Abstract:
The invention relates to a cover ( 1 ) for a cervical collar, said cover ( 1 ) comprising a tubular pouch comprising two openings ( 2   l a,   2   b ) for inserting the cervical collar ( 3 ) the tubular pouch ( 2 ) being designed so as to entirely cover the cervical collar ( 3 ) when the cervical collar ( 3 ) is inserted in the tubular pouch ( 2 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to the field of medical devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device intended to cover a cervical Collar 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The opportunities of trauma of the human spine are frequent: 
         [0003]    Accidents of the public road, sport accidents, yard, Even drops at home. The onset of pain and/or the sensation of blocking of the neck can also originate a bad posture on an extended period, but it may also be related to the genetic heritage of each. 
         [0004]    The cervical collars are used for the immobilization of the cervical spine, in a goal of consolidation and analgesic. Currently there are several types of cervical collars that could be classified in two categories. The flexible clamps and/or semi-rigid (C1 and C2) and the drives and/or rigid (C3, C4). 
         [0005]    The cervical flexible collar or semi rigid, of C1 and C2 type are generally made from a strip of foam (or other flexible material) covered with a “Jersey” or in general of a cotton tube, wool or synthetic A. Each end is asked a fixation Auto-hanging (type “Velcro”) allowing a small range of adjustment to adapt to the different morphologies of users. 
         [0006]    The US patent application 2006/253055 A1 divulge a cover for a cervical collar that is decorative, comfortable, washable and removable that eliminates the unsightly appearance of cervical collars, the problem of soiled cervical collars and the discomfort associated with the wearing of said cervical collars. 
         [0007]    The FR patent application 2 763 503 A1 divulge a cervical collar comprising of a semi-rigid element and of the means of maintaining the semi-rigid element in the form of a tube around the neck of an individual. The means of maintenance including a scarf covering at least an external surface of the semi-rigid element to form an exterior siding of the latter once around the neck, this scarf with a first and a second free ends that extend beyond the element semi rigid intended to be forged to ensure the maintenance of the element semi rigid. 
         [0008]    The U.S. patent application Ser. No. 3,810,466 A divulge a cervical collar enclosed in a normally closed tubular cover that encases the collar along its length while leaving the ends of the collar exposed so that the collar ends can be attached to each other. The cover is formed of one-way stretch material that is stretchable transversely of the length of the cover and the collar. 
         [0009]    The U.S. patent application Ser. No. 6,056,711 A divulge A fully adjustable cervical collar can be adjusted not only in overall length but also in height. The height of the collar is adjusted by releasable compressing the core material of collar. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The exciting cervical clamps usually give satisfaction in their function of maintenance of the cervical vertebrae. However, they sometimes offer an insufficient comfort for the patient. 
         [0011]    The applicant has realized that this technique of closing Velcro has a disadvantage of pinching the long hair even once closed. Sometimes it happens that the Velcro goes up to wrest the hair covering the neck while they are positioned above the system of strap. 
         [0012]    In addition, the applicant has realized that this system of closure of the cervical collar creates pronounced wear collars of shirts when the user of the cervical collar wears a shirt. The friction of the rigid wall rough and Velcro explain this wear to the contact of the rear collar and inside of the liner. 
         [0013]    Finally, the applicant has realized that this system of closing self-gripping weakens and may prove to be faulty. 
         [0014]    As well, the invention provides a cover for cervical collar, the said cladding comprising a tubular sleeve comprising two openings adapted to insert the cervical collar, the tubular sleeve being configured to cover fully the cervical collar when this last is inserted in the tubular sleeve. 
         [0015]    In some modes of achievement, the dimensions of the tubular sleeve are configured to leave an excess of sufficient material to adapt locally a dimension of the cervical collar, when the collar is inserted in the tubular sleeve. 
         [0016]    In other modes of achievement, the dimensions of the tubular sleeve are configured to enable forming a cushion in order to locally adapt a dimension of the cervical collar, when the cervical collar is inserted in the tubular sleeve. 
         [0017]    In some modes of achievement, the tubular sleeve handheld includes a fabric chosen from among: cotton, cashmere, modal; silk but not exclusively. 
         [0018]    In some modes of achievement, the tubular sleeve handheld includes a fabric selected containing active principles such as the Aloe Vera, Jojoba, Vitamin E. 
         [0019]    In some modes of achievement, portions of additional fabric extend from the two openings so as to have a scarf shape. 
         [0020]    In some modes of realization, at least one f the two openings is defined as a hem fitted with a rubber band. 
         [0021]    In some modes of achievement, the cover is suitable for cervical collars of C1 type or C2. 
         [0022]    In another aspect, invention provides a cervical system comprising a cervical collar of C1 type or C2, and a cover of cervical collar as previously described. 
         [0023]    The invention provides a device of cover for cervical collar intended to cover a collar (also called neck brace or cervical collar) allowing to solve at least partially the disadvantages of the system of attaches self-gripping (Velcro&#39;s type) commonly provided on cervical collars of type C1 and C2. 
         [0024]    The cervical collars of C1 type and C2 available on the market are classified by size (S, M, L, and XL) or sometimes by number (1, 2, 3, and 4). These various rankings of size are recommended to the bearer of the cervical collar according to the dimensions (size and height) of its neck. 
         [0025]    Cervical collars of C1 type and C2 have in general a length between 32 cm (for smaller collars) and 55 cm (for larger collars). 
         [0026]    Cervical collars C1 and C2 have in general a height between 6 cm and 12 cm 
         [0027]    The length and height of a cervical collar are following the definitions (length) and H (height) shown on  FIG. 1 . The length corresponds to the length of the collar unfolded. 
         [0028]    In some modes of achievement, the device of a cover for cervical collar includes a soft technical fabric containing active principles and response to problems of irritation of skin (neck, neck and/or chin consecutive) when wearing a cervical collar. 
         [0029]    The cover for cervical collar can also be used without the cervical collar in the form of a headscarf or scarf providing the same softness and the same care&#39;s skin moisturizers while maintaining the advantage of technologies of the fabric and its active principles. 
         [0030]    The device cover for cervical collar can understand of the openings at the rear of the cover for cervical collar. The openings allow the insertion of a cervical collar of C1 type and/or C2 in the cover for cervical collar through openings at the rear of the cover for cervical collar. 
         [0031]    The user attaches his cervical collar around the neck and covers the rear part of the cervical collar containing its system of attaches, by adjusting the openings in order to fully take the cervical collar. It is understood that the rear part of the cervical collar and of the cover to cervical collar is understood as the part intended to be raised on the side of the neck of the user. The openings can be arranged in a lining of the cover for cervical collar. 
         [0032]    This allow inserting the cervical collar easily inside the cover for cervical collar and then putting on his neck to use. Once the cervical collar is closed and attached to the neck of the user, the user has only to pull on both ends of the cover for cervical collar in order to cover the inner rear part in contact with the skin, and external back of the cervical collar in contact with the hair. 
         [0033]    The Velcro of closure of the cervical collar is completely covered by the fabric which is formed the cover for the cervical collar; long hair have no more contact with the Velcro of closures; the collar of the shirts is no longer in contact with the Velcro of closure. In addition, the cover for cervical collar strengthens the mounting of the cervical collar. 
         [0034]    The coating for cervical collar covers may include noble materials, natural (cotton Cashmere, or silk, but not exclusively) soft and silky-containing active principles. The cover for cervical collar improves the system of attaches self-gripping (type Velcro) of commercial classic cervical collars and relieves the aggressions of consecutive skin at the port of the cervical collar. 
         [0035]    The coating for cervical collar can cover the system of Velcro fastener once it is attached and closed. In some modes of achievement, the coating for cervical collar covers fully the cervical collar and its system of fixing. 
         [0036]    The cervical collars existing on the market are generally made with a foam shell coated with a fabric in Jersey pasted on the said hull. This type of device involves many disadvantages for the bearer of the cervical collar. 
         [0037]    On the one hand, the Jersey is irritant, particularly when it is worn during a long time. This irritation is even more found in humans carrying of cercival collar than women. In effect, the frequency of shavings of hair of the beard in man is much more spaced in time. This is explained that the carrying of cervical collar suffers of a pain when it positioned his head in hyper-rear extension and/or can hardly carry out a rotation of his head to move the shaver. 
         [0038]    As well, the beard hairs are found in permanent contact with the jersey of the cervical collar that generates unpleasant friction and generates irritation of skin (Ingrown Hairs . . . ). In the same way the skin of the neck that has become more sensitive after shaving the hair of the Beard will find itself between shocked with the friction of the jersey of the cervical collar. As to the women with sensitive skins the rubbing of the jersey of the cervical collar with the finesse of their epidermis end on an extended period by having also irritation of skin (red plate . . . ). 
         [0039]    Favorably, in some modes of achievement, the cover for cervical collar is manufactured with noble fabrics and natural (cotton, cashmere; silk . . . ) offering one of the largest sweets to touch on the market. The fabric is soft, silky and/or light. The fabric may contain active principles such as Aloe Vera and/or other solution (jojoba, vitamin E but not exclusively) in the form of micro capsule and/or in the form of finishing in the bath. 
         [0040]    The selection of noble materials natural and/or industry such as the cotton mixed with cashmere, and/or to modal mixed with silk, is envisaged for example but not exclusively. 
         [0041]    The soft fabric has an important role. In effect because it is positioned above the fabric jersey (less good quality) of the cervical collar, the user will appreciate the comfort of the softness of the cover for cervical collar. This will considerably reduce the aggressions of the skin of the neck, neck and chin caused by the rubbing of the port of the collar. 
         [0042]    The second advantage of the selection of soft fabric coupled with active principles such as the Aloe Vera (but not exclusively) content in the fabric, allows making a soothing, nourishing and repairer to the skin during the port of the cervical collar with the object of the invention, the cover for cervical collar. 
         [0043]    The active principles contained in the fabric are released to the friction of the fabric against the skin. The user of the cover for cervical collar has therefore many active principles of when he bears his collar with the object of the invention, the cover for cervical collar. 
         [0044]    In the case of cervical collars that are intended to be worn during a relatively long time, the notion of comfort is also an essential aspect. 
         [0045]    Advantageously, beyond soft materials and providing a care of skin, the cover for cervical collar has a set an excess of material sufficient to adapt locally a dimension of the cervical collar and enable forming a cushion between the cervical collar and the chin neck of the user. 
         [0046]    In effect, the quantity of fabric allows the user to create a sub mellow layer of tissue under his chin by overlaying the fabric according to his felt. 
         [0047]    In a manner that is particularly advantageous, the device of a cover for cervical collar also provides an object allowing hiding visually the austere effect and disabling of the cervical collar. 
         [0048]    Several styles of reasons can be proposed in order to make it more convenient and discreet the cervical collars. 
         [0049]    This allows you to dress the cervical collar in order to be considered as a clothing accessory in a whole without altering the effectiveness or orthopedic in complicate its realization. 
         [0050]    This cover for the cervical collar gives the cervical collar a smart dress character and having active principles allowing him to melt into the garment. For example without that it is restrictive, the cover for cervical collar may have the appearance of a headscarf, scarf or tube way. 
         [0051]    The comfort, care protector and repairer as well that the softness and the beauty of the product will encourage the bearers of cervical collar to go until the end of treatment while returning to self-confidence. 
         [0052]    The cervical collar existing clamps usually give satisfaction in their function of maintenance of the cervical vertebrae. However, sometimes they offer an insufficient comfort for the patient. In particular, the known cervical collars, may induce perspiration of the patient and generally do not offer the possibility of preventing this sweating or to evacuate. 
         [0053]    As well, the cervical collar also presents the disadvantage to hold hot to the neck that may cause discomfort for the patient in particular in summer period. 
         [0054]    This sweating absorbed by the cervical collar as well as traces of makeup and or dirt cause a problem of hygiene in the daily use of the port of the cervical collar. 
         [0055]    Advantageously the cover for cervical collar can be washed in machine and/or replaced to respond to the constraints of hygiene. It can also be combined with the antibacterial technology and/or anti odor. 
         [0056]    The fabric of the cover for cervical collar can also provide the properties of thermoregulation, for example via the patented technology HEID &amp; HEIQTM. By thermoregulation, it intends at a time, a fabric that hampers the leakage of heat and a fabric that hinders the entry of the cold. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0057]      FIG. 1 , described before, illustrates a length and width of a cervical collar. 
           [0058]      FIG. 2 , is a perspective view of the cover for cervical collar that flat according to some embodiments of the invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 3 , is a perspective view of the cover for cervical collar that flat according to some embodiments of the invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 4 , is a perspective view of the cover for cervical collar that flat according to some embodiments of the invention. 
           [0061]      FIG. 5 , is a view in perspective in the closed position of the cover for cervical collar according to some embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0062]      FIG. 1  illustrates a length and width of the cervical collar. 
         [0063]      FIG. 2  present a system according to one of the modes of realization of the present invention. It is the rear view of the object of the invention, the cover for cervical collar intended to be turned toward the neck of a user. The cover for cervical collar is suitable for cervical collars type C1 or C2 ( 3 ). 
         [0064]    The cover for cervical collar ( 1 ) including a tubular sleeve ( 2 ) comprising two openings adapted ( 2   a,    2   b ) to insert the collar ( 3 ). 
         [0065]    The tubular sleeve ( 2 ) being configured to fully cover the cervical collar when the cervical collar is inserted in the tubular sleeve ( 2 ). 
         [0066]    The cover for cervical collar has a set of an excess of material sufficient (a 1 ; a 2 ; a 3 ; a 4 ) to adapt locally a dimension of the cervical collar to create a kind of cushion between the cervical collar and the chin neck of the user. The quantity of material sufficient of fabric of the object of invention of the cover for cervical collar allows the user to create a sub mellow layer of tissue under his neck by overlaying the fabric according to his felt. 
         [0067]    In some mode of achievements, the excess of material sufficient includes a portion of radial clearance (A 1 , A 2 ) configured to extend according to the length of the cervical collar and a portion of axial space configured to extend according to the length of the cervical collar, when the cervical collar is inserted in the tubular sleeve. The portion of the radial play is understood as the excess fabric in the height. The portion of radial space (a 1 ; A 2 ) can have a size of the order of 12 to 30% of the height of the cervical collar for the size of cervical collar the largest found on the market (12 cm high) and up to 150% for the model of cervical collar, the smallest found on the market with 6 cm high. More specifically the portion of radial clearance (A 1 , A 2 ) is between 3 and 9 cm. 
         [0068]    Portions of additional fabric ( 5   a;    5   b ) to take the form of a headscarf or a scarf may extend the cover for cervical collar according to one of the modes of implementation. 
         [0069]      FIG. 3  represents the external face of the object of the invention, the cover for cervical collar ( 1 ) according to one of the modes of realization. 
         [0070]      FIG. 4  represents the object of the invention according to one of the modes of realization. It is a perspective view of the cover for cervical collar forming the tubular sleeve allowing the insertion of the collar by one of the two ends ( 6   a;    6   b ) of the cover for cervical collar. The tubular sleeve is configured to create an excess of material sufficient to adapt locally a dimension of the cervical collar, when the cervical collart is inserted in the tubular sleeve. The cover for cervical collar according to one of the modes of realization understand at least one of the two openings is defined as a hem fitted with a rubber band ( 7   a;    7   b ). 
         [0071]      FIG. 5  is a view in perspective in the closed position of the cover for cervical collar ( 1 ) using according to some embodiments of the invention. The cover for cervical collar ( 1 ) worn by the user view of the neck side full recovering the cervical collar, is constituted on its ends of hem fitted with a rubber band ( 7 ).