Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20080004555?dq=7255627
Timestamp: 2014-03-09 12:38:32
Document Index: 755707650

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 24', 'art 24', 'art 25', 'art 26', 'art 40', 'art 40', 'art 41', 'arts 40', 'arts 24', 'art 61', 'art 61']

Patent US20080004555 - Immobilizing and Supporting Inflatable Splint Apparatus - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsDisclosed is a medical device that operates as a supporting splint for the limbs and other body parts necessary for the treatment of a variety of medical and surgical conditions. Said device is an inflatable, flexible, lightweight water-resistant splint whose measure of rigidity is easily controlled...http://www.google.com/patents/US20080004555?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20080004555 - Immobilizing and Supporting Inflatable Splint ApparatusAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20080004555 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 10/591,956PCT numberPCT/IL2005/000269Publication dateJan 3, 2008Filing dateMar 7, 2005Priority dateMar 10, 2004Also published asEP1722725A2, EP1722725A4, US8142378, US20050203451, WO2005084136A2, WO2005084136A3Publication number10591956, 591956, PCT/2005/269, PCT/IL/2005/000269, PCT/IL/2005/00269, PCT/IL/5/000269, PCT/IL/5/00269, PCT/IL2005/000269, PCT/IL2005/00269, PCT/IL2005000269, PCT/IL200500269, PCT/IL5/000269, PCT/IL5/00269, PCT/IL5000269, PCT/IL500269, US 2008/0004555 A1, US 2008/004555 A1, US 20080004555 A1, US 20080004555A1, US 2008004555 A1, US 2008004555A1, US-A1-20080004555, US-A1-2008004555, US2008/0004555A1, US2008/004555A1, US20080004555 A1, US20080004555A1, US2008004555 A1, US2008004555A1InventorsDaniel Reis, Dalia Zucker, Asher Bin NunOriginal AssigneeR & D SupportsExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (3), Classifications (5), Legal Events (1) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetImmobilizing and Supporting Inflatable Splint ApparatusUS 20080004555 A1Abstract Disclosed is a medical device that operates as a supporting splint for the limbs and other body parts necessary for the treatment of a variety of medical and surgical conditions. Said device is an inflatable, flexible, lightweight water-resistant splint whose measure of rigidity is easily controlled by the fitter or user. According to the present invention there are several embodiments of the splint, each suited to fit a different body part such as the limbs, torso, chest, pelvis, and neck. Said device, which is constructed of inflatable tubes, is made of two nylon layers welded together and coated with polyurethane. The tubes may be inflated by any means of supplying air pressure. The present invention is especially designed to allow normal blood circulation to the treated body part, provide ventilation to the area, enable easy inspection of an injury, and allow partial movement of the treated part. Images(22) Claims(22)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a new and simple medical device, aimed to help treat variety of general medical and surgical conditions, including orthopedic, rheumatic, and rehabilitative conditions, by supporting, splinting, and partially immobilizing the injured body part in a desired position. It is a comfortable-to-wear, lightweight device, which is simple and easy to assemble, water-resistant, and demands very little storage space. When deflated, the splint folds into a compact, flat package. This multipurpose device facilitates emergency and long-term treatments of different sorts of conditions, including support for injuries, dislocations, fractures, post operative conditions, and variety of diseases of the skeletal and local motor system The preferred embodiments of the invention are inflatable and adjustable, suited to fit different body parts including the limbs, chest, torso, spine, pelvis, and neck. The measure of air pressure inflating the device and the manner of fastening it around a body part are controllable and may be adjusted to suit the specific needs of any given condition. The device is made from a double layer of nylon coated by polyurethane, a flexible and lightweight material that is also strong and waterproof. According to known in the art research, it is advisable to enable the injured person some mobility and functionality within the splint as it contributes to the healing process. The present invention provides the patient with a supporting splint that is flexible enough to allow movement of nearby joints and even the injured site itself. FIG. 1 offers a general description of the first embodiment of the invention, suited for foot & ankle injuries, in an unassembled condition. The splint 10 is comprised of a main body 20 and two or more unattached adjustable straps: a front upper strap 6 and a front lower strap 7. When in use, parts 24, 25, 26 a, and 26 b wrap the leg from three sides: part 24 encompasses the left side of the leg and part 25 the right side, while the back of the leg is wrapped by splint central part 26 a and 26 b. Connecting Velcro surfaces 30 and 6 fasten the device around the calf, leaving the anterior surface uncovered and visible in its whole length. The lower right part 40 a and left part 40 b of the splint wraps around the foot, while part 41 covers the sole of the foot. Attaching Velcro straps 31 to strap 7 on top of the foot and strap 42 a to 42 b at the sole fastens the lower part of the splint for supporting the lower part of the foot. FIG. 2 illustrates the device as it is assembled on a leg 59. Both the lower and the upper part of the splint have ventilating holes 52 to increase the comfort during long term use of the device, and at the edge of parts 40 a and 40 b there are loops 50 which, if necessary, allow for suspending the leg raised up on a hook 55 to prevent it from swelling, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Parts 24, 25, 26, 40, and 41 contain inflatable tubes. These tubes are designed to wrap the leg, the foot, the ankle, and the heel of the injured person, taking into account the leg's anatomical shape and structure for maximum compatibility. The tubes in the splint may be inflated using a hand pump 16 or other type of pump, which is connected to the said tubes through pipe 5 and valve 17. Alternatively, an air pressure source can be connected to valve 17 and used for the same purpose. Once inflated, a valve 15 may be used to open the airways and let the air out of the tubes. Combining the effect of hand pump 16 and valve 15 allows for achieving the desired pressure in the tubes resulting, in the required stiffness of splint 10 around the leg, so that the needed support is maintained and the movement and flexibility of the leg is controlled without causing unnecessary discomfort. The pressure that the air tubes create on the leg does not obstruct blood flow to the leg, and ventilation holes 52 allow for sufficient airing of the area. When inflated, the splint takes up the shape of the part of the body for which it was designed, as FIG. 3 illustrates. An optional monitor for measuring the pressure in the splint may be added to the splint. Control over the amount of pressure and the tightness of the splint on the Leg is mainly achieved by tightening or loosening Velcro straps 6 and 7 to splint Velcro 30 and 31 respectively. In a different embodiment, Velcro straps 6 and 7 are stitched to one of the sides of the splint body 20. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the patient can easily reach said straps, which are located on the front side of the leg, and the patient has convenient access to the pump in order to adjust the level and volume of split air pressure with minimal or no assistance, to achieve optimal results. FIG. 2 a shows a further example of the first embodiment of the invention, which is a splint for the whole length of the leg up to below the groin 106, with Velcro straps below the knee 107 and above the knee 108. The insert shows that the position of the straps can be adjusted at will by sliding the straps along the tape at the back of the splint 109, or the straps can be fixed to the body of the splint as in FIGS. 1 and 2, or the straps can be free and separate from the splint. FIG. 2 a also illustrates the uncovered part of the leg along its entire anterior surface which is an important principle of the invention when applied to a limb, ensuring that the limb is never entirely encased in a circular element which prevents inspection and creates the danger of embarrassing the blood circulation FIGS. 2 b and 2 c are optional outriggers for providing additional support to the foot. FIG. 2 b shows an outrigger 100 that can be attached to the foot section of the splint 101 for the purpose of preventing rotation of both the limb and splint 102, 103, and 104. Attachment is by Velcro strips at the points of meeting with the splint under the heel and below the suspension ears. Suspension, when desired, is by the reinforced perforations 105. FIG. 2 c shows an outrigger 100 that folds in the middle 110, as seen in the insert, to allow projection to one side only. This embodiment is intended as a universal first aid splint and for suitable conditions requiring support for the leg from the toes to above the knee. The inner surface of the splint is so shaped as to avoid pressure on the heel and malleoli. An outrigger can be used also in different embodiments of the invention for correcting deformities and preventing pressure sores, particularly for the neck femur bone. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section of the splint as it is assembled on a leg 59. In this illustration, it is easy to see that the splint is designed to adjust to and fit the structure of the body part (the leg 59, in this example) and its joints, one limb surface remaining free with only the Velcro straps traversing that surface. The second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 and is designed to be assembled on an arm. The principles guiding the structure of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment; it differs from the first only in that the second embodiment is intended to fit the structure and the treatment of a human arm. FIG. 4 illustrates the second embodiment in an unassembled state. The main body of the splint is divided into two main parts: for supporting the upper part of the arm 61 a between the shoulder and the elbow, and the lower part of the arm 61 b between the elbow and the wrists. Enclosing the main body 61 are Velcro straps 62 and 63 that connect to each other when the device is assemble on an arm. The main part 61 a contains an aperture for the shoulder 67 and the main part 61 b includes an aperture for the palm 66 and a supporting surface for the palm 66 and hand 65. Like the main body of the first embodiment, these two sections are both comprised of inflatable tubes which, when assembled on the arm, are designed to support the arm from three directions. FIG. 5 displays a cross-section of the splint when it is inflated and unassembled. This figure clearly shows the four tubes a, b, c, and d in the splint. Velcro straps 62 and 63 connect when the splint is assembled. Also seen in FIG. 4 are the ventilating holes 68, similar to the ones on the first embodiment of this invention 52, and a support strap clip 64. This clip enables the attachment of straps that transfer the weight of the hand to the shoulders or to the waist. FIG. 6 illustrates the splint assembled on an arm. The figure displays the two options of attaching the supporting straps: a suspension strap 70 around the patience's neck and a strap wrapped around the waist 71. The straps hook to the splint via said clip 64. FIG. 6 also clearly illustrates the function of the aperture of the shoulder 67, the palm's aperture 66, and the supporting surface for the palm 65. The structure of this embodiment of the splint is suited to hold the arm in a comfortable 90-degree angle at the elbow. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section of the assembled splint. This figure shows that the splint can provide support to the arm from up to four directions. Another embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 8 and 8 a, is a vest splint 150, designed for the treatment of fractures of the ribs or to support the rib cage or both. The inflated tubes are arranged in segments 152 that can be inflated separately in order to exert selected pressure on different areas of the chest wall according to necessity. The inflatable rib-tubes of the splint are aligned to follow the inclination of the rib bones. The vest is wrapped around the chest, leaving two apertures for the arms and is fastened in the front by Velcro straps 153. For further clarification of the use and versatility of the present invention, FIGS. 9 through 12 a provide additional examples of the various configurations that are possible with the present invention. FIG. 9 shows the present invention configured to provide shoulder support 111, arm support 112, and elbow support 113, together with a classic neck suspension 114, cross shoulder straps 115, and body straps 116. An optional inflated cushion 117 between the chest wall and the arm prevents pressure and ventilates the armpit. Velcro straps 118 attach the splint from the front of the arm and forearm. FIG. 9 a shows the same shoulder support seen from the side. The inflated tubes 119 and 120 can be variously arranged in any direction-longitudinal 119 or transverse 120�in order to create a well-shaped housing fitted to the body part when attached with the Velcro straps 118 that close around the front of the arm and forearm. FIG. 10 shows an example of a corset arrangement for compressing the pelvis in cases of pelvic ring fractures. The uninflated corset is tightly wrapped round the pelvis and Velcro straps 122 are firmly secured over an inflatable abdominal pillow 123. Inflating the corset through valve 124 exerts circular pressure to stabilize the pelvis and inflating the abdominal pillow 123 through valve 125 pressurizes the abdominal cavity to aid the cessation of bleeding. FIG. 10 a is a cross-section of FIG. 10 at A-A to show the wrap of the inflated tubes 126 around the pelvis and the pressure of the pillow 123 on the abdominal cavity 127, which can be adjusted by the tightness of the Velcro straps 122 and the degree of inflation of the tubes of the corset. FIG. 10 b describes the pelvic corset, showing the longitudinal tubes 126 interspaced with tubeless material 129 to allow the wrap around the pelvis and the arrangement of straps 122 with their Velcro attachment areas 130. FIG. 11 is a splint organized for the wrist with inflated tubes on the forearm 131 and on the back of the hand 132, which allows movement at the wrist. Attachment is by Velcro bands across the palm 133 and around the forearm 134. The front of the palm, wrist, and forearm are visible for inspection. A narrow sleeve, which has a hand section 135 and a forearm section 136, is for the insertion of rod extensions of a universal joint should it be desired to position the wrist in any special configuration. FIGS. 12, 12 a, and 12 b show the front, side and back of a model of the present invention for supporting the neck. The inflatable tubes 140 are interspersed with non-tubed areas 141 to allow for wrapping the splint around the neck. Fastening is at the front or side with Velcro. An aperture 142 allows access to the trachea. These unique designs for the splints, as described, allow for setting and stabilizing the injured body part while providing a controlled range of flexibility, ensuring the necessary support of the injured area, and improving the course of treatment for better results. While the above description contains many specifities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible variations that are within its scope. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS8523796 *Aug 15, 2012Sep 3, 2013Ibtesam M. Y. MustafaInflatable splintUS20100179586 *May 30, 2008Jul 15, 2010Ward Kevin RDevice For Control of Difficult to Compress HemorrhageWO2013048233A1 *Sep 26, 2012Apr 4, 2013Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaPelvic immobilizer* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification602/13International ClassificationA61F5/00, A61F5/058Cooperative ClassificationA61F5/05816European ClassificationA61F5/058CLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionNov 7, 2006ASAssignmentOwner name: R&D SUPPORTS LTD. DYNAMIC MEDICAL SPLINTING, ISRAEFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:REIS, DANIEL;ZUCKER, DALIA;NUN, ASHER BIN;REEL/FRAME:018496/0759Effective date: 20061025RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google