OBSTETRICAL DELIVERY ASSIST APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract: The present invention provides an obstetrical delivery assist apparatus (10) and method of use which utilizes a pair of foot stirrups (15) connected to handgrips (45), whereby the obstetric patient places each foot in a stirrup and maintains a hold on the handgrip. The patient pulls her feet toward her chest, while not exerting any outward leg force to the stirrups. The patient is able to draw her legs into a squat position while lying semi-prone on the bed, thereby significantly assisting in the delivery process of the baby.

Description: OBSTETRICAL DELIVERY ASSIST APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of obstetrical apparatus for use by human females, particularly, an apparatus to assist patients in the second stage of labor Background of the Art Over the years, various types of apparatus have been introduced and used to assist the birthing process. However, no one has heretofore proposed a delivery assist apparatus adapted for use by the obstetrical patient specifically during the second stage of labor, which assists the patient in assuming a more natural reclined squatting position in the manner of the present invention The present invention recognizes that a more natural reclined squatting position allows the patient a more efficient second stage of labor, the stage which involves pushing the baby through the birth canal In contrast, many of the known delivery assist devices require women during the second stage of labor to extend their legs against the devices' foot stirrups, causing unnecessary muscle tension and strain in the legs Correct usage of the present invention promotes relaxation of the legs, while the arms and upper body strain to push the baby out For example, U S Patent 6,385 to Pollard et al. for an Obstetrical Supporter discloses an apparatus that binds the patient with straps mounted around the legs, knees and back The straps of this patent require substantial adjusting to fit the length of the person using the obstetrical supporter The handgrips disclosed in the Pollard '385 patent are positioned above, and attached to, the knee-straps, which encourages the patient to push against the stirrups with her legs, thereby extending her legs away from a relaxed squatting position U S Patent 412,999 to Turney for an Obstetrical Appliance is not considered safe in present day obstetrical practice due to its application as an abdominal binder U S Patent 504,598 to Leyda et al for an Obstetrical Appliance is similar to the previously mentioned Turney patent in that it utilizes binding straps In Leyda, however, the confining straps are on the patient's legs instead of the shoulders Again, handgrips are located above the knee portion of the appliance, which induces a patient to extend her legs against the foot stirrups and away from a relaxed squatting position. U S Patent 846,648 to Crume is for an Obstetrical Supporter that utilizes straps around the patient's knees Also, an additional strap between the patient's knees prevents the spreading of the legs The handgrips of Crume are also positioned above the patient's knees Due to these reasons, the Crume Supporter does not allow a correct squatting position U. S Patent 459,027 to Thompson for an Obstetrical Apparatus has simplicity in its structure However, the patient's hand straps are attached to the heel of the stirrup, requiring the body to remain in a more prone position, and the patient's feet to remain on the bed surface The apparatus of the '027 patent does not place the patient in an optimum squatting position as does the present invention SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention disclosed herein provides a simple, non-confining, obstetrical delivery assist apparatus and method of use, which assists the pregnant patient during the second stage of labor to assume a desired reclining squat position with the pelvis tilted upward, chin thrust toward the chest, and the back curved toward and around the uterus The present invention is comprised of a pair of identical structures, each structure including a handgrip attached to a foot stirrup by a relatively short connector section. In operation, each of the patient's feet are inserted into a respective foot stirrup, and, each hand is placed around each handgrip The patient pulls back with her hands on each handgrip so that her knees are brought back toward the chest and are spread apart to a natural relaxed squat position, while lying semi-prone on the bed The handgrips are designed to be adjustably positioned so as to permit the patient's hands to be positioned as close to the patient's feet as the patient is able to maintain, which is at least below the level of the patient's knees The present invention apparatus discourages the patient to put pressure down into her feet, but instead, encourages her to pull back with her arms and leave her legs in a relaxed squatting position In this manner the patient is able to isolate and use her abdominal muscles to push the baby down and through the birth canal The present invention also allows some variation in positioning, while still maintaining a squatting position, i e side lying positions It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an obstetrical delivery assist apparatus for use by an obstetric patient, which is simple to use and is inexpensive to manufacture A further object of the present invention is to provide an obstetrical delivery assist apparatus for use by an obstetric patient that aids the patient in assuming and maintaining the optimum position for delivery of the baby, 1 e , a natural relaxed squat position, while still lying semi-prone in a bed Another object of the present invention is to provide an obstetrical delivery assist apparatus having a pair of identical structures, each including a handgrip attached to a stirrup by a relatively short connector section BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a pictorial view of a pregnant female in a preferred second stage birthing position using the obstetπcal delivery assist apparatus Figure 2 is a pictorial view of a preferred embodiment of the obstetrical delivery assist apparatus of the invention Figure 3 is a plan view of the present invention showing the foot stirrup in an open position Figure 4 is a pictorial view of the present invention showing a foot stirrup in a closed position with a patient's foot inserted therein Figure 5 is a plan view of a handgrip and connector section of the present invention Figure 6 is a pictorial view of a second embodiment of the present invention obstetrical delivery assist apparatus DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of the delivery assist apparatus 10 are used by a woman during labor. Each obstetrical delivery assist apparatus 10 of the present invention includes, in the preferred embodiment, foot stirrup 15, connector section 20 connecting foot stirrup 15 to handgrip 45 Handgrip 45 is made from a suitable material, such as woven nylon, which has one end formed into handhold 46 and a second opposed end for attachment to handgrip ring 47 Handhold 46 is designed to accommodate any size hand Handgrip ring 47 is attachable to connector section 20 which is preferably an adjustable strap having fastener clip 21 to open connector section 20 It is understood that there are other alternatives means known in the art for providing an adjustable connection between handhold 46 and foot stirrup 15, such as a belt buckle style strap and closure Another alternative embodiment of connector 20 is shown in FIG 6 and is discussed in more detail below Handgrip 45 is positioned in close proximity to its linked foot stirrup 15 such that when the patient's foot is mounted within stirrup 15, and the patient is holding handgrips 45, handgrips 45 are located below the patient's knee, even when the patient has reached the desired squat position. It is recognized by the present invention that by minimizing the distance between handgrip 45 and stirrups 15, and thereby positioning each handgrip 45 below the patient's knee level, the patient is prevented from extending her legs, and thus, instead, is positioned in a maintainable relaxed squatting position. Next, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, foot stirrup 15 is composed of a wide foot support section 25. Padded material (not shown) is securely attached to the inside of foot support section 25 by any suitable means, e.g. stitching, gluing, etc. One end of stirrup 15 takes the form of a first belt extension 29 which is made as an integral extension of foot support section 25 and which, in the preferred embodiment, has integrally secured, by stitching or gluing, to the outside thereof, a first attachment means 31. The opposite end of stirrup 15 takes the form of a second belt extension 35. Second belt extension 35 has integrally secured, by stitching or gluing, to the outside portion thereof a second attachment means 37 which when folded over, see FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, releasably mates with first attachment means 31. In the preferred embodiment, Velcro™ is used as first and second attachment means 31 and 37 and additionally attachment means 36, i.e., hook and loop mating sections. Second belt extension 35 has holes 38 therein to receive first belt extension 29. Extension 29 is passed through holes 38 and then unites with the mating Velcro™ attachment means 37 and 36. FIG 4 is illustrative of an assembled foot stirrup 15 of the type utilized in the present invention shown surrounding the foot of the patient. Referring to FIG 4, belt extension 29 is first folded over so that Velcro™ section 31 and Velcro sections 36 and 37 unite to form foot stirrup 15 Foot stirrup 15 includes a stirrup ring 39 fixedly attached thereto by any suitable means. When each foot stirrup 15 is assembled and the patient's feet are positioned therein, stirrup ring 39 is shown positioned at the top 13 of foot stirrup 15 above the arches of the patient's feet, and are one of the connecting links between foot stirrup 15 and handgrip 45 as already described above FIG 4 shows the patient's foot placed in stirrup 15, which snugly fits around the patient's foot so that stirrup ring 39 is positioned above each of the patient's feet, and stirrup 15 does not easily slip off. Importantly, stirrup 15 is positioned substantially between the mid-arch of the foot, and over the balls of the feet. In an actual labor and delivery environment, as pictorially shown in FIG 1 , the length of delivery assist apparatus 10 of the invention can be adjusted to fit a particular patient In use, the female patient places each of her feet in foot stirrups 15 so that the patient's feet engage the foot stirrups in the area of the balls or middle of the feet Once the patient's feet are placed within foot stirrups 15, the patient grasps handholds 46 The patient maneuvers into a relaxed position on the bed while still holding onto handholds 46 of handgrips 45 The padded foot support portions 25 of foot stirrups 15 are pulled back against the balls or middle of the feet This will cause each foot to flex back such that when pulled on, the patient's knees move to her chest to achieve a squatting position The obstetrical delivery assist apparatus 10 provides the patient with the support needed to maintain the desired squatting position, while lying on the bed to promote rapid second stage labor The invention apparatus 10 is simple to use, inexpensive to manufacture, and provides a patient in the second stage of labor with a means to pull back on her feet and pull her legs up, positioning herself in a natural relaxed squatting position so as to more easily push the baby down and through the birth canal The patient is able to relax her legs, and to concentrate on using the abdominal muscles to push the baby down and through the birth canal, as opposed to extending and losing energy in pushing with the legs FIG 6 pictorially illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention which utilizes a pair of obstetrical second stage labor assist apparatus 10', which are integrally secured together by a strap 50 which loosely lies across the patient's chest This arrangement makes it easier to grasp the handgrips by simply pulling the strap up to hand position without having to bend over, which might be uncomfortable or exhausting to the patient Strap 50 is secured to the base of each handgrip 45' by means of rings 47 Additionally, an alternative embodiment of connector section 20 is shown by at least one length- adjusting ring 49 linked to handgrip ring 47 Length-adjusting ring 49 may be opened to receive other length adjusting rings In this way, labor assist apparatus 10 can be lengthened, or shortened, to accommodate different size patients and differing comfort levels of use Stirrup ring 39 is secured to stirrup 15 and is releasably linked with adjustable ring 49 While not illustrated, it is contemplated that the stirrup arrangement could be replaced with a slipper, which would receive the patient's foot and would have handgrip means associated therewith. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that numerous variations, modifications, and embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded within the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, a shoe-like device may be preferred to embodiment 15. Another embodiment may use just one link 49, and have an adjustable length hand grip 45. The invention may also be made of a durable and sterilizable material, or made for disposable one time use. BEST MODE 1) The Best Mode for practicing the invention obstetrical delivery assist apparatus comprising: a) a pair of foot stirrups, each said stirrup providing means for receiving the bottom of each foot of a patient; and b) a pair of handgrips, each said handgrip being connected to one of said foot stirrups, wherein said handgrips are located a close distance from said foot stirrups such that when a foot of a patient is in each said stirrup and said patient is pulling back with her hands on said handgrips, said handgrips are located below the knees of the patient, comprises the steps of: c) the patient in the second stage of labor placing each foot into a respective foot stirrup; d) the patient grasping each of said handgrips; and e) the patient pulling on said handgrips to draw the legs toward the chest, thereby positioning each said handgrip below the knees so that a relaxed squatting position is obtained. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The invention disclosed herein is an article of manufacture that is useful in assisting in the birthing process. The obstetrical delivery apparatus is industrially applicable through the manufacturing of the materials and processing those materials into foot stirrups and hand grips by cutting and stitching, or gluing, operations. The choice of materials is left to the discretion of the maker. The closure of the foot stirrups is preferably accomplished by hook and loop Velcro® connectors, as described above. Through the beneficial use of this invention, a volume demand for it will be created.

Claims: CLAIMS 1) An obstetrical delivery assist apparatus comprising: a. a pair of foot stirrups, each said stirrup providing means for receiving the bottom of each foot of a patient; and b. a pair of handgrips, each said handgrip being connected to one of said foot stirrups, wherein said handgrips are located a close distance from said foot stirrups such that when a foot of a patient is in each said stirrup and said patient is pulling back with her hands on said handgrips, said handgrips are located below the knees of the patient. f) An obstetrical delivery assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a stirrup ring attached to the top of each said foot stirrup. g) An obstetrical delivery assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said foot stirrups further comprise foot support sections, said support sections being padded for comfort of said patient's feet, first and second belt extensions extending from opposed ends of each said support section, and means for adjustably securing said first and second belt extensions together. h) An obstetrical delivery assist apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first and second belt extensions have securely fixed thereto hook and loop material, respectively. i) An obstetrical delivery assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including means for adjustably connecting each said foot stirrup to a corresponding said handgrip. j) An obstetrical labor assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a strap for connecting said pair of delivery assist apparatus together, said connecting strap being secured at opposite ends thereof to the base of each said handgrip, said strap being of sufficient length to lie loosely across said patient's chest so said patient can regain hold of said handgrips should said patient have previously let go. k) A method for allowing a pregnant human to assume a desired relaxed squatting position during the second stage of labor comprising the steps of a human: a. placing each foot of the human in the second stage of labor into a respective foot stirrup, each said stirrup being connected to a handgrip; b. grasping hold of said handgrips; c. pulling on said handgrips to draw the legs toward the chest; and d. thereby positioning each said handgrip below the knees so that a relaxed squatting position is obtained.

Inventors: REED B BERNETIAE, REED, B., BERNETIAE
Applicants: REED B BERNETIAE, REED, B., BERNETIAE
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A61B
IPC codes: A61B17