Patent Publication Number: US-2019192355-A1

Title: Foldable absorbent apparatus and method of using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/015,411, filed on Jun. 21, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention pertains to a foldable absorbent pad, and more particularly to a foldable absorbent apparatus designed to apply and maintain a constant pressure to a wound or tooth socket to ameliorate bleeding and to promote healing. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a user&#39;s lower set of teeth  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the user has a lower set of teeth  10  having an empty tooth socket  12  where a tooth had been previously extracted. Each tooth  10   a  is disposed and secured within the user&#39;s gums  14  and jaw bone  16 . Tooth extractions are performed for a variety of reasons including tooth decay, periodontal disease, or dental trauma. In some cases, teeth  10   a  are extracted merely to provide space so that the remaining teeth  10   a  may be straightened. 
     However, when a tooth  10   a  is extracted, the exposed tooth socket  12  bleeds continuously for a period of time which puts the user at risk for excessive blood loss and infection. As a result, the user or a medical professional must apply and maintain a constant amount of pressure to the exposed tooth socket  12  for a certain period of time in order to promote clotting to stop the bleeding. However, if a constant amount of pressure is not properly applied, the bleeding may continue, thereby risking the health and well-being of the user. 
     Conventionally, a piece of gauze or the like is rolled up and forced into the tooth socket  12  and held down by the medical professional to apply constant pressure to the wound. In addition, the user may be required to apply pressure by biting down on the gauze, however, if the user talks or readjusts his teeth  10   a,  this would reduce the amount of pressure applied to the tooth socket  12 , thereby potentially dislodging the blood clot and restarting the bleeding within tooth socket  12 . In order to reduce risk to the user, conventional solutions require a medical professional or user (i.e., patient) to manually hold the gauze in place, which often takes a considerable amount of time, and therefore expense. 
     Thus, what is desired is a foldable absorbent apparatus capable of applying a constant pressure to a wound or tooth socket, without assistance, while at the same time absorbing fluids from the wound to ameliorate bleeding and to promote healing. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment of the present general inventive concept, a formable or foldable absorbent apparatus that can apply and maintain a constant pressure to a desired wound or tooth socket by retaining its formed shape is provided. 
     Another embodiment of the present general inventive concept provides dental and surgical absorbent pads having a malleable material disposed therein to allow the absorbent pad to be foldable into a desired shape in order to apply and maintain a constant pressure to a wound while at the same time absorbing blood and/or other fluids from the wound to ameliorate bleeding and to promote healing. 
     Another embodiment of the present general inventive concept provides a foldable absorbent apparatus formed in various shapes including rectangular, circular, and cylindrical having an anti-microbial coating and designed to be formed to apply a constant pressure to a wound while at the same time absorbing blood and/or other fluids from the wound to ameliorate bleeding and to promote healing. 
     Another embodiment of the present general inventive concept provides a foldable absorbent cylindrical apparatus having an anti-microbial coating designed to be formed in various shapes required to apply a constant pressure to a wound while at the same time absorbing blood and/or other fluids from the wound to ameliorate bleeding and to promote healing. 
     Another embodiment of the present general inventive concept provides a foldable absorbent apparatus designed to be detected by imaging devices such as x-ray, CT scan, infra-red, and the like so that the foldable absorbent apparatus may be easily located and removed after surgical procedures. In alterative exemplary embodiments, the foldable absorbent apparatus may include a magnetic malleable material so that the foldable absorbent apparatus can be easily located and removed when used in medical, surgical, and/or veterinary procedures. 
     In accordance with the various features of the present general inventive concept there is provided a foldable absorbent apparatus to ameliorate bleeding of a wound which includes a first and second absorbent pad layer to absorb a fluid, and a malleable material layer enclosed or disposed within the first and second absorbent layer and configured to be formed in various shapes, wherein the malleable material allows the first and second absorbent pad layers to be formed into the various shapes to apply and maintain a constant pressure to a wound while at the same time absorbing fluids from the wound to ameliorate bleeding and to promote healing of the wound. 
     The foldable absorbent apparatus may further include a medication coating layer disposed between the first and second absorbent layers. 
     The foldable absorbent apparatus may further include a time-release layer disposed between the first absorbent layer and the medication layer to control a time the medication coating layer reaches the first absorbent layer. 
     The medication coating layer may include at least one of a pain medication, a coagulant, an antibiotic, and an anti-bacterial agent. 
     The first and second absorbent layer may be formed of at least one material selected from a group consisting of cotton, gauze, and a polymer material. 
     The polymer material may be formed of at least one material selected from a group consisting of polyacrylate, chitosan, polyamine, polylysine, polyethylene, xanthan, a cellulosic polymer, a dextran, a starch, or any combinations thereof. 
     The foldable absorbent apparatus may further include a friction member disposed on an outer surface of at least one of the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer to help hold on to a user&#39;s gums or jaw bone. 
     In accordance with the various features of the present general inventive concept there is also provided a cylindrical foldable absorbent apparatus to ameliorate bleeding of a wound which includes a cylindrical absorbent pad layer to absorb a fluid, and a wire shaped malleable material layer enclosed within the cylindrical absorbent layer configured to be formed in various shapes, wherein the malleable material allows the cylindrical absorbent pad layers to be formed in various shapes to apply a constant pressure to a wound while at the same time absorbing fluids from the wound to promote healing of the wound. 
     The cylindrical foldable absorbent apparatus may further include a medication coating layer disposed within the cylindrical absorbent pad layer. 
     The cylindrical foldable absorbent apparatus may further include a time-release layer disposed between the cylindrical absorbent pad layer and the medication layer to control a time the medication coating layer reaches the cylindrical absorbent pad layer. 
     The medication coating layer may include at least one of a pain medication, a coagulant, an antibiotic, and an anti-bacterial agent. 
     The cylindrical foldable absorbent apparatus may further include a friction member disposed on an outer surface of the cylindrical absorbent pad layer to maintain a position on the wound. 
     The cylindrical absorbent pad layer may be formed of at least one material selected from a group consisting of cotton, gauze, and a polymer material. 
     In accordance with the various features of the present general inventive concept there is also provided a method of ameliorating bleeding of a wound using a foldable absorbent apparatus having a first and second absorbent pad layer to absorb a fluid and a malleable material layer enclosed within the first and second absorbent layer configured to be formed in various shapes, wherein the malleable material allows the first and second absorbent pad layers to be formed in various shapes to apply a pressure to a wound while at the same time absorbing fluids from the wound to promote healing of the wound, the method includes obtaining a foldable absorbent apparatus to be used on a wound, forming the foldable absorbent apparatus to surround the wound, wherein the foldable absorbent apparatus is folded so that a first portion of the is pressed against the wound by pressure maintained by a second portion of the foldable absorbent apparatus, and applying a force onto the formed foldable absorbent apparatus to secure the second portion against a portion surrounding the wound to maintain a constant pressure of the first portion on the wound. 
     The method may include rolling the foldable absorbent apparatus such that a width of the first portion corresponds to a width of the wound. 
     The method may further include placing the formed foldable absorbent apparatus to cover the wound and pressing the second portion against areas surrounding the wound for support. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a user&#39;s lower set of teeth, gums, and jaw bone; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a foldable absorbent apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded top perspective assembly view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 4A , along line A-A; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of a foldable absorbent apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept; 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 5A , along line B-B; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of a foldable absorbent apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept; 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 6A , along line C-C; 
         FIG. 7A  is a top perspective view of a foldable absorbent apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept; 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 7A , along line D-D; 
         FIG. 8A  is a top perspective view of a foldable absorbent apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept; 
         FIG. 8B  is a partially exploded perspective assembly view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8C  is a front plan view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8D  is a cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 8C , along line E-E; 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates an exploded view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 2  in a rolled-up state, engaging an exposed tooth socket; 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates the foldable absorbent apparatus in  FIG. 9A  in a rolled up state, engaged with the exposed tooth socket; and 
         FIG. 9C  illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus in  FIG. 9A  pressed into the exposed tooth socket, wherein portions of the foldable absorbent apparatus are pressed against gums surrounding the tooth socket to apply and maintain constant pressure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept provides a foldable absorbent apparatus that simultaneously provides unassisted constant pressure and fluid absorption of a wound within a user&#39;s mouth in order to ameliorate bleeding and to promote healing. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. That is, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the foldable absorbent apparatus may be designed for a plurality of medical issues requiring both fluid absorption and constant pressure, such as nose bleeds, gunshot wounds, surgical procedures, veterinary procedures, and the like. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept provides a method of using a foldable absorbent apparatus that provides unassisted constant pressure and fluid absorption to a wound in order to ameliorate bleeding and promote healing. 
     The foldable absorbent apparatus according to the present general inventive concept includes various types of malleable material disposed between various types of absorbent material to ameliorate bleeding and to promote healing of tooth sockets after dental procedures by applying and maintaining a constant amount of pressure on the tooth socket or other wound, without external assistance from the user or medical professional. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the utility of having an integrated foldable absorbent apparatus which provides both constant pressure to a wound (i.e. tooth socket) while at the same time absorbing blood and other fluids from the wound as disclosed by present general inventive concept may be performed with various sized and shaped malleable materials covered with corresponding sized and shaped absorbent pads, such as gauze. That is, the foldable absorbent apparatus of the present invention may be formed in various shapes, sizes, and configurations which can be used in various applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. 
       FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a foldable absorbent apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.  FIG. 3  is an exploded top perspective assembly view of the foldable absorbent apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a foldable absorbent apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept includes a first absorbent pad layer  102 , a second absorbent pad layer  104 , and a malleable material layer  106  disposed between (or enclosed within) the first and second absorbent pad layers  102 ,  104 . The first and second absorbent pad layers  102  and  104  may be formed of various wound dressing and/or absorbent materials, such as gauze or the like. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. That is, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the first and second absorbent pad layers  102  and  104  may be formed as a matrix of a cotton or a polymer form material, such as polyacrylate, chitosan, polyamine, polylysine, polyethylene, xanthan, a cellulosic polymer, a dextran, a starch, or any combinations thereof. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, the malleable member  106  may include a metal, a polymer, an alloy, a fiber, foil, or any other material which is malleable or formable to various shapes and is capable of retaining the shape in order to secure and hold the foldable absorbent apparatus  100  in a desired position or shape. In exemplary embodiments, the malleable member  106  may be biocompatible with humans and/or animals. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, the malleable member  106  is formed in a planar sheet or foil and disposed within a top (i.e., a first) absorbent pad layer  102  and a bottom (i.e., a second) absorbent pad layer  104 . The malleable material  106  allows the first and second absorbent pad layers  102  and  104  to be formed in various shapes in order to apply a constant pressure to a wound of a user, while at the same time absorbing fluids from the wound to promote healing of the wound. In exemplary embodiments, the malleable member  106  is completely enclosed by the first and second absorbent pad layers  102 ,  104 . However the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. That is, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the first and second absorbent pad layers  102 ,  104  may be disposed on a portion of or on the entire malleable member  116 . In exemplary embodiments, the first and second absorbent pad layers  102 ,  104  may be formed from a single piece of material folded to surround the malleable material layer  106  (e.g., a malleable foil). 
       FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 4A , along line A-A. Referring to  FIG. 4A , the malleable material  106  may be completely surrounded by a border created by the first and second absorbent pad layers  102 ,  104 . The malleable material  106  may be disposed in a central portion of the assembly of the first and second absorbent pad layers  102 ,  104 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of a foldable absorbent apparatus  200  according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.  FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus  200  illustrated in  FIG. 5A , along line B-B. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A and 5B , the foldable absorbent apparatus  200  is similar to the embodiment described above however, the malleable material  206  extends to edges of the first and second absorbent layers  202  and  204 . 
       FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of a foldable absorbent apparatus  300  according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.  FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus  300  illustrated in  FIG. 6A , along line C-C. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6A and 6B , the foldable absorbent apparatus  300  is similar to the embodiment described above in  FIG. 4A  and further includes a first medication coating  308   a  disposed between the first absorbent layer  302  and the malleable material  306 , and a second medication coating  308   b  disposed between the second absorbent layer  304  and the malleable material  306 . In exemplary embodiments, the medication coating layers  308  includes at least one of a pain medication, a coagulant, an antibiotic, and an anti-bacterial agent. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. 
       FIG. 7A  is a top perspective view of a foldable absorbent apparatus  400  according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.  FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus  400  illustrated in  FIG. 7A , along line D-D. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7A and 7B , the foldable absorbent apparatus  400  is similar to the embodiments described above and further includes a first time release layer  410   a  disposed between the first absorbent layer  402  and the first medication coating layer  408   a,  and a second time release layer  410   b  disposed between the second absorbent layer  404  and the second medication coating layer  408   b.  The first and second time-release layers  410   a,    410   b  are designed to control an amount and rate of medication within the medication coating layer  408  that reaches an outer surface  402   a,    404   a  of the absorbent pad layer and absorbed within the wound of the user. That is, the time release layer  410   a,    410   b  may be specifically designed so as to allow a desired dose of the medication to be delivered to the user over a desired period of time. In exemplary embodiments, the medication coating layer  408   a,    408   b  includes at least one of a pain medication, a coagulant, an antibiotic, and an anti-bacterial agent. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. 
     In alternative exemplary embodiments, the foldable absorbent apparatus may further include a friction member (not illustrated) disposed on an outer surface  402   a,    404   a  of at least one of the first and second absorbent layers  402  and  404  to help hold the foldable absorbent apparatus against a user&#39;s gums. The friction member would help the foldable absorbent apparatus hold on to an area surrounding a wound or tooth socket, such as a user&#39;s gums or jaw, to thereby provide and maintain a desired force onto the wound or tooth socket. 
       FIG. 8A  is a top perspective view of a foldable absorbent apparatus  500  according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.  FIG. 8B  is a partially exploded perspective assembly view of the foldable absorbent apparatus  500  illustrated in  FIG. 8A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8A and 8B , the foldable absorbent apparatus  500  according to the present exemplary embodiment in formed in a cylindrical or tubular shape. That is, the absorbent pad layer  502  is formed in a cylindrical or tubular shape and a wire shaped malleable material  506  is disposed therein. The absorbent pad layer  502  and the malleable material  506  are substantially similar to the absorbent pad layers and malleable materials  506  disclosed above. The cylindrically absorbent pad layer  502  is designed to absorb a fluid including blood and/or other bodily fluids during dental, medical, or veterinary procedures. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. The malleable material layer  506  may be enclosed within the cylindrical absorbent layer  506  and is configured to be formed in various shapes in order to apply a pressure to a wound while at the same time absorbing fluids from the wound to promote healing of the wound. 
       FIG. 8C  is a front plan view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated  500  in  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8D  is a cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus  500  illustrated in  FIG. 8C , along line E-E. As illustrated, in  FIG. 8C and 8D , the wire or tube shaped malleable materials  506  may be disposed within a central portion of the cylindrically shaped absorbent pad layer  502 . However, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates an exploded view of the foldable absorbent apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 2  in a rolled-up state, engaging an exposed tooth socket.  FIG. 9B  illustrates the foldable absorbent apparatus in  FIG. 9A  in a rolled up state, engaged with the exposed tooth socket and  FIG. 9C  illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the foldable absorbent apparatus in  FIG. 9A  pressed into the exposed tooth socket, wherein portions of the foldable absorbent apparatus are pressed against gums surrounding the tooth socket to apply and maintain a constant pressure. 
       FIGS. 9A-92  illustrate an exemplary method  600  of using the foldable absorbent apparatus  100  to ameliorate bleeding of a tooth socket  12  according to the present general inventive concept. There a variety of issues which necessitates extraction of a tooth  10   a  from a tooth socket. For example, tooth decay caused by bacteria, overcrowding within a user&#39;s mouth, or for aesthetic orthodontic treatment. However, during and after tooth extraction procedures, the tooth socket often bleeds for a significant period of time. As a result, the user or a medical professional must apply a constant amount of pressure to the exposed wound (i.e. tooth socket) for a certain period of time in order to promote clotting to stop the bleed, and to promote healing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9A , in the present exemplary embodiment, a foldable absorbent apparatus  100  having a length dimension and width dimension larger than a size of the tooth socket  12  or other wound is obtained. A user may then roll the foldable absorbent apparatus  100  along the width direction or along the length direction based on the size and shape of the tooth socket  12  or wound to be treated. That is, a width of the rolled up foldable absorbent apparatus  100  may correspond to a width of the tooth socket  12 . The rolled up foldable absorbent apparatus includes a first portion  100   a,  a second portion  100   b,  and a third portion  100   c.  The first and third portion  100   a  and  100   c  are configured to apply a pressure to the user&#39;s gums  14  so that the second portion  100   b  can apply and maintain a constant pressure against the tooth socket  12 . 
     That is, the rolled up foldable absorbent apparatus  100  may then be wrapped over the tooth socket  12  such that the second portion  100   b  of the foldable absorbent apparatus  100  is held within and against the tooth socket  12  by pressing the first and third portions  100   a,    100   c  against the user&#39;s gums  14  and/or jaw bone  16  adjacent or on either side of the tooth socket  12 . 
     The malleable material layer  106  enclosed within the first and second absorbent pad layers  102 ,  104  allows the foldable absorbent apparatus  100  to be rolled or formed in various shapes and maintains the formed shape. The first and third portions  100   a,    100   c  of the foldable absorbent apparatus  100  may be compressed against the user&#39;s gums by applying a pressure on the foldable absorbent apparatus  100  and forcing the first and third portions  100   a,    100   c  against sides of the user&#39;s gums  14 . The first and third portions  100   a,    100   c  of the foldable absorbent apparatus  100  remain in the formed position so that the second portion  100   b  of the foldable absorbent apparatus  100  may apply a constant pressure to the tooth socket  12 , while at the same time the first and second absorbent pad layers  102 ,  104  absorb blood and/or any other fluids from the sooth socket  12  to help stop bleeding and to promote healing of the tooth socket  12 . 
     From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a foldable absorbent apparatus that provides a constant amount of pressure to a tooth socket or other wound while at the same time absorbing blood and other fluids has been provided. The foldable absorbent apparatus according to the present general inventive concept may be used to stop the bleeding of the user&#39;s tooth socket without requiring a medical professional or the user to hold the foldable absorbent apparatus in place. As a result, the amount of time the medical professional is required remain with the user merely to assist in providing constant pressure to the tooth socket is substantially reduced. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. 
     Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.