Patent ID: 12201810

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The invention in the form of a splint (generally indicated by arrow100) for an infant (not shown) is illustrated in a perspective view inFIG.1.

The splint (100) has a body (102). In use, this would be orientated along the arm of the infant (not shown) with which the invention is to be used. The body has a first (104a) and second edge (104b), defining the width of the body, and a first (106a) and second end (106b), defining the length of the body. As can be seen, the body is elongate and its length defines the longitudinal axis of the splint.

The first end (106a) of the body (102) is slightly widened relative to the second end (106b); this is to better accommodate the hand (or foot as the case may be) of the infant when the splint (100) is being used.

Extending perpendicularly from the first edge (104a) of the body (102) are a pair of arms; these are the first (108) and second (110) arms. In use, these would wrap around the arm of the infant (not shown) until at the least the free ends (108a,110a) of each arm contacts the body (102). This provides a continuous surface over which medical tape (not shown) can be applied to secure the splint to the forearm of the infant. This avoids the need for the medical tape to come into contact with the skin of the infant, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk that layers of skin may be removed as the medical tape is peeled off.

The second arm (110) is longer than the first arm (108). This is to compensate for the greater circumference of the upper portion of the forearm of the infant (not shown) relative to the lower portion. In use, the first arm of the splint (100) is likely to be wrapped around the hand and/or wrist of the infant.

As can be seen, the splint (100) is substantially flat and planar when not in use. However, although not shown here, a slight depression may be provided along the length of the body (102). This forms a natural surface that accommodates the curvature of the infant's forearm in use.

For biocompatibility, the splint (100) is coated with a medical grade plastics material such as silicone or the like. Such material is able to be stretched if need be, for example, for a tight fit onto the forearm (not shown) and is easily cut. This allows the length of the arms (108,110) to be trimmed to improve the fit of the splint and/or better secure the cannula (not shown). To reduce the risk of any cut edges being torn, which may be a concern for softer plastics material such as silicone, the coating may be moulded with a mesh-like texture (not illustrated) which provides some structural integrity. Alternatively, in some embodiments not shown here, the coating may be moulded over or around a fabric mesh to achieve the same effect.

In the embodiment ofFIG.1, the body (102) of the splint (100) is reinforced internally with an insert (not visible) of a malleable metal, such as a strip of aluminium or brass. The width of the insert is less than the width of the body, as defined by its first (104a) and second edges (104b); this allows the portions of the splint to either side of the insert, i.e. the portions that are only plastics material, to be trimmed with scissors or the like if desired. The coating of the splint is applied over this insert during manufacture.

This provides some structural integrity to the splint (100) and makes it easier to handle. It also means that if necessary, the splint is easily malleable to conform to the shape of the arm or leg of the infant (not shown). This can be helpful if, for example, the wrist needs to be held at an angle. Once in the desired configuration, the insert ensures that the wrist remains this way until the splint is removed.

In embodiments not illustrated here, the surfaces of the arms (108,110) that face inwards in use may textured to enhance the grip of the arms on the skin of the infant (not shown). The reverse surfaces of the arms, which face outwards in use could include patterns or textures (not shown) for an aesthetically pleasing appearance and, as noted above, for increased structural integrity. However, these could just as easily carry advertising or medical information pertaining to the infant.

The splint (100) also includes an aperture or opening (112) proximate the first edge (104a) of the body (102), near the first arm (108). In use, this is to accommodate the cannula of the IV line (not shown) being supported with the invention. The opening is within a depression (114), and this helps with aligning the cannula/IV line.

Turning now toFIG.2A, this shows the splint (100) in use on the forearm (200) of an infant. As can be seen, the forearm rests on the body (102) of the splint with the arms (108,110) wrapped around it.

Although not shown here, adhesive tape can be wrapped over the exposed surfaces of the arms (108,110) to hold the splint (100) in place and the arms provide two distinct and separate points for securing the splint. The adhesive tape sits well proud of the arm (200) and fingers (202) of the infant, avoiding contact with the skin. This also reduces the risk that the fingers would be inadvertently amputated when cutting through the medical tape in order to remove the splint.

The cannula (not shown) extends forward from the first end (106a) of the body (102) of the splint (100) and its IV line (not shown) is tucked under the hand and passes through the aperture (not visible) in the body. This helps to securely retain the IV line even if the infant moves their arm (200).

The general orientation of the splint (100) can be adapted to allow for different arm orientations as shown inFIG.2B. This is due to the malleability of the insert (not visible) within the body (102). This allows for the body to bent along its transverse axis, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

In the illustrated example, it will be seen that the body (102) of the splint (100) has been bent such that it presents the upper side (204) of the hand for easier inspection. It also defines a recess (206) under the body which could allow for the cannula and/or other medical paraphernalia (not shown) to be more discreetly accommodated in use.

Although intended mainly for use on the forearm, it is also possible to use the splint (100) on the lower part (300) of the leg, as shown inFIG.3. Here it can be seen that the body (102) has been bent to substantially 90° to better conform to the curvature of the heel (302) of the foot (304). The first arm (108) is wrapped around the foot while the second arm (110) is wrapped around the lower leg.

An alternative embodiment of the splint (100′) is shown inFIG.4. As will be seen, there is substantial identity between the embodiment ofFIG.1and that shown inFIG.4. However, it will be seen that inFIG.4, the arms (108′ and110′) are substantially equal in length and are of slightly reduced thickness relative to the body (102′) of the splint. The reduced thickness means that the arms are much easier to articulate.

Having the arms (108′,110′) of substantially equal length allows greater capacity for customisation of the splint (100′), particularly in respect of the first arm (108′), which generally corresponds to the wrist in use. Any excess can be trimmed off if needed. The coating on the first arm includes a grid-like pattern or texture (400) on its surface to provide some structural integrity to any cut edges. Another difference is the absence of an aperture in the body (102′) of the splint (100′); this simplifies manufacture. However this does mean the splint itself has no structural features that may be used to retain an IV line or cannula (not shown).

A further embodiment of the splint (100″) is shown inFIG.5. This is substantially similar to the embodiment ofFIG.4but at the first end (106a″) of the body (102″) an open recess (500) is provided.

This recess acts as a clip for receiving an IV line or cannula (not shown). Furthermore, making it an open recess, i.e. forming it as part of the perimeter of the body makes it easier for the IV line or cannula to be inserted even while the splint (100″) is being worn.

In contrast, in the splint (100) ofFIG.1, where the aperture (114) is positioned inwards of the body (102) such that it does not open onto the perimeter of the body, the IV line or cannula (not shown) must be threaded through the aperture. This may be difficult to due while the splint is being worn.

As with previous embodiments, the splint (100″) ofFIG.5includes a malleable insert of a light metal. Although not visible in this embodiment, the insert may be in the form of a mesh of a light metal. This not confers the splint with the ability to retain a deformed position to conform to the limb with which it is being used but also provides the body (102″) with some structural integrity should it need to be trimmed to size. Mesh may also be used in the first and second arms (108″,110″) for the same reason.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

In an embodiment, the splint includes a surface formed with a grid-like pattern or texture (9320) as seen inFIG.6.