BANDAGE FOR RELIEF AND MASSAGE

Abstract: Massage and relief bandage device for persons vulnerable to bedsore (decubitus ulcer), comprising a bag device (11, 14, 15) of a flexible material, particularly cloth, which is filled with foamed plastic beads (18). The cloth material (17) is a porous material, permeable to air, and the bag device has a plurality of chambers (11, 14, 15) divided by non-filled parts (16B-C), which extend to the edges of the bandage device. The filling rate of the chambers (11, 14, 15) is low, to allow displacement of the granular material (18) without particular outside pressure.

Description: Bandage for relief and massage. The invention relates to a massage and relief bandage device as stated in the introductory part of claim 1, for persons vunerable to bedsore (decubitus ulcer), 5 particularly patients in nursing homes, hospitals and in home care (terminal care). Background Persons who are being immobilized in a bed or a wheelchair chair for long periods of time are vunerable to bedsore (decubitus ulcer) and similar sores due to unilateral and 10 enduring pressure of limbs. Most vunerable are the lumbar regions, the hips, the ankles, and the elbows, i.e. the parts of the body most exposed to pressure. It has been proposed to use thick fibre mats, foam plastic, and other pressure distributing materials. A common disadvantage with such measures is enveloping the vunerable area thus resulting in a temperaure increase with the risk of sweat and 15 moisture. It is known to use small plastic spheres in cushions to avoid bedsores. It is known e.g. from US-patent specification 4,425.676 (Crane) to manufacture a cushion with several parallel chambers and with light plastic beads of preferably the same size and with a diameter from 0,5 to 3 mm. Additionally, this cushion is provided with a blower to create 20 an air flow and keep the beads in motion. This solution is however expensive and creates significant hygene problems. In US-patent specification 4,657,003 (Wirtz) it is proposed to provide an immobilizing device to keep a joint, e.g. an elbow, restrained. In a bag, beads of preferably the same size and a diameter of over 5 mm, are provided. When the known bandaging bag is 25 arranged and the joint is in its desired position, the air is evacuated to compact and lock the beads in position. From German OfFenlegungsschrift 2,408,726 (Dyson) it is known to use a combination of small beads and a fluidmedium to prevent bedsores. From German OfFenlegungsschrift 4,219,698 it is known to actively exert a pressure 30 by using beads in a cover. In this case the purpose is to provide an active massage as part of therapeutical treatment. Common to the prior art solutions of the bedsore problem, is the deficiency in addressing the most important issues, i.e. stimulating blood circulation and provision of air to the body and corresponding transfer of heat and sweat. The hygenic conditions have also been unsatisfactory. Objects The main object of the invention is to provide a massage and relief bandage device which solves the problem of reducing pressure and demoisturing the skin. It should also stimulate blood circulation, to reduce the tendency. For wounds to develop which is inherent in reduced blood circulation. A particular object is to provide a massage and relief bandage device which permits access of air to that part of the body covered by the device. It should also be easy to clean. A more particular object is to provide a massage and relief bandage device, which may be manufactured so as to be disposable. The invention The inventor has created a satisfactory massage and relief bandage device as stated in claim 1. The main advantage of this design is the contribution to stimulation of blood circulation in the areas of contact, without preventing access of air to the part of the body covered by the device. Further features of the invention are stated in claims 2-8. Example The invention is described more completely with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front view of a massage and relief bandage device according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a back view of the device shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a cross section through the device of Fig. 1 and 2 when in use, Fig. 4 is a cross section through a disposable bandage device according to the invention, and Figs. 5 and 6 are a perspective view and a side view respectively of an alternative embodiment. In Fig. land 2 there is shown a massage and relief bandage device for use on an elbow or a heel of a foot. It has at bag body comprising a central longitudinal chamber 11 with a transverse restriction 12 in the middle 13, and an adjoining chamber 14 and 15 of constant width on each side. The three chambers 11, 14, 15 are created with longitudinal seams 16A-D on a double web 17. It is particularly advantageous to use organic material, such as cotton material or linen. Organic material will have a higher absorption capacity. The density may be approximately 110 grams per square meter, preferably not exceeding 150 grams per square meter. Stuffing with a granular material 18 (Fig. 3) may be carried out before sewing a final cross seam 19, as a closure. The cloth is sized to have an unstuffed edge 20 along all edges. The purpose of the edge 20 is to stabilize the bandage device, when attached to a user. To attach the bandage device to the foot or arm of a user, the device of the example is provided with three straps 21 A-C extending from one of the longitudinal edges. The ends of straps 21 A-C are provided with velcro-fasteners 22, the straps being arranged to be hooked into corresponding loops 23 at the opposite edge, to be folded back for attachment. In Fig. 3 an alternative embodiment is shown, in which one of the edges 20 is provided with an attachment ribbon 20 A for the velcro fasteners on the straps 21 A-B. The stuffing 18 may be expanded polystyrene. In Fig. 4 there is shown a section through a disposable device formed by-laminating two layers 24 and 25 of non-woven material, e.g. paper plies, enclosing three net bags 26A-C which are stuffed with hollow plastic beads 27. The net bags 26A-C are manufactured of a net tube with a mesh size which restrains the beads 27. After stuffing the tubular net bag, it is divided in suitable sections which are closed at the ends by prior art techniques. The net bags 26 A-C takes the pressure of the beads and allows the use of a light and open cover material. Therefore a simple and inexpensive bandage device, is provided which may be disposed after use like a disposable diaper. To maintain the disposable bandage device on the user, e.g. on an arm or a foot, an elastic net collar or muff can be drawn on the bandage device. Alternatively, adhesive tapes can be used. The layers of non-woven material 24 and 25 can be connected by dots of adhesive. In Figs. 5 and 6 there is shown a bandage device correspond to the bandage device of Fig. 3, with the exception that straps 28 and 29 are being crossed over. The purpose is to maintain a foot disposed at a right angle. This is needed by patients after suffering paralysis, e.g. by cerebral haermorrhage, to avoid a permanent deformation of the foot, called "drop foot".

Claims: Claims: 1. Massage and relief bandage device for persons vunerable to bedsore (decubitus ulcer), comprising a bag device (11, 14, 15) of a flexible material, particularly cloth, which is filled with a granular material (18), particularly foamed plastic beads, characterized in - that the cloth material (17) is a porous material, permeable to air, - that the bag device has a plurality of chambers (11, 14, 15) divided by non-filled parts (16B-C), - that the non-filled parts (16A-C) extend to the edges of the bandage device, - that the chambers (11, 14, 15) is not completely filled, so as to permit displacement of the granular material (18) without particular outside pressure, and - that the filling material is beads with closed surface. 2. Bandage device according to claim 1, characterized in that cloth is a textile with a density under 150, preferably about 110 gram per square meter, preferably an organic material. 3. Bandage device according to claim 1 or 2, for use on arms or feet, characterized in that the chambers (11, 14, 15) are extending longitudinally. 4. Bandage device according to claim 3, characterized in that it has a centrally located chamber with a restricted central part (13). 5. Bandage device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the cloth material of porous paper or plies. 6. Bandage device according to claim 5, characterized in that the filling material is EPS-granules (expanded polystyrene) 7. Bandage device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by being provided to be maintained on the user by an elastic net tube. 8. Bandage device according to anyone of claims 1-7, characterized in that it has cross over attachment straps.

Inventors: LEITHE KRISTEN, LEITHE VIGDIS MARIE, LEITHE, KRISTEN, LEITHE, VIGDIS, MARIE
Applicants: LEITHE KRISTEN, LEITHE VIGDIS MARIE, LEITHE, KRISTEN, LEITHE, VIGDIS, MARIE
Application year: 1996
Main classification: A61F13
IPC codes: A61F13