made of VELCRO
material. Each panel 38 is adapted to be releasably en-gaged with mating structure in the form of a panel 40 secured by stitching or other suitable means to a body strap 42 preferably made of a non-elastic fabric material.
Preferably, strap 42 is stitched or otherwise secured to strap segments 44 and 46 at each end of the bandage. The strap segments 44 and 46 are secured by stitching or other suitable means to opposite ends of the underside of each panel 40.
In use, the bandage 10''' is removed from the panels 40 and then soaked and refrigerated as previously described.
Thereafter, the bandage 10''' is secured to one of the panels 40. The bandage 10" ' is then applied to the injured area of the shoulder requiring treatment, and the strap 42 is wrapped about the user's chest and back and under the arm so that the bandage can be secured to the free panel 4n at the injured area of the shoulder.
The bandage can be modified for application to other parts of the body within the spirit and scope of the in-vention. Thus, smaller bandages could be made ~or appli-cation to the ankle or wrist of a user. It is apparent ~2~85~

that man~ modifications could be efferted so that the bandage could be applied where needed.
In figure 9 there is illustrated a bandage 50 designed primarily for use with animals such as a horse. Bandage 50 includes portions 52 and 54. Portion 52 is a lamination of closed cell foam layer 55 sandwiched between and bonded to fabric layers 5~, 58. Layers 56, 58 correspond to layers 16, 18. While layer 55 is a closed cell foam, it preferably is a commercially available closed cell foam neopreme or a blend such as EPT (ethylene-propylene-ter-polvmer) which have about 5% open cells ~or retaining moisture.
In figures 11 and 12, bandage 50 is shown applied to a leg of an animal 60 beginning at end 53 in overlapping fashion from the ankle to the knee. To assist in retaining bandage S0 in place, portion 54 is a layer of elastomeric non-absor~ent material attached to one end of portion 52.
At a free end of portion 54 a Velcro (trademark) or equiva-lent fastener 62 is provided while at the other end of portion 54 and on the opposite surface a matable ~astener 64 is provided. The same stitching joins portions 5~, 54 and fastoner 64. The side edges of layers o~ portions 52 and the free end 53 are preferably attached by overcast stitching 66.
Preferred dimensions Eor bandage 50 when used on a leg of a horse are as follows. The bandage portion 52 has a width of lOcm, a variahlr length Erom about 100 cm up to about 1'30 cm, with the layers theroof having a thickness as set orth above. Portion 5~ is preverably a closed cell neoprene Eoam about 16 cm long, has the same width as portion 52 and a thickness of .3 rm. Thc elasticity of portion S~ enables thc portion 52 to be under comprcssion when applied to a le-]~ ~ortion 5~ has a length of 1/2 to 3/~ the circum~erence oE the body part to be circum.scribed.
8andage 50 is otherwisc the same as disclo6ed above in connection with bandage 10.

~;~a~slz In figure 13 there is shown bandage 50 rolled up and disposed with a cylindrical casing 62. Casing 62 has top and bottom halfs separable along circum~erential slit 64. Slit 64 extends for about 300 of the circumference of casing 62 with the remainder between the ends of the slit 64 being a hinge. Casing 62 is preferably a laminate of stretch fabric 66 bonded to a lining of closed cell foam 68. Casing 62 helps to maintain the low temperature of the bandage subsequent to removal from a refrigerator and up to the time of application of the bandage.
The bandages of the present invention do not sub-stantially impair mobility of an animal. Thus, the animal may move around, eat, etc. while endorphins are released due to the cold stimulus and pressurer No ointment is needed. The bandage is reusable.
Each bandage disclosed herein may be used on humans or animals. Each bandage is preferably removed after 1 or 2 minutes, then stretched, and then reapplied. Where cost is a factor and treatment is only desired for a period o 10-15 minutes, the reflective layer such as layers 1~ and 58 may be eliminated. The banda~es are pre-ferably rendered damp by contact with water since the cooling step will result in the formation of ice crystals.
No such ice crystals will be present if the bandage is dampened by contact with cold alcohol.
The present invention may be embodied in other spe-ci~ic ~orms without departing from ~he spirit or cssential attri~utes thereof and, accordin~ly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A bandage for reducing pain comprising:
an elongated layer of closed cell foam polymeric material;
two layers of fabric of substantially the same size as said layer of closed cell foam, said layer of foam sandwiched between and bonded to said layers of fabric, one of said layers of fabric being absorbent with respect to aqueous liquids and adapted to be in contact with a body portion, said foam layer being substantially thicker than the fabric layers and having a substantially constant thickness along a substantial length thereof;
means for fastening at one end of the bandage;
and mating means at the opposite end of the bandage for releasably engaging said fastening means to thereby secure the bandage to the body portion and apply pressure thereto, and all layers adapted to be stretchable in a lengthwise direction with respect to the bandage whereby said liquid absorbent layer is to be first soaked with liquid, the bandage then cooled to a temperature close to but slightly above the freezing temperature of the liquid and the bandage then applied to the body portion with the liquid absorbent layer in contact therewith and secured thereto such that the bandage applies pressure to the body portion.

2. A bandage in accordance with claim 1 wherein said one absorbent layer of fabric is the only layer which is absorbent.

3. A bandage in accordance with claim ~ wherein the other layer of fabric has a light color for reflecting heat and cold.

4. A bandage in accordance with claim 1 wherein said one absorbent layer of fabric is terry cloth, and the other layer of fabric having a light reflective color.

5. A bandage in accordance with claim 1 wherein said mating means includes a strip of elastic material attached to the opposite end of said bandage and forming an extension thereof, said elastic strip having engagement means thereon for releasably engaging the fastening means on said bandage and a width substantially equal to the width of said bandage.

6. A bandage in accordance with claim 1 wherein said elongated foam layer has an absorbancy of substantially 5%.

7. A bandage for reducing pain comprising:
a layer of closed cell foam polymeric material;
two layers of fabric of substantially the same size as said layer of closed cell foam, said layer of closed cell foam sandwiched between and bonded to said layers of fabric, one of said layers of fabric being absorbent with respect to aqueous liquids and adapted to be in contact with an area of the body, said foam layer being sub-stantially thicker than the fabric layers and having a substantially constant thickness along a substantial length thereof;
a first piece of material adapted for releasable securement to one end of said bandage;
a second piece of material adapted for releasable securement to the opposite end of said bandage;
mating structure located at both ends of said first piece of material;
mating structure located at both ends of said second piece of material;
and discrete structure mating means at each end of the bandage for releasably engaging with the mating structure on one end of said first piece of material and the mating structure on one end of said second piece of material, and the mating structure on the other end of said first piece of material and the mating structure of the other end of said second piece of material adapted for releasable engagement with each other whereby said liquid absorbent layer is to be first soaked with liquid, the bandage then cooled to a temperature close to but slightly above the freezing tempera-ture of the liquid and the bandage then applied to the body portion with the liquid absor-bent layer in contact therewith and secured thereto such that the bandage applies pres-sure to the body portion.

8. A bandage in accordance with claim 7 wherein all layers have stretch in a lenghthwise direction with respect to the bandage.

9. A bandage in accordance with claim 7 wherein said one absorbent layer of fabric is the only layer which is absorbent.

10. A bandage in accordance with claim 9 wherein the other layer of fabric has a light color for reflecting heat and cold.

11. A bandage in accordance with claim 7 wherein said one absorbent layer of fabric is terrycloth, and the other layer of fabric adapted to be stretchable in a lengthwise direction with respect to the bandage and having a light reflective color.

12. A bandage in accordance with claim 7 wherein said elongated foam layer has an absorbancy of substantially 5%.

13. A bandage for reducing pain comprising:
a layer of closed cell foam polymeric material;
two layers of fabric of substantially the same size as said layer of closed cell foam, said layer of closed cell foam sandwiched between and bonded to said layers of fabric, one of said layers of fabric being absorbent with respect to aqueous liquids and adapted to be in contact with an area of the body, said foam layer being sub-stantially thicker than the fabric layers and having a substantially contant thickness along a substantial length thereof;
a piece of material longer than said bandage and sufficiently long so that said longer piece is adapted to encircle the area of the body and apply pressure thereto;
mating means located at ends of said longer piece; and mating means secured to the bandage and adapted to releasably engage with said mating means on said longer piece of material whereby said liquid absorbent layer is to be first soaked with liquid, the bandage then cooled to a temperature close to but slightly above the freezing temperature of the liquid and the bandage then applied to the body portion with the liquid absorbent layer in contact therewith and secured thereto such that the bandage applies pressure to the body portion.

14. A bandage in accordance with claim 13 wherein all layers have stretch in a lengthwise direction with respect to the bandage.

15. A bandage in accordance with claim 13 wherein said one absorbent layer of fabric is the only layer which is absorbent.

16. A bandage in accordance with claim 15 wherein the other layer of fabric has a light color for relecting heat and cold.

17. A bandage in accordance with claim 13 wherein said one absorbent layer of fabric is terry cloth, and the other layer of fabric adapted to be stretchable in a lengthwise direction with respect to the bandage and having a light reflective color.

18. A bandage in accordance with claim 13 wherein said elongated foam layer has an absorbancy of substantially 5%.

19. A bandage for reducing pain comprising a layer of closed cell foam polymeric material;
two layers of fabric of substantially the same size as said layer of closed cell foam, said layer of closed cell foam sandwiched between and bonded to said layers of fabric, one of said layers of fabric being absorbent with respect to aqueous liquids and adapted to be in contact with an area of the body, said foam layer being sub-stantially thicker than the fabric layers and having a substantially constant thickness along a substantial length thereof; and means on the bandage for securing the bandage in position and applying pressure to the area of the body whereby said liquid absorbent layer is to be first soaked with liquid, the bandage then cooled to a temperature close to but slightly above the freezing temperature of the liquid and the bandage then applied to the body portion with the liquid absorbent layer in contact therewith and secured thereto such that the bandage applies pressure to the body portion.

20. A bandage in accordance with claim 19 wherein all layers have stretch in a lengthwise direction with respect to the bandage.

21. A bandage in accordance with claim 19 wherein said one absorbent layer of fabric is the only layer which is absorbent.

22. A bandage in accordance with claim 21 wherein the other layer of fabric has a light color for reflecting heat and cold.

23. A bandage in accordance with claim 19 wherein said one absorbent layer of fabric is terry cloth, and the other layer of fabric adapted to be stretchable in a lengthwise direction with respect to the bandage.

24. A bandage in accordance with claim 19 wherein said elongated foam layer has an absorbancy of substantially 5%.

25. A bandage for reducing pain comprising:
a layer of closed cell foam polymeric material;
two layers of fabric of substantially the same size as said layer of closed cell foam, said layer of closed cell foam sandwiched between and bonded to said layers of fabric, one of said layers of fabric being absorbent with respect to aqueous liquids and adapted to be in contact with an area of the body, said foam layer being sub-stantially thicker than the fabric layers and having a substantially constant thickness along a substantial length thereof;
means for securing the bandage in position at and applying pressure to the area of the body; and means for removably securing said bandage to said securing means whereby said liquid absorbent layer is to be first soaked with liquid, the bandage then cooled to a temperature close to but slightly above the freezing temperature of the liquid and the bandage then applied to the body portion with the liquid absorbent layer in contact therewith and secured thereto such that the bandage applies pressure to the body portion.

26. A bandage in accordance with claim 25 wherein all layers have stretch in a lengthwise direction with respect to the bandage.

27. A bandage in accordance with claim 25 wherein said one absorbent layer of fabric is the only layer which is absorbent.

28. A bandage in accordance with claim 27 wherein the other layer of fabric has a light color for reflecting heat and cold.

29. A bandage in accordance with claim 25 wherein said one absorbent layer of fabric is terry cloth, and the other layer of fabric adapted to be stretchable in a lengthwise direction with respect to the bandage and having a light reflective color.

30. A bandage in accordance with claim 25 wherein said elongated foam layer has an absorbancy of substantially 5%.