BANDAGE APPLICATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Field of the Invention

[01] The invention relates generally to bandage application devices, and, in particular, to a bandage applicator device adapted to slide over an appendage and the like to prevent a bandage from having direct contact with said appendage and thereby facilitating its application.

Background of the Invention

[02] In the medical field it is often the case that a bandage, such as a compression bandage or a tensor, is required to be applied to a portion of the body. These compression bandages may be tubular, such as, for example, elastic compression stockings, and therefore may be difficult to apply to the body for some of the reasons now following.

[03] Body appendages are knobby therefore there always exists the opportunity for the bandage to snag a finger, a heel, etc. when applying a bandage to the body appendage.

[04] An intended bandage wearer could also be connected to an intravenous drip in which case an arrangement of needles, tubes, valves, and connectors typically attached to the back of a patient's hand would provide ample opportunities for bandages to painfully snag.

[05] Bandages may also be required to be applied either on or up from burns, edemas, or sores in which case mere friction between the bandage and the affected surface when applying the bandage would be very painful.

[06] Situations often arise wherein an affected portion of an appendage is already covered with a bulky dressing and a tubular compression bandage is required to be correctly positioned and applied over the existing dressing. Minimal friction between

the bandage and the dressing is desired as imparting motion to the dressing may inflict pain and further injury or partially remove the existing dressing and expose the wound.

[07] In other situations a compressor bandage or a tensor is required to be correctly positioned and applied directly over an enlarged or swollen portion of an appendage. Minimal friction between the bandage and the affected appendage portion is desired as rubbing against the affected appendage portion could inflict further pain.

[08] Reducing friction between the bandage being applied and the appendage also facilitates the application of the bandage on patients for healthcare workers and the like. Furthermore, reducing friction may allow a patient to apply a bandage his or herself without the assistance of a second party.

[09] There is a need to prevent bandages from snagging and rubbing against an appendage as bandages are being applied to a portion thereof.

Summary of the Invention

[10] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a bandage application device is provided. The device includes a substantially conical sock having a cone point and an open-ended base for receiving an appendage. The open-ended base includes a substantially V-shaped notch.

[11] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a bandage application device having a removal strap is provided. The device includes a substantially conical sock having an inside, an outside, a cone point and an open-ended base having a rim, the base being configured to receive an appendage. The removal strap has first and second attachment ends. The first attachment end is connected to the sock at or near the cone point. The strap extends on the outside of the sock, and the second attachment end is connected at or near the rim.

[12] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a method of using a bandage application device having first and second flaps, to apply a bandage to an appendage is provided. The device is slid over the appendage. The first and second flaps are folded over each other to achieve a greater coverage of the appendage. The

bandage is slid over the device, and applied. The device can be removed by pulling the device by the cone point or toe.

[13] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of using a bandage application device having a removal strap, to apply a bandage to an appendage is provided, whereby the device is first slid over the appendage and then the bandage is slid over the device. Once the bandage is positioned over the appendage, the device is rolled off the appendage from under the bandage by pulling on said removal strap.

[14] The bandage application device disclosed herein reduces friction of the bandage against the body and potential snagging of a body part by the bandage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[15] Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views, several aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in detail in the figures as follows.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing, in accordance with an exemplary implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an ellipse fabric blank for use in making a bandage application device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the bandage application device made in accordance with the fabric blank shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary use of the bandage application device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing, in accordance with another exemplary implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a sector shaped fabric blank having a notch for use in making a bandage application device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the bandage application device made in accordance with the fabric blank shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing, in accordance with a further exemplary implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a sector shaped fabric blank having rounded sector base tips for use in making a bandage application device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the bandage application device made in accordance with the fabric blank shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary use of the bandage application device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing, in accordance with a further exemplary implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a rectangular fabric blank for use in making a bandage application device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the bandage application device made in accordance with the fabric blank shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary use of the bandage application device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a front elevation view of a bandage application device having a removal strap in accordance with an exemplary implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a back elevation view of the bandage application device having a removal strap extending over the rim of the device, in accordance with another exemplary implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a back elevation view of a further bandage application device having a removal strap in accordance with a further exemplary implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a front elevation view of the bandage application device shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a back elevation view of another bandage application device having a removal strap arrangement in accordance with another exemplary implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a front elevation view of the bandage application device shown in FIG. 16.

[16] It will be noted that in the attached diagrams like features bear similar labels.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[17] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments contemplated by the inventor. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[18] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a bandage application device includes a substantially conical sock having a cone point and an open-ended base for receiving an appendage. Preferably, the open-ended base has a substantially V-shaped notch.

[19] In accordance with an exemplary implementation of the exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 shows an elliptical fabric blank 100 having segment-shaped flaps 108 and 108', and curved edge 102, the fabric blank 100 being used to make a bandage application device of the present invention.

[20] A substantially conical sock 200 shown in FIG. 2, is formed by connecting curved edges 110 and 110' of the elliptical fabric blank 100 shown in FIG. 1 to form connection 212. The connection 212 includes sewing curved edges 110 and 110' to each other without limiting the invention thereto. For example the curved edges 110 and 110' may be bonded to each other. As the curved edges 110 and 110' are connected, arcuate

edges 106 and 106' of the elliptical fabric blank shown in FIG. 1 form a substantially V- shaped notch 150 between flaps 108 and 108'.

[21] The substantially conical sock 200 has a cone point 220 and an open-ended base 222. The open-ended base 222 has a convex rim 224.

[22] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 shows the substantially conical sock 200 in use as a bandage application device. In use, the bandage application device 200 is slid over an appendage, shown in FIG. 3 as foot/leg 240 and flaps 108 and 108' may be folded over each other to cover a further portion of the appendage. In the case in which a compression bandage is to be applied over an existing dressing, the connected portion of the bandage application device may be slid over the appendage such that the notch reaches just below the existing dressing, the flaps 108 and 108' being used to wrap the rest of the bandage application device over and covering the dressing. The compression bandage, which may be tubular, can the easily slide over the bandage application device 200 without snagging or disturbing the existing dressing.

[23] In accordance with another exemplary implementation of the exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 shows a sector-shaped fabric blank 400 having a notch 150. A cutout 404 is cut out from the curved edge 402 of the sector-shaped blank 400 to form the notch 450. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the cutout 404 and the notch 450 are substantially V-shaped.

[24] For example, the edges 406 and 406 'of the notch 150 are convex; the convex notch edges 406 and 406' forming flaps 408 and 408' respectively.

[25] A conical sock 500 shown in FIG. 5, is formed by connecting straight edges 410 and 410' of the sector-shaped fabric blank 400 shown in FTG. 4 to form connection 512. The connection 512 includes sewing the straight edges 410 and 410' to each other without limiting the invention thereto. For example the straight edges 410 and 410' may be bonded to each other.

[26] The conical sock 500 has a cone point 420 and an open-ended base 422. The open-ended base 422 has a rim 524.

[27] In accordance with a further exemplary implementation of the exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 6 shows a sector-shaped fabric blank 600 having chamfered corners 604 and 604' and curved edge 602.

[28] For example, respective edges 606 and 606' of the chamfered corners 604 and 604' are convex forming corresponding flaps 608 and 608'.

[29] The conical sock 700 shown in FIG. 7, is formed by connecting straight edges 610 and 610' of the sector-shaped fabric blank 600 as shown in FIG. 6 to form connection 712. The connection 712 includes sewing straight edges 610 and 610' to each other without limiting the invention thereto. For example the straight edges 610 and 610' may be bonded to each other. As the straight edges 610 and 610' are connected, the edges 606 and 606' form a substantially V-shaped notch 150 between flaps 608 and 608'. Conical sock 700 has a cone point 720 and an open ended base 722.

[30] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 8 shows the conical sock 500 in use as a bandage application device. In use, the conical sock 500 is slid over an appendage, shown in this instance as hand/arm 540, and flaps 408/608 and 4087608' are folded over each other to cover a further portion of the appendage.

[31] In accordance with yet another exemplary implementation of the exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 9 shows a rectangular fabric blank 900 having top corners 908 and 908' and top edge 902. The top corners 908 and 908' have side straight edges 906 and 906.

[32] A conical sock 1000 shown in FIG. 10, is formed by connecting bottom corners 910 and 910' of the rectangular fabric blank 600 to form connection 1012. The connection 1012 includes sewing bottom corners 910 and 910' to each other without limiting the invention thereto. For example the bottom corners 910 and 910' may be bonded to each other. As the bottom corners 910 and 910' are connected, side straight edges 906 and 906' form a substantially V-shaped notch 1050 between top corners 908 and 908'. Top corners 908 and 908' are also referred to as flaps 1008 and 1008' of the conical sock 1000.

[33] The conical sock 1000 has a cone point 1020 and an open-ended base 1022. The open-ended base 1022 has a concave rim 1024.

[34] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 11 shows the conical sock 1000 in use as a bandage application device. In use, the conical sock 1000 is slid over an appendage, in this instance the lower half of body 1040, and flaps 1008 and 1008' are folded over each other to cover a further portion of the appendage.

[35] It is understood that the invention is not limited to the use of fabric blanks having the above-described shapes. A variety of fabric blank shapes may be used to form substantially conical socks having an open-ended base, the open-ended base including a substantially V-shaped notch between a pair of flaps.

[36] Without limiting the invention thereto, and using as an example the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the length of the connection 212 or the distance between the point of the substantially V-shaped notch 150 and the cone point 220 is generally slightly longer than the length of an average person's foot. When worn over a foot, for example, when applying a tubular compression bandage to a portion of the leg, the bandage application device substantially covers the knobby heel. However, the substantially V-shaped notch 150 still allows a person's foot to flex and the flaps can be used to wrap around a portion of the person's leg. It is understood that when applied over a foot, an arm, or the like the cone point prevents the bandage application device 200, 500, 700, 1000 from slipping past the extremity thereof. It is understood, however, that the cone point could have a small opening at the bottom of the point provided that the opening is not so large as to allow, for example, a digit of a foot or hand to get lodged therein.

[37] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2, in particular when designed for use with tubular bandages for legs, can be made in a variety of sizes to accommodate different sized feet. For example, the length of the substantially conical sock can come in 18", 22" or 26" sizes, measured from the cone point to the highest point on the rim.

[38] Without limiting the invention, the fabric blanks are cut out from combinations of hypoallergenic material, low-friction fabric, and low-drag fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the bandage application device is made from a cloth material such as Nylon™, Polyester™, silk and the like.

[39] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a cone shaped bandage application device has a removal strap arrangement. The removal strap arrangement is used to facilitate the remove of the bandage application device from an appendage, in particular when a bandage has been applied thereon, by rolling the bandage application device off the appendage without disturbing the bandage.

[40] In accordance with an exemplary implementation of the second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the removal strap arrangement includes a single removal strap 1210 as exemplary shown in FIG. 12. The removal strap 1210 has first 1214 and second 1212 attachment ends.

[41] The first attachment end 1214 is connected to the substantially conical sock 200 at or near the cone point 220, the strap 1210 extending on the outside of the sock 200. The second attachment end 1212 is connected to the sock 200 at or near the rim 224.

[42] In accordance with another implementation of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention FIG. 13 shows a bandage application device 200 having a removal strap 1210 extending over the rim 224. The second attachment end 1212 of the strap 1210 is connected to the inside of the conical sock 200 substantially below the rim 224. Without limiting the invention, the second attachment end 1212 of the strap 1210 may also be connected to the inside of the conical sock 200 at or near the rim 224 (not shown).

[43] In accordance with a further exemplary implementation of the second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second attachment end 1212 is connected to the inside of the conical sock 200 at or near the cone point 220 as shown in FIG. 14.

[44] In accordance with a further exemplary implementation of the second exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least one strap loop 1300 is secured to either the inside or the outside of the conical sock 200, the removal strap 1210 passing therethrough as exemplary shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 17.

[45] In accordance with a yet another exemplary implementation of the second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the removal strap arrangement includes first 1410 and second 1420 straps as exemplary shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17.

[46] The first strap 1410 has first 1414 and second 1412 ends, the first end 1414 being connected to the conical sock 200 at or near the cone point 220. The second end 1412 forms a loop.

[47] The second strap 1420 has a first 1422 and second 1422' attachment ends and passes through the loop 1412 of the first strap 1410. The attachment ends 1422 and 1422' are connected to the inside of the conical sock 200 substantially below the rim 224. The attachment ends 1422 and 1422' are spaced away from each other. The removal strap arrangement 1410/1420 extends over the rim 224.

[48] In accordance with an exemplary implementation of the second exemplary embodiment of the invention (not shown), the removal strap arrangement is Y-shaped with the second 1412 end of the first strap 1410 being connected to the second strap 1420.

[49] In use, the bandage application device 200 having a removal strap arrangement 1210/1300/1410/1420 is slid over an appendage. Flaps 108 and 108' may be folded over each other to achieve greater appendage coverage as needed. A bandage, such as a tubular compressor bandage, is slid over the device 200 and positioned over the desired appendage portion. The bandage may be positioned directly over the device 200 which itself may be covering a treatment area. With the bandage in place, the bandage application device 200 is rolled off the appendage, and from under the bandage, by pulling on the removal strap arrangement 1210/1410/1420, preferably by pulling it near the attachment end at the cone point.

[50] The embodiments presented herein are exemplary only, and persons skilled in the art would appreciate that variations to the embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is solely defined by the appended claims.