GB2127697A

GB2127697A - Bandage for animals and humans

Info

Publication number: GB2127697A
Application number: GB08325685A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jr Francis John Bonner; Francis John Bonner
Original assignee: Bonner F J; BONNER F J JUN
Current assignee: Bonner F J; BONNER F J JUN
Priority date: 1982-09-29
Filing date: 1983-09-26
Publication date: 1984-04-18
Also published as: IE54636B1; CA1208512A; FR2533434A1; SE8305320L; DE3334929A1; SE8305320D0; AU1961683A; GB2127697B; IE832283L; GB8325685D0

Abstract

A layer (14) of closed-cell foam polymeric material, which is partially absorbent and thermally insulating, is bonded to a thinner layer (18) of water-absorbent fabric, such as terry cloth, which is placed next to the body. An optional layer (16) may comprise woven nylon or spandex having longitudinal stretch, and protects the bandage from ambient heat. At each end fastening means (20, 22) may be attached. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Bandage for animals and humans Background of the Invention The therapeutic effects of locally applied cold (cryotherapy) have been utilized by man for long periods of time. However, the mechanism of action has been poorly understood. Likewise, the use of compressive bandages has been known to control swelling and bleeding. All products currently available either rely on another device to apply compression with cold or fail to reach temperatures compatible with maximum therapeutic effects of cold, namely O~8 C with 60C being the preferred temperature. An example of the former would include an icepack applied with an elastic bandage. An example of the latter includes gel bandages which rely on the latent heat of evaporation for skin cooling.

The present invention is directed to solution of the problem of a means for applying cold to a body portion within a therapeutic range by way of an insulated, hygroscopic and protective material applied as a bandage.

Summary of the Invention The present invention is directed to a bandage in the form of a layer of closed cell foam polymeric material sandwiched between and bonded to layers of fabric, said foam layer being substantially thicker than the layers of fabric. One of the layers of fabric is adapted to absorb water. A strap or panel may be attached to the bandage and adapted to be releasably engaged with mating structure on the other end of the bandage or on another piece of material used to secure the bandage in position against the body.

Various objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth hereinafter.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

Figure 1 is an elevation view of a knee with one embodiment of the bandage of the present invention attached thereto.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bandage in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 2 but on an enlarged scale.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the bandage of the present invention for application to the user's back.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the bandage of the present invention also for application to the user's back.

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in Figure 5 but on an enlarged scale.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the bandage of the present invention for application to the user's shoulder.

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the end portion of the bandage shown in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment.

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 in Figure 9.

Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a leg of an animal wearing the bandage of Figure 9.

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12-12 in Figure 11.

Figure 13 is an elevation view of a packaged bandage.

Detailed Description Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in Figures 1-3 a bandage in accordance with the present invention designated generally as 10. In Figure 1 the bandage 10 is shown applied to a joint of a limb 12 such as a leg.

The bandage 10 is laminated and preferably comprises a layer of closed cell foam polymeric material 14 sandwiched between and bonded to layers of fabric 1 6 and 18. Layer 14 is substantially thicker than the layer 1 6 and 1 8. It is important that layer 14 be a closed cell layer whereby its absorbency is only about 5%. Layer 16, which is the layer adapted to be in contact with the skin, is an absorbent layer of towelling fabric such as terry cloth having longitudinal stretch. Layer 18 is preferably a woven layer of nylon or LYCRA (trademark) which is woven from spandex fibers having stretch in the longitudinal direction. Layer 18 preferably reflects cold that tends to escape through the closed cell layer back toward the terry cloth layer and slows the tendency of the bandage to to warm to room temperature.The outer surface of layer 18 reflects heat and similarly slows the warming of the bandage.

By way of example and not by way of limitation, preferred thicknesses for the layers are as follows: layer 18 preferably has a thickness of 1/32", layer 14 preferably has a thickness of 3/1 6", and layer 16 preferably has a thickness of 1/16". Layers 16 and 18 are preferably bonded to layer 14 by application of heat and pressure. While layer 18 preferably has stretch in the longitudinal direction, it may optionally have stretch in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

The bandage 10 has a strap 20 fixedly secured to one end in any convenient manner. Strap 20 is adapted to be releasably engaged with mating structure on the other end of the bandage such as element 22. In the preferred embodiment, the mating structure on strap 20 and element 22 are interengaging fibers of the type sold commercially under the trademark VELCRO.

The preferred manner of using the bandage of the present invention for dealing with pain resulting from a condition such as chronic arthritis or an injury is as follows. Bandage 10 is dampened by contact with water. Only layer 16 absorbs the water. Layer 14 partially absorbs water. The bandage is then placed in a refrigerator and cooled to a temperature in the range of 0--80C with the optimum temperature being approximately 60C.

Thereafter, the bandage is applied to the knee joint shown in Figure 1 with sufficient tightness so as to apply pressure to the joint. Even though it contains ice crystals, the bandage 10 will conform to the area being treated, and will impart a cold stimulus directly to that area.

The pressure stimulates the release of endorphins by the body which provides a therapeutic effect. Endorphins are released by the cold stimulus and by the application of pressure.

The foam layer 14 is an insulator which minimizes heat transfer between inner and outer surfaces of the bandage 10. The layer 18 is preferably a light or reflective color so as to reflect heat away from the bandage. The bandage 10 is sufficiently pliable to anatomically conform to the joint and will conform better as it warms up. The bandage 10 will gradually warm up to room temperature after about 1/2 hour.

If desired the bandage 10 could be applied on the back of a user as shown in Figures 4-6. As shown in Figure 4, the bandage 10' is provided at opposite ends with a transverse panel 24 of VELCRO material. Panel 24 may be stitched or otherwise fastened to the bottom surface of bandage 10'. Each panel 24 is adapted to be releasably engaged with an associated mating transverse panel 26 of VELCRO material stitched or otherwise fastened to the end of a strap 28a and the end of a strap 28b at one end thereof.

A transverse panel 30 of VELCRO material is also stitched or otherwise secured to the other end of a strap 28a. Transverse panel 30 is adapted to be releasably engaged with the bottom surface 32 of strap 28b. Substantially the entire bottom surface 32 may be made of a material adapted to mate with and releasably engage the transverse VELCRO panel 30 so as to facilitate adjustment.

Thus, panel 30 may be releasably secured at a variety of locations along bottom surface 32 according to the size of the area to be treated.

Preferably, the strap 28a is made of an elastic material which can be stretched to enable placement of the panel 30 at selected locations along the bottom surface 32 of strap 28b.

Bandage 10' has the laminate structure shown in Figure 3, strap 20 not included. In use, only bandage 10' need be cooled, since it is the only portion which applies cold to the back. Thus, bandage 10' may be disengaged from straps 28a, 28b and then soaked and refrigerated as previously described. Thereafter, the bandage 10' is secured to the strap end panels 24, and the straps 28a and 28b are fastened about the area to be treated so that the bandage 10' contacts the injured area with the desired pressure.

The bandage 10 can also be modified as shown in Figures 5-6. The bandage 10" has the laminate structure shown in Figure 3, strap 20 not included. A panel 34 of VELCRO material is secured by stitching or otherwise to the underside of bandage 10'. Mating structure in the form of a VELCRO panel 36 is secured by stitching or the like to the upper surface of strap 28. Strap 28 is made of an elastic material such as woven nylon or LYCRA. A panel 30 of VELCRO material is secured to one end of the strap. A layer 32 made of a material adapted to mate with and releasably engage the VELCRO panel 30 is secured to the bottom surface of strap 28.

In use, the bandage 10" is removed from strap 28 and then soaked and refrigerated as previously described. Thereafter, the bandage is removed from the refrigerator and secured to strap 28 by placing the bandage over the straps such that panels 34 and 36 engage. The user places the bandage 10" on the injured area and wraps strap 28 about the body while securing panel 30 to the mating layer 32 at a location conforming to the body size.

A A further modification of the invention is shown in Figures 7-8 wherein a bandage 10"' is used to treat a shoulder injury. The bandage 10"' is identical in structure to bandage 10 shown in Figure 3, strap 20 not included.

Each end of bandage 10"' is provided with a transverse panel 38 secured by stitching or the like to the bottom surface of the bandage. Panel 38 is made of VELCRO material. Each panel 38 is adapted to be releasably engaged with mating structure in the form of a panel 40 secured by stitching or other suitable means to a body strap 42 preferably made of a non-elastic fabric material. Preferably, strap 42 is stitched or otherwise secured to strap segments 44 and 46 at each end of the bandage. The strap segments 44 and 46 are secured by stitching or other suitable means to opposite ends of the underside of each panel 40.

In use, the bandage 10"' is removed from the panels 40 and then soaked and refrigerated as previously described. Therafter, the bandage 10"' is secured to one of the panels 40. The bandage 10"' is then applied to the injured area of the shoulder requiring treatment, and the strap 42 is wrapped about the user's chest and back and under the arm so that the bandage can be secured to the free panel 40 at the injured area of the shoulder.

The bandage can be modified for application to other parts of the body within the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, smaller bandages could be made for application to the ankle or wrist of a user. It is apparent that many modifications could be effected so that the bandage could be applied where needed.

In Figure 9 there is illustrated a bandage 50 designed primarily for use with animals such as a horse. Bandage 50 includes portions 52 and 54.

Portion 52 is a lamination of closed cell foam layer 55 sandwiched between and bonded to fabric layers 56, 58. Layers 56, 58 correspond to layers 16, 18. While layer 55 is a closed cell foam, it preferably is a commercially available closed cell foam neopreme or a blend such as EPT (ethylenepropylene-terpolymer) which have about 5% open cells for retaining moisture.

In Figures 11 and 12, bandage 50 is shown applied to a leg of an animal 60 beginning at end 53 in overlapping fashion from the ankle to the knee. To assist in retaining bandage 50 in place, portion 54 is a layer of elastomeric non-absorbent material attached to one end of portion 52. At a free end of portion 54 a VELCRO (trademark) or equivalent fastener 62 is provided while at the other end of portion 54 and on the opposite surface a matable fastener 64 is provided. The same stitching joins portions 52, 54 and fastener 64. The side edges of layers of portions 52 and the free end 53 are preferably attached by overcast stitching 66.

Preferred dimensions for bandage 50 when used on a leg of a horse are as follows. The bandage portion 52 has a width of 10 cm, a variable length from about 100 cm up to about 190 cm, with the layers thereof having a thickness as set forth above. Portion 54 is preferably a closed cell neoprene foam about 16 cm long, has the same width as portion 52 and a thickness of .3 cm. The elasticity of portion 54 enables the portion 52 to be under compression when applied to a leg. Portion 54 has a length of 1/2 to 3/4 the circumference of the body part to be circumscribed. Bandage 50 is otherwise the same as disclosed above in connection with bandage 10.

In Figure 13 there is shown bandage 50 rolled up and disposed with a cylindrical casing 62.

Casing 62 has top and bottom halves separable along circumferential slit 64. Slit 64 extends for about 3000 of the circumference of casing 62 with the remainder between the ends of the slit 64 being a hinge. Casing 62 is preferably a laminate of stretch fabric 66 bonded to a lining of closed cell foam 68. Casing 62 helps to maintain the low temperature of the bandage subsequent to removal from a refrigerator and up to the time of application of the bandage.

The bandages of the present invention do not substantially impair mobility of an animal. Thus, the animal may move around, eat, etc. while endorphins are released due to the cold stimulus and pressure. No ointment is needed. The bandage is reusable.

Each bandage disclosed herein may be used on humans or animals. Each bandage is preferably removed after 1 or 2 minutes, then stretched, and then reapplied. Where cost is a factor and treatment is only desired for a period of 10-1 5 minutes, the reflective layer such as layers 18 and 58 may be eliminated. The bandages are preferably rendered damp by contact with water since the cooling step will result in the formation of ice crystals. No such ice crystals will be present if the bandage is dampened by contact with cold alcohol.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A bandage comprising an elongated layer of closed-cell foam polymeric material joined to at least one fabric layer of substantially the same size, the foam layer being substantially thicker than the fabric layer, the fabric layer being absorbent with respect to aqueous liquids and each layer being stretchable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the bandage.

2. A bandage according to claim 1, wherein the foam layer is partially absorbent.

3. A bandage according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fabric layer is terry cloth.

4. A bandage according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the foam layer is sandwiched between the fabric layer and another layer of fabric, which has a light colour for reflecting heat and cold and is stretchable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the bandage.

5. A bandage according to any preceding claim, which has a length at least 10 times its width.

6. A bandage according to any preceding claim, wherein means are provided at one end which are releasably engageable with cooperating means also provided on the bandage.

7. A bandage according to claim 6, wherein an elastomeric strip is attached to one end of the bandage and at least one portion of the cooperating means is provided on the elastomeric strip.

8. A bandage according to claim 7, wherein the other portion of the cooperating means is adjacent the joint between the elastomeric strip and one end of the layers.

9. A bandage according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the elastomeric strip is non-absorbent and is attached to one end of the bandage so as to form a continuation thereof, a fastener structure adjacent one end of the strip being releasably engageable with mating structure on the bandage adjacent the other end of the strip.

10. A bandage according to any preceding claim, wherein the layers are joined by overcast stitching along their side edges.

11. A bandage according to any preceding claim, having a length of at least 100 cm.

12. A bandage according to claim 1, substantially as described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3, Fig. 4, Figs. 5 and 6, Figs. 7 and 8, Figs. 9 to 12 or Fig. 13 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A method of treating pain and/or inflammation in an area of a body by causing the release of endorphins, which comprises: (a) providing a laminated bandage having a layer of closed-cell foam polymeric material joined to a thinner layer of fabric, (b) dampening and then cooling the bandage to a a temperature close to the freezing temperature of water, (c) applying the cooled bandage to the area requiring treatment with the fabric layer in contact with the skin and in an overlapping manner, and (d) securing the bandage in position with a compressive force, so that the area requiring treatment is subjected to both pressure and cold.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein water is absorbed in only a minor portion of the foam layer during the dampening step.

15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein an elastomeric non-absorbent strip is provided at one end of the bandage and the pressure is applied by stretching the strip before the securing step.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the strip has a length which is 1/2 to 3/4 the circumference of the area to be treated.

1 7. A method according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the bandage is wound around the area, beginning at one end of the bandage, so that adjacent portions partially overlap and is secured by releasably securing mating structure attached adjacent the other end of the bandage.

18. A method according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the cooled bandage is maintained in an insulated portable casing before being applied.

19. A method according to claim 13, substantially as hereinbefore described.