The present invention relates to a wound guard.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved wound guard.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wound guard comprising:

• a part-tubular protector to be positioned over a wound to provide ventilation space for the wound, with opposite edges of the protector resting on skin surrounding the wound and

• means for securing the protector to the skin.

By "part tubular" is meant that the protector has a cross-sectional shape along at least part of its length and that the protector would be tubular if the shape were continued around an axis with opposite edges joining.

The cross-sectional shape can be smooth or incorporate bends, as in a rectangular or hexagonal full tube.

The protector may be of semi-circular, part-elliptical or similar regular or irregular cross-sectional shape.

The edges of the protector will preferably be provided with lips or rims for spreading contact with the skin.

One end of the protector may be stepped to allow two protectors to be abutted in restrained alignment.

The tubular protector will normally be of rigid or at least stiff material. Spacers conveniently adapted to be clipped to the ends of the protector may be provided to maintain spacing of the protector from the wound in the case of accidental squashing of the protector. Whilst it is envisaged that the securing means could be a conventional bandage wrapped around the limb or other body part having the wound guard;

preferably the securing means will be self-adhesive, normally in the form of tape. Self-adhesive material may be applied directly to lips or rims of the protector and covered with a release paper prior to use.

The protector of the wound guard can be supplied already formed to part- tubular shape, or it can be supplied in flat or substantially flat form with instructions to bend to part-tubular shape. Where it is supplied flat, it is preferably creased, scored, perforated or otherwise worked to cause it to be able to be readily formed to be part-tubular for use.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a wound guard comprising:

• a part-tubular protector to be positioned over a wound to provide ventilation space for the wound, with opposite edges of the protector resting on skin surrounding the wound

wherein the edges of the protector are provided with a lip at each edge flexibly connected to the edge for spreading contact with the skin By "part tubular" is meant that the protector has a cross-sectional shape along at least part of its length and that the protector would be tubular if the shape were continued around an axis with opposite edges joining.

The means for providing the flexible lip can be a mechanical hinge or a so- called "living hinge". The mechanical or living hinge can be permanently fixed in one position or freely rotate. The hinge can partially rotate through a particular angle. Preferably, the hinge can move through an angle ranging from 0° to 45°, 0° to 90°, 0° to 135°, 0° to 180°, 0° to 225°, 0° to 270° or 0° to 315°. More preferably, the hinge can move through an angle of 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 200° or 300°. The tubular protector and lips will normally be of rigid or at least stiff material. Typically the living hinge will be made from the same material as the tubular protector and lips but will be typically thinned, cut or moulded to allow the tubular protector and lips to bend along the line of the hinge.

Typically the wound guard is provided with means for securing the protector to the skin or an existing dressing. Preferably the lips are provided with adhesive for securing the protector to the skin. Whilst it is envisaged that the securing means could be a conventional bandage wrapped around the limb or other body part having the wound guard; preferably the securing means will be self-adhesive, normally in the form of tape. Self-adhesive material may be applied directly to lips or rims of the protector and covered with a release paper prior to use. The wound guard may be provided with a pocket. Typically the pocket will be provided on the exterior surface of the protector. The interior surface being the surface closest to the wound. Preferably, the pocket is formed from flexible material attached to the exterior surface of the protector. The pocket being attached around a substantial portion of its perimeter with a free edge to form an opening.

The cross-sectional shape can be smooth or incorporate bends, as in a rectangular or hexagonal full tube.

The protector may be of semi-circular, part-elliptical or similar regular or irregular cross-sectional shape.

One end of the protector may be stepped to allow two protectors to be abutted in restrained alignment. Spacers conveniently adapted to be clipped to the ends of the protector may be provided to maintain spacing of the protector from the wound in the case of accidental squashing of the protector. The protector of the wound guard can be supplied already formed to part- tubular shape, or it can be supplied in flat or substantially flat form with instructions to bend to part-tubular shape. Where it is supplied flat, it is preferably creased, scored, perforated or otherwise worked to cause it to be able to be readily formed to be part-tubular for use.

To help understanding of the invention, various embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wound guard according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wound guard according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view similar to Figure 2 showing self-adhesive tape for securing the wound guard;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a wound guard according to the invention with spacers.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a wound guard according to the invention.

Figure 6 is a cross-section of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an illustration of wound guards of the invention in use,

Figure 8 is a further illustration of wound guards of the invention in use, Figure 9 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a wound guard according to the invention; and

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a wound guard according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a wound guard 1 chiefly comprises a vacuum, pressure or otherwise formed part tubular protector 2 having a part circular cylindrical cross-sectional shape along at least part of its length with rims 3 and 4. In use, this rests on the skin on either side of a wound, providing an air ventilation space 5 over the wound. The protector is stepped, 6, at one end to allow two protectors to be abutted in restrained alignment. The wound guard is held securely to the skin by self- adhesive tape, 7, in use. In a second embodiment, see Figure 2, the wound guard rims 3 and 4 are provided with lips 8 and 9. Figure 3 shows the second embodiment with lips 8 and 9, and secured by self-adhesive tape, 7.

In a third embodiment, Figure 4, without step 6 but having spacers 9 clipped to the wound guard to maintain an airflow. Lips 8 and 9 are provided with means to be self-adhesive. In a fourth embodiment, Figures 5 & 6, two wound guards are interlocked, using the step edge 6. The lips 8 and 9 have cut outs 10 and 11 to allow the wound guards to be abutted in restrained alignment. Instead of self-adhesive tape, adhesive maybe applied directly to the lips. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the wound guard used on various injuries, in some, additional securing means is provided by a bandage 12. A dressing 13 is also shown, whereby the wound guard is attached to an existing dressing.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a wound guard 1 chiefly comprises a vacuum, pressure or otherwise formed part tubular protector 2 having a part circular cylindrical cross-sectional shape along at least part of its length with opposite edges 3 and 4 of the protector resting on skin surrounding the wound. In use, this rests on the skin on either side of a wound, providing an air ventilation space 5 over the wound, the edges 3, 4 of the protector 2 are provided lips 6 and 7 at each edge flexibly connected to the edge for spreading contact with the skin. The means for providing the flexible lip can be a living hinge 8 or a mechanical hinge 9. Lips 6 and 7 are provided with means to be self-adhesive for securing the protector to the skin. The hinges 8 and 9 shown in figures 1 and 2 are shown to be able to partially rotate 14 move through an angle of 30°. The wound guard 1 has a pocket 10 attached on the exterior surface 11 of the protector. The interior surface 12 being the surface closest to the wound. The pocket is attached around a substantial portion of its perimeter with a free edge to form an opening 13 into which notes or the like can be inserted. It is envisioned that the wound guard may be constructed from metal.

Typically, the wound guard is constructed from clear or opaque plastic, whereby clear plastic allows the wound to be visibly monitored. The plastic used for construction can be flexible or rigid. The shape of the wound guard is semi-circular, and the height of the curve can be shallow or deep.

Each wound guard can be either attached to an existing dressing to prevent further injury from impact, or attached directly to the skin where a wound has been sanitised but requires air flow to continue the healing process.

The above described wound guards can be used to protect and prevent damage or further injury to a wound, and to promote rapid healing by providing an air ventilation space to the wound.