Medical pad

Implementations of a medical pad having a perimeter side, a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of openings. In some implementations, a method of using the medical pad includes positioning the medical pad on an area susceptible to the development of a bedsore or similar wound, such as a bony prominence or pressure point, to prevent the development of a bedsore or similar wound, and another method includes positioning the medical pad on a bedsore or similar wound to help the treatment and healing of the bedsore or similar wound.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a medical pad that prevents the development of bed sores and helps the treatment and healing of existing bed sores.

BACKGROUND

Many people are affected by skin breakdown that causes the development of pressure ulcers also known as bed sores (or bedsores). As shown inFIG.1A, such skin breakdown usually results from restricted (e.g., low or loss of) circulation to bony prominences or pressure points of the body, such as the back of the head, shoulder, elbow, hip, lower back, inner knee, or heel. Such restricted circulation is usually due to prolonged lying or sitting in one position (e.g., from being bedridden or wheelchair bound), illness, or weight loss. As shown inFIG.1B, the skin breakdown from the restricted circulation results in the development of bed sores (or pressure ulcers).

There are existing products designed to help treat or heal bed sores, but these products do not help prevent the development of bed sores. For example, silicon gel bandages exist that can be placed on bed sores for treatment or healing. There are also existing products designed to help prevent the development of bed sores, but these products cannot be used directly on the skin and do not help the treatment or healing of bed sores. For example, pads exist that can be placed on a bed to help prevent the development of bed sores, but these pads are not intended to be placed directly on the skin and do not help the treatment or healing of bed sores. Therefore, a product does not exist that prevents the development of bed sores and can be used directly on the skin and that also helps the treatment and healing of existing bed sores.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a medical pad are provided. In some implementations, the medical pad comprises a perimeter side, a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of openings.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to prevent the development of pressure ulcers or bed sores (or bedsores).

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to help the treatment and/or healing of existing bed sores.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to reduce or prevent skin breakdown that causes the development of bed sores.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to allow existing bed sores to heal.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to allow a user's skin to breath when the medical pad is used.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to use for preventive care of bony prominences or pressure points of a user's body to prevent skin breakdown and the development of bed sores.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to prevent restriction of circulation that causes skin breakdown and the development of bed sores.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to act as a shock absorber to pressure points of a user.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to reduce pain related to fat buildup.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to reduce pain related to muscle deterioration.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to reduce or alleviate other pain related to the treatment, healing, and/or prevention of bedsores or similar wounds.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to help to protect a wound.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to safely and effectively use in direct contact with a user's skin.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to adhere to a user's skin or a covered wound.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to re-adhere to a user's skin or a covered wound after previously adhering and removing the medical pad.

In some implementations, the medical pad is configured to re-adhere to a user's skin or a covered wound after previously adhering, removing, and washing or otherwise cleaning the medical pad.

In some implementations, a method of using the medical pad comprises positioning the medical pad on an area susceptible to the development of a bedsore or similar wound, such as a bony prominence or pressure point, to prevent the development of a bedsore or similar wound. In some implementations, a method of using the medical pad comprises positioning the medical pad on a bedsore or similar wound to help the treatment and healing of the bedsore or similar wound.

Many people are affected by skin breakdown that causes the development of pressure ulcers also known as bed sores (or bedsores). As shown inFIG.1A, such skin breakdown usually results from restricted (e.g., low or loss of) circulation to bony prominences or pressure points of the body10, such as the back of the head11, shoulder12, elbow13, hip14, lower back15, inner knee16, or heel17. Such restricted circulation is usually due to prolonged lying or sitting in one position (e.g., from being bedridden or wheelchair bound), illness, or weight loss. As shown inFIG.1B, the skin breakdown from the restricted circulation results in the development of bed sores (or pressure ulcers)20.

There are existing products designed to help treat or heal bed sores, but these products do not help prevent the development of bed sores. For example, silicon gel bandages exist that can be placed on bed sores for treatment or healing. There are also existing products designed to help prevent the development of bed sores, but these products cannot be used directly on the skin and do not help the treatment or healing of bed sores. For example, pads exist that can be placed on a bed to help prevent the development of bed sores, but these pads are not intended to be placed directly on the skin and do not help the treatment or healing of bed sores. Therefore, a product does not exist that prevents the development of bed sores and also helps the treatment and healing of existing bed sores.

FIGS.2A-2Dillustrate an implementation of an example medical pad100according to the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS.2A and2B, in some implementations, the medical pad100comprises a perimeter side110, a first surface120, a second surface130, and a plurality of openings140. For example, in some implementations, the medical pad100is a piece of material, such as the example material described below, having these components110,120,130,140.

In some implementations, the medical pad100may comprise any other suitable components.

In some implementations, the perimeter side110may be any suitable shape. For example, as shown inFIG.2A, in some implementations, the perimeter side110may be generally square or rectangular shaped and comprise a plurality of sides111,112,113,114. As shown inFIGS.6A and7(described more below), in some implementations, the perimeter side110may be generally curved or circular shaped.

As shown inFIG.2A, in some implementations, for the generally rectangular shaped perimeter side110, a generally opposite first side111and second side112extend respectively between a generally opposite third side113and fourth side114. Similarly, in some implementations, the generally opposite third side113and fourth side114extend respectively between the generally opposite first side111and second side112.

In some implementations, the first surface120and the second surface130may each be any suitable shape. In some implementations, the surfaces120,130are the same or similar shape. For example, as shown inFIGS.2A and2D, in some implementations, the surfaces120,130may be generally square or rectangular shaped. As shown inFIGS.6A and7(described more below), in some implementations, the surfaces120,130may be generally curved or circular shaped.

As shown inFIGS.2A and2D, in some implementations, the generally rectangular shaped surfaces120,130extend generally opposite respectively (e.g., lengthwise) between the first side111and the second side112. Similarly, in some implementations, the generally rectangular shaped surfaces120,130extend generally opposite respectively (e.g., widthwise) between the third side113and fourth side114.

As shown inFIGS.6A and7, in some implementations, the generally circular shaped surfaces120,130extend generally opposite respectively (e.g., widthwise or radially) between the perimeter side110.

As shown inFIGS.2B and2CandFIGS.3A and6B(described more below), in some implementations, the surfaces120,130also extend in a generally curved shape between the perimeter side110. For example, in some implementations, the surfaces120,130extend generally parallel in a generally concave, convex, and/or similar shape.

In some implementations, the surfaces120,130extend generally curved such that the first surface120extends concave (e.g., concave inward) toward the second surface130and the second surface130extends concave (e.g., concave outward or convex) away from the first surface120. In some implementations, the surfaces120,130thereby have a concave (e.g., depression, teardrop, etc.) shaped portion as the surfaces120,130extends from the perimeter side110.

In some implementations, the concave shaped portion is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to position on or over (e.g., in contact with or not in contact with) a bedsore or similar wound (e.g., for treatment and/or healing) or an area susceptible to the development of a bedsore or similar wound (e.g., for prevention).

As shown inFIG.6B, in some implementations, the surfaces120,130may extend generally straight or flat from the perimeter side110. For example, in some implementations, the surfaces120,130may extend generally flat and then generally concave, convex, etc. as described above.

In some implementations, the surfaces120,130may extend in any other suitable between the perimeter side110.

In some implementations, the first surface120is configured to be positioned on or adjacent to a user's skin (or bedsore, skin wound, etc.) when the medical pad100is used. In some implementations, the first surface120is configured to thereby face toward the user's skin when the medical pad100is used.

In some implementations, the first surface120may be configured to be positioned in any other suitable way when the medical pad100is used.

In some implementations, the second surface130is configured to be positioned opposite or away from a user's skin (or bedsore, skin wound, etc.) when the medical pad100is used. In some implementations, the second surface130is configured to thereby face away from the user's skin when the medical pad100is used.

In some implementations, the second surface130may be configured to be positioned in any other suitable way when the medical pad100is used.

In some implementations, the openings140may comprise any suitable number of openings. For example, in some implementations, the openings140may comprise two or more openings. In some implementations, the openings140may comprise one opening.

In some implementations, the openings140may be any suitable shape. For example, as shown inFIG.2D, in some implementations, the openings140may be generally circular and/or cylindrical.

In some implementations, the openings140may be any suitable size. For example, as shown inFIG.5A, in some implementations, the openings140may be 3.56 millimeters in width or diameter. In some implementations, the openings140may be greater than or less than 3.56 millimeters in width.

As shown inFIGS.2A and2DandFIGS.3B,3C,5B,6A, and6B(described more below), in some implementations, the openings140extend between the first surface120and the second surface130. In some implementations, the openings140extend between and through the first surface120and the second surface130.

In some implementations, the openings140extend in a honeycomb (or similar) pattern or configuration. For example, in some implementations, the openings140extend adjacently in a honeycomb or similar configuration.

In some implementations, the openings140may extend in any other suitable way.

In some implementations, the openings140are configured to allow a user's skin, bedsore, wound, etc. to breathe when the medical pad100is used. For example, in some implementations, the openings140are configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to allow air, vapor, etc. to pass through the openings140.

In some implementations, the openings140are configured to provide any other suitable features.

In some implementations, the medical pad100may be any suitable shape. For example, as shown inFIGS.2A and2B, in some implementations, the medical pad100may be generally square or rectangular shaped along the perimeter side110and generally curved or concave shaped (as described above) along the surfaces120,130. As shown inFIGS.6A and6B, in some implementations, the medical pad100may be generally curved or circular shaped along the perimeter side110and generally curved or concave shaped along the surfaces120,130.

In some implementations, the medical pad100may be any suitable size. For example, in some implementations, the medical pad100is sized such that the medical pad100can be used to prevent the development of bed sores (or bedsores) and/or to help the treatment and/or healing of existing bed sores.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to prevent the development of pressure ulcers or bed sores.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to help the treatment and/or healing of existing bed sores.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to reduce or prevent skin breakdown that causes the development of bed sores.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to allow existing bed sores to heal.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to allow a user's skin to breath when the medical pad100is used. For example, in some implementations, the honeycomb configuration of the openings140allow the user's skin to breath.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to use for preventive care of bony prominences or pressure points of a user's body to prevent skin breakdown and the development of bed sores.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to prevent restriction of circulation that causes skin breakdown and the development of bed sores.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to act as a shock absorber to pressure points (or other applicable areas) of a user. For example, in some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to provide shock absorption that protects a bedsore or similar wound or an area susceptible to the development of a bedsore or similar wound from external forces (e.g., from bed laying, obstacle bumping, etc.) which can cause injury or other harm.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to reduce (or alleviate) pain when used for the treatment, healing, and/or prevention of bedsores or similar wounds.

For example, in some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to reduce pain related to fat buildup. In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to reduce pain related to muscle deterioration.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to reduce or alleviate other applicable pain related to the treatment, healing, and/or prevention of bedsores or similar wounds.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to help to protect a wound.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to safely and effectively use in direct contact with a user's skin.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to adhere to a user's skin or a covered wound. For example, in some implementations, the medical pad100comprises an adhesive property that allows the medical pad100to adhere to the user's skin or a covered wound.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to re-adhere to a user's skin or a covered wound after previously adhering and removing the medical pad100.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is configured to re-adhere to a user's skin or a covered wound after previously adhering, removing, and washing or otherwise cleaning the medical pad100.

In some implementations, the medical pad100comprises any suitable dimensions. For example, in some implementations, the medical pad100may comprise the same or similar dimensions shown (in millimeters) inFIGS.5A and5B.

In some implementations, a generally rectangular shaped medical pad100, such as shown inFIGS.2A-2D, may be 5 inches in length and 3 inches in width. In some implementations, the medical pad100may be 4 inches in length and 4 inches in width. In some implementations, the medical pad100may be 3 inches in length and 3 inches in width.

In some implementations, a generally rectangular shaped medical pad100may be 13 centimeters in length, 13 centimeters in width, and 1 centimeter in thickness or depth.

In some implementations, a generally circular shaped medical pad100, such as shown inFIGS.6A,6B, and7, may be 13 centimeters in diameter.

In some implementations, the medical pad100may have a height of 1.5 to 2.5 inches extending generally from the first surface120to the second surface130including the concave depression of the surfaces120,130.

In some implementations, the medical pad100may have any other suitable dimensions to use the medical pad100on a bony prominence or pressure point of a user to prevent skin breakdown and/or bedsore development.

In some implementations, the medical pad100may have any other suitable dimensions to use the medical pad100to cover a bedsore or a treated and covered open wound.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is composed of any suitable materials. For example, in some implementations, the medical pad100is composed of a silicone material. In some implementations, the medical pad100is composed of a silicone gel material.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is composed of a molded silicone material. In some implementations, the medical pad100is composed of a customized silicone material.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is composed of a material, such as a silicone material, that includes a mixture or other integration of an adhesive, such as a slight, gentle, or otherwise mild adhesive.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is composed of a material that comprises an adhesive property, such as a slight, gentle, or otherwise mild adhesive property.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is composed of a material that can adhere to the user's skin or a covered wound.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is composed of a material that can re-adhere to a user's skin or a covered wound after previously adhering and removing the medical pad100.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is composed of a material that can re-adhere to a user's skin or a covered wound after previously adhering, removing, and washing or otherwise cleaning the medical pad100.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is composed of a generally lightweight material. For example, in some implementations, a generally rectangular shaped medical pad100, such as shown inFIGS.2A-2D, may be composed of a material that weighs 150 grams. In some implementations, the material may weigh less or more than 150 grams.

In some implementations, a generally circular shaped medical pad100, such as shown inFIGS.6A,6B, and7, may be composed of a material that weighs 100 grams. In some implementations, the material may weigh less or more than 100 grams.

In some implementations, the medical pad100may be composed of a material of any other suitable weight.

In some implementations, the medical pad100may be composed of a rigid or semi-rigid material. In some implementations, the medical pad100may be composed of a flexible or semi-flexible material.

For example, in some implementations, the medical pad100may be composed of a material configured such that the medical pad100at least partly, fully, etc. maintains its shape, such as when the medical pad100is used. In some implementations, the medical pad100may be composed of a material having any other suitable rigidity, flexibility, etc.

In some implementations, the medical pad100can have any suitable appearance, such as the examples shown in the figures.

FIGS.3A-3Cillustrate another implementation of an example medical pad100A according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, the medical pad100A is generally the same or similar to the medical pad100described herein and shown inFIGS.2A-2D. For example, as shown inFIGS.3A and3B, in some implementations, the medical pad100A comprises a perimeter side110A, a first surface120A, a second surface130A, and a plurality of openings140A that are generally the same or similar to the perimeter side110, the first surface120, the second surface130, and the plurality of openings140of the medical pad100.

Furthermore, in some implementations, the medical pad100A is configured to prevent the development of bed sores and to help the treatment and/or healing of existing bed sores the same or similar to the medical pad100.

FIG.4illustrates another implementation of an example medical pad100B according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, the medical pad100B is generally the same or similar to the medical pad100described herein and shown inFIGS.2A-2D. For example, as shown inFIG.4, in some implementations, the medical pad100B comprises a perimeter side110B, a first surface120B, a second surface (not shown), and a plurality of openings140B that are generally the same or similar to the perimeter side110, the first surface120, the second surface130, and the plurality of openings140of the medical pad100.

Furthermore, in some implementations, the medical pad100B is configured to prevent the development of bed sores and to help the treatment and/or healing of existing bed sores the same or similar to the medical pad100.

FIGS.5A and5Billustrate example dimensions of an example medical pad100C according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, the medical pad100C is generally the same or similar to the medical pad100described herein and shown inFIGS.2A-2D. For example, as shown inFIGS.5A and5B, in some implementations, the medical pad100C comprises a perimeter side110C, a first surface120C, a second surface130C, and a plurality of openings140C that are generally the same or similar to the perimeter side110, the first surface120, the second surface130, and the plurality of openings140of the medical pad100.

Furthermore, in some implementations, the medical pad100C is configured to prevent the development of bed sores and to help the treatment and/or healing of existing bed sores the same or similar to the medical pad100.

FIGS.6A and6Billustrate another implementation of an example medical pad100D according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, the medical pad100D is generally the same or similar to the medical pad100described herein and shown inFIGS.2A-2D, except that the medical pad100D is generally circular shaped. For example, as shown inFIGS.6A and6B, in some implementations, the medical pad100D comprises a perimeter side110D, a first surface120D, a second surface130D, and a plurality of openings140D that are generally the same or similar to the perimeter side110, the first surface120, the second surface130, and the plurality of openings140of the medical pad100.

Furthermore, in some implementations, the medical pad100D is configured to prevent the development of bed sores and to help the treatment and/or healing of existing bed sores the same or similar to the medical pad100.

FIG.7illustrates another implementation of an example medical pad100E according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, the medical pad100E is generally the same or similar to the medical pad100described herein and shown inFIGS.2A-2D, except that the medical pad100E is generally circular shaped. For example, as shown inFIG.4, in some implementations, the medical pad100E comprises a perimeter side110E, a first surface120E, a second surface (not shown), and a plurality of openings140E that are generally the same or similar to the perimeter side110, the first surface120, the second surface130, and the plurality of openings140of the medical pad100.

Furthermore, in some implementations, the medical pad100E is configured to prevent the development of bed sores and to help the treatment and/or healing of existing bed sores the same or similar to the medical pad100.

FIGS.8A-8Dillustrate an example use of the medical pad100according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, the medical pad100can be used for preventive care, such as to prevent skin breakdown and/or the development of a bedsore at a bony prominence or pressure point of a user or to allow the healing of the start of a bedsore on a user. As shown inFIGS.8B and8C, in some implementations, a method for using the medical pad100for such preventive care comprises placing (e.g., positioning) the medical pad100on the pressure point or other relevant position on the user (such as described forFIG.1A).

In some implementations, the medical pad100is placed directly on or adjacent to the user's skin. In some implementations, the first surface120of the medical pad100is placed on or adjacent to the user's skin.

In some implementations, the medical pad100is applied to the user such that the medical pad100adheres to the user's skin. In some implementations, the applied medical pad100reduces or prevents skin breakdown and the development of a bed sore.

In some implementations, the method further comprises cleaning the position on the user before placing the medical pad100on the position, such as shown inFIG.8A. In some implementations, the position is cleaned by washing and/or drying the position.

In some implementations, the method may further comprise any other suitable actions.

In some implementations, the medical pad100can be used for treatment and/or healing of an existing (i.e. already developed) bedsore that may include an open wound. In some implementations, a method for using the medical pad100for such treatment and/or healing comprises allowing the wound to be treated as needed to include covering the wound with a bandage, dressing, or other suitable covering. For example, in some implementations, a wound care specialist may first be consulted for treatment, bandaging, etc. of the wound.

In some implementations, the method comprises placing (e.g., positioning) the medical pad100on the covered wound, similar to as described above forFIGS.8B and8C. In some implementations, the medical pad100is applied to the user such that the medical pad100adheres to the covered wound.

In some implementations, the applied medical pad100helps the treatment and/or healing of the covered wound. In some implementations, the method may further comprise any other suitable actions.

As shown inFIG.8D, in some implementations, a method of removing the medical pad100comprises pulling away the medical pad100from the placement on the user as needed. For example, in some implementations, the medical pad100is gradually pulled and/or rolled away on one side of the medical pad100. In some implementations, the medical pad100is then pulled and/or rolled away on another (e.g. opposite) side of the medical pad100to gradually remove the medical pad100from the user's skin or covered wound.

The figures, including photographs and drawings, comprised herewith may represent one or more implementations of the medical pad.

Details shown in the figures, such as dimensions, descriptions, etc., are exemplary, and there may be implementations of other suitable details according to the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is comprised in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

While operations may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.