The present invention relates to compression devices, in particular compression devices for applying compression to a portion of a limb of a user for the use in the treatment and/or management of oedema and other venous and lymphatic disorders of a limb, more particularly venous leg ulcers and lymphoedema of a limb.
Compression therapy is generally prescribed to support an insufficient venous or lymphatic system in returning blood or lymph to the heart. Accordingly compression is generally considered to be the standard treatment for use in the treatment of oedema and other venous and lymphatic disorders e.g. of the lower limbs venous leg ulcers and other clinical conditions, such as lymphoedema. The positive effects of compression therapy on venous lymph return as well as on the healing of chronic venous (leg) ulcers are well documented in the medical literature.
Compression bandages and stockings are the most common compression systems used for compression therapy. Compression stockings however often do not provide the desired therapeutic compressive pressure, since such stockings generally need to be quite elastic so that one can pull them on and off. Compression bandages, being made of materials having much lower elastic (or even in some cases nearly non-elastic) characteristics, are typically much more effective in supporting the muscle pump to return venous blood to the heart and thus in compression therapy compared to compression stockings. Compression bandages however typically need to be applied by a well-trained professional in order to achieve the desired and/or needed pressure profile, and such bandages typically need to be reapplied frequently due to change (e.g. reduction) in the volume of the limb (e.g. as a result of oedema reduction).
A large number of other compression systems have been proposed. A number of these can be generically described as to include a garment to be wrapped around a limb and a closure mechanism to secure the garment around the limb (e.g. see U.S. Pat. No. 3,538,194, U.S. Pat. No. 3,856,008, U.S. Pat. No. 3,845,769, U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,244, WO 01/72250, US 2002/0062096, US 2003/195449, US 2005/0192524, WO 2006/048619). Although quite of number of non-bandage-type and non-stocking-type compression systems have been proposed, only a few have been commercialized; examples include products marketed under the trade designation FARROWWRAP, JUXTA-FIT and JUXTA-CURES. Notably these commercial products although given as alternatives to typical compression bandaging systems include multiple band-like elements for winding and wrapping (e.g. overlapping and/or cross winding/wrapping).
There is an ongoing need for non-bandage and non-stocking type compression devices that are easy to use and to apply, desirably by non-trained personnel or even the patient, while at the same time facilitating a recognition of whether the desired and/or needed proper fit has been achieved and/or maintained, which in turns facilitates the provision of desirable uniformity of compression.
In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a compression device for applying compression to a limb of a user comprising a sleeve for substantially covering a portion of the limb of a user, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and two lateral side edges, wherein in the transverse direction from the first lateral side edge to the second lateral side edge the sleeve comprises a first lateral side region, a central region and a second lateral side region, wherein the second lateral edge region of the sleeve is provided with a plurality of rings in series between the upper and lower edges of the sleeve, each ring being releasably or fixedly attached by a strap extending between the sleeve and the ring in substantially the transverse direction of the sleeve, at least a portion of said strap being expandable in at least the transverse direction, wherein said expandable portion comprises a material having elasticity in at least the transverse direction of the sleeve and is configured and arranged, such that when the expandable portion is in its non-expanded state there is exteriorly a loop of material rising outwardly and when, in use under the provision of tension in the transverse direction of the sleeve, the expandable portion expands in the transverse direction and the loop flattens;
wherein the device further comprises a plurality of strip-shaped mechanical fastening tabs, wherein a single tab is provided for each ring, each tab comprising a proximal end portion and a distal end portion being connected by an inner tab portion, wherein said proximal end portion is releasably or fixedly attached to the first lateral edge region of sleeve such that the tab is located opposite to a ring and extends in substantially the transverse direction of the sleeve, with its distal end portion positioned away from the central portion of the sleeve, wherein each tab has a first major surface located towards the outer surface of the sleeve and a second major surface located away from the outer surface of the sleeve, wherein the second major surface at the distal end portion of the tab comprises one part of a mechanical fastening system and said second major surface at the proximal end portion of the tab comprise the complementary part of the mechanical fastening system; and wherein the tabs and rings are configured and arranged such that, in use, the tabs are passed through the rings, turned back on themselves such that the first lateral side edge of the sleeve is drawn towards the rings and then fastened so that the sleeve is tightened and restrained about the limb of the user.
In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a compression device for applying compression to a limb of a user comprising a sleeve for substantially covering a portion of the limb of a user, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and two lateral side edges, wherein in the transverse direction from the first lateral side edge to the second lateral side edge the sleeve comprises a first lateral side region, a central region and a second lateral side region, wherein the second lateral edge region of the sleeve is provided with either a plurality of eyelets or a plurality of rings in series between the upper and lower edges of the sleeve, wherein the sleeve includes an elongate, expandable gusset extending substantially lengthwise between the upper and lower edges of the sleeve, said gusset being expandable in at least the transverse direction of the sleeve, wherein said expandable gusset comprises a material having elasticity in at least the transverse direction and is configured and arranged, such that when the expandable gusset is in its non-expanded state there is exteriorly a loop of material rising outwardly, and when, in use under the provision of tension in the transverse direction of the sleeve, the expandable gusset expands in the transverse direction and the loop flattens;
wherein the device further comprises a plurality of strip-shaped mechanical fastening tabs, wherein a single tab is provided for each eyelet or ring, as applicable, each tab comprising a proximal end portion and a distal end portion being connected by an inner tab portion, wherein said proximal end portion is releasably or fixedly attached to the first lateral edge region of sleeve such that the tab is located opposite to a eyelet or ring, as applicable, and extends in substantially the transverse direction of the sleeve with its distal end portion positioned away from the central portion of the sleeve, wherein each tab has a first major surface located towards the outer surface of the sleeve and a second major surface located away from the outer surface of the sleeve, wherein the second major surface at the distal end portion of the tab comprises one part of a mechanical fastening system and said second major surface at the proximal end portion of the tab comprise the complementary part of the mechanical fastening system; and wherein the tabs and eyelets or rings, as applicable, are configured and arranged such that, in use, the tabs are passed through the eyelets or rings, as applicable, turned back on themselves such that the first lateral side edge of the sleeve is drawn towards the eyelets or rings, as applicable, and then fastened so that the sleeve is tightened and restrained about the limb of the user.
For the sake of clarity, it is to be appreciated that after application of a compression device onto a limb of a user, the transverse direction of the sleeve will also be a circumferential direction. In accordance with ASTM D4848-98 (2012) and BS EN 14704-1:2005 elasticity is that property of a material by virtue of which it tends to recover its original size and shape immediately after removal of the force causing deformation.
Surprisingly it has been found that by providing a sleeve-like garment that is to be opened and closed with a releasable, mechanical closure system including fastening tabs provided with respective complementary parts of the mechanical closure system in conjunction with opposing rings or eyelets together with an expandable strap portion or an expandable gusset comprising a material having elasticity in at least the transverse direction and being configured and arranged such that, when the expandable strap portion or gusset, respectively, is in its non-expanded state (e.g. when the compression device is not in use) there is a loop of material to the exterior and rising outwardly and when, in use under the provision of tension in the transverse direction of the sleeve, the expandable strap portion or gusset, respectively, expands in the transverse direction and the loop flattens (eventually disappearing), it is possible to provide compression devices which are easy to use and apply where the person applying the device is also advantageously provided with an visual indication facilitating an assessment towards the extent of extension and the provision of a good anatomic fit. Moreover, when there is no extension or only partial extension of the expandable strap portion or gusset, the outwardly facing loop will be fully raised or only partly flatten, and thus visible as such, and when there is full extension of the expandable strap portion or gusset the outwardly facing loop will disappear (i.e. it will flatten to such an extent there is no longer a loop of material rising outwardly). Such a visual indication is advantageous during the application because once the loop fully flattens out (and thus disappears) there is full extension and thus an indication towards sufficient anatomical fit. Moreover, by providing such a loop-indicating configuration in the straps of the plurality of rings that are provided in series between the upper and lower edges of the sleeve or in the elongate, expandable gusset that extends substantially lengthwise between the upper and lower edges of the sleeve, it is possible to have a visual indication towards extent of extension and thus fit over respective height of the sleeve between its upper and lower edges, so that if desired and/or needed, the extent of tightening of an individual fastening tab threaded through its opposing ring or eyelet can adjusted facilitating the provision of a desirable anatomic fit over the portion of the limb of a user covered by the sleeve and thus in turn facilitating uniformity of compression. The loop-indicating configuration is also favorably useful while the user is wearing the compression device. For example, if, as in fact is desired, the volume of the limb is reduced for example as a result of oedema reduction due to effective compression therapy, the extent of tension on the device and on the expandable strap-portion or gusset will be reduced and the previously flattened loop will then noticeably pucker outwardly forming a fully raised or somewhat flattened loop, depending on the extent of reduced tension and thus providing an indication that the device should be re-tightened or re-applied.
Desirably the expandable strap portion or the gusset, as applicable, comprises two layers, an outer (outwardly facing) layer of material and an inner (inwardly facing) layer of material, wherein the product of the modulus of elasticity of the inner-layer-material times the thickness of the inner-layer-material is less than the product of the modulus of elasticity of the outer-layer-material times the thickness of the outer-layer-material, wherein outer-layer-material is the loop material, and wherein the inner layer of material is affixed to the outer layer of material, so as to provide a loop of outer-layer-material above the inner layer when the expandable strap portion or gusset, respectively, is in its non-expanded state, which in use under the provision of tension and accordingly expansion of expandable strap portion or gusset in the transverse direction, respectively, can flatten. It has been found favorable that in the loop-indicating configuration, the product of the modulus of elasticity of the inner-layer-material times the thickness of the inner-layer-material is at least a factor of two times, in particular at least a factor of four times, lower than the product of the modulus of elasticity of the outer-layer-material times the thickness of the outer-layer-material, so that the transition from a pronounced loop to a completely flattened out loop does not require too much elongation in terms of length. Favorably at least one of the outer-layer- and inner-layer-materials has elasticity in at least the transverse direction, more favorably each said material having elasticity in at least the transverse direction.
Modulus of elasticity (also called elastic modulus) may be determined in accordance to ASTM D 882-09 entitled “Standard Test Method for Tensile Procedure of Thin Plastic Sheeting”. It is to be noted that although the standard expressly states that it covers the determination of tensile properties of plastics in the form of thin sheeting, it has been found that the described test method and determination of modulus of elasticity may be suitably used in regard to materials suitable for use in compression devices described herein.
The sleeve, in particular at least the central region of the sleeve, favorably comprises a material that is suitable for use in applying compression, more favorably at least the central region of the sleeve comprises a material having elasticity and a maximum stretch greater than 0% up to 60% in at least the transverse direction of the sleeve under a load of 10 N per cm width e.g. as measured in accordance with DIN 61632:2009. Herein such a material is referred to as a “short-stretch material”. Referring to the textbook Foeldi's Textbook of Lymphology, 2nd Edition, extensibility, in other words elasticity, of compression bandages include short stretch (those having a maximum amount of stretch under a load of 10 N per cm width of up to 60%, i.e. greater than 0% and up to 60%), moderate-stretch (60 to 140%) and long stretch (greater than 140%), where correspondingly non-elastic bandages are understood to have no amount of (i.e. 0%) stretch.
To further underline the indicating effect of the loop-indicating configuration and/or to further facilitate the provision of uniformity of compression, the product of modulus of elasticity of the material of the loop (e.g. the outer-layer-material in the two-layer expandable strap portion/gusset embodiments) times the thickness of the material of the loop is favorably at least 90% of the product of the modulus of elasticity of said short-stretch material times the thickness of said short-stretch material, in particular the product of the modulus of elasticity of the material of the loop (e.g. the outer-layer-material in the two-layer expandable strap portion/gusset embodiments) times the thickness of the material of the loop is equal to or greater than the product of the modulus of elasticity of said short-stretch material times the thickness of said short-stretch material.
For ease in viewing the loop-indicating configuration, the expandable portion of the strap or gusset favorably has in its non-expanded state a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at least 0.1 cm. in particular 0.5 cm. To facilitate favorably sleeve construction e.g. in terms of sizing of components and material use, desirably the expandable portion of the strap or gusset has in its non-expanded state a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at most 4 cm, in particular at most 3 cm.
Favorably, especially in regard to facilitating viewing of changes in and flattening of the loop, the expandable portion of the strap or gusset has in its expanded state at the point where the loop just fully flattens out a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at least 1 cm. For ease in viewing and/or to facilitate uniformity of compression in the transverse/circumferential direction, the expandable portion of the strap or gusset favorably has in its expanded state at the point where the loop just fully flattens out a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve is at most 8 cm, in particular at most 6 cm.
To further underline the indicating effect of the expandable strap portion or gusset in two-layer expandable strap portion/gusset embodiments, the inner layer of material and outer layer of material can be favorably configured and arranged, so as to provide at least one loop of outer-layer-material above the inner layer when the expandable strap portion/gusset is in its non-expanded state which, in use under the provision of tension and accordingly expansion of expandable strap portion/gusset in the transverse direction, can flatten and additionally at least one region of outer-layer material above the inner layer, where the outer-layer material includes a slit (e.g. an opening) extending substantially lengthwise relative to said upper and lower edges of the sleeve (termed in the following as “slit-region”), so that when the expandable strap portion/gusset is in its non-expanded state, the outer-layer material in said at least one slit-region lies substantially flat with the lateral edges of said slit near to or overlapping one another and in use, under the provision of tension and accordingly expansion of expandable strap portion/gusset in the transverse direction, the lateral edges of the said slit move apart exposing the underlying inner layer. It will appreciated that the slit-region acts like a window or eye, that is “closed” when the expandable strap portion/gusset is in its non-expanded state covering the underlying inner layer, and “opens” when the expandable strap portion/gusset expands in the transverse direction, and thus providing a second indication towards proper expansion and tensioning of the sleeve. The indicating effect can be further enhanced by providing the inner layer (in particular at least the upper surface thereof) with indicia that become visible when the edges of the slit move apart and/or a color that different to the color of the outer-layer, in particular different to the color of the slit region of the outer-layer. Desirably the at least one loop of outer-layer material and said at least one slit-region are provided in series lengthwise relative to said upper and lower edges of the sleeve, more desirably at least two loops of outer-layer material are provided, said at least two loops of outer-layer material and said at least one slit-region being provided alternatively and in series lengthwise relative to said upper and lower edges of the sleeve.
In regard to the first aspect (i.e. embodiments including an expandable strap portion), to further facilitate the indication and provision of a favorable anatomic fit over the portion of the limb (e.g. the lower leg including the calf) of a user that is covered by the sleeve in use, favorably the plurality of rings or straps including the interstices between rings or straps, respectively extends over a height corresponding to at least 70% of the height of the sleeve from the upper to lower edge. Generally it is desirable that the plurality of rings or straps including the interstices between rings or straps, respectively extends a height corresponding from 70% up to and including 100%, and possibly greater than 100% of the height of the sleeve from the upper to lower edge. The height of the interstices between rings or straps may range from 0.1 mm to 7 cm, inclusive, in particular from 0.3 mm to 3 cm, inclusive, and more particularly from 0.5 mm to 2 cm.
In regard to the second aspect (i.e. embodiments including a gusset), to further facilitate the indication and provision of a favorable anatomic fit over the portion of the limb (e.g. the lower leg including the calf) of a user that is covered by the sleeve in use, favorably the gusset extends a height corresponding to 70% up to and including 100% of the height of the sleeve from the upper to lower edge. Also to further facilitate provision of favorable anatomic fit it is desirable that the plurality of eyelets or rings, as applicable, including the interstices between eyelets or rings, respectively extends over a height corresponding to at least 70% of the height of the sleeve from the upper to lower edge. Generally it is desirable that the plurality of eyelets or rings, as applicable, including the interstices between eyelets or rings, respectively extends a height corresponding from 70% up to and including 100% of the height of the sleeve from the upper to lower edge. The height of the interstices between eyelets and rings, as applicable, may range from 0.1 mm to 7 cm, inclusive, in particular from 0.3 mm to 3 cm, inclusive, and more particular from 0.5 mm to 2 cm.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The description that follows more particularly exemplifies illustrative embodiments. Also further embodiments are described in dependent claims. In several places throughout the application, guidance is provided through lists of examples, which examples can be used individually and in various combinations. In each instance, the recited list serves only as a representative group and should not be interpreted as an exclusive list.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
a represents a perspective, front view of the exemplary embodiment depicted in
a shows a perspective, front view of the exemplary embodiment in depicted in
In the description that follows, unless expressly stated otherwise, terms such as ‘top’, ‘bottom’, ‘above’, ‘below’, etc, refer only to features as shown in the Figures, and no restriction as to orientation of use, etc, is intended. Not all Figures are to the same scale.
It is to be understood that the present invention covers all combinations of particular, suitable, desirable, favorable, advantageous and preferred aspects of the invention described herein.
Straps comprise an expandable strap portion comprising a material having elasticity in at least the transverse direction and being configured and arranged such that when the expandable strap portion is in its non-expanded state (e.g. when the compression device is not in use) there is exteriorly a loop of material rising outwardly and when, in use under the provision of tension in the transverse direction of the sleeve, the expandable strap portion expands in the transverse direction and the loop flattens (eventually disappearing).
Returning to the exemplary embodiment depicted in
For those embodiments where the expandable portion of the strap includes two layers, as indicated above, favorably the product of the modulus of elasticity (in the transverse direction) of the inner-layer-material times the thickness of the inner-layer material is less than the product of the modulus of elasticity (in the transverse direction) of the outer-layer-material times the thickness of the outer-layer material. More favorably, the product of the modulus of elasticity of the inner-layer-material times the thickness of the inner-layer-material is at least a factor of two times, more favorably at least a factor of four times, lower the product of the modulus of elasticity of the outer-layer-material times the thickness of the outer-layer-material.
In the exemplary embodiment of
Sleeves, when laid out flat e.g. as depicted in
The compression device further comprises a plurality of strip-shaped mechanical fastening tabs (2). There is a single tab provided for each ring (16). Each tab comprises a proximal end portion (22) and a distal end portion (24) being connected by an inner tab portion (23). In the exemplary embodiment shown here in
In general, fastening tabs are favorably configured such that the second major surface at the distal end portion of the fastening tabs is provided with hook, stem and/or cup-shaped fasteners (first tab fasteners) and the second major surface at the proximal end portion of the fastening tabs has a structure or is provided with a structure that is adapted to be engaged by said first tab fasteners. The second major surface at the inner portion of the fastening tabs may also have a structure or been provided with a structure that is adapted to be engaged by the first tab fasteners.
As indicated above, the fastening tabs may be either releasably or fixed attached to the sleeve. Favorably the fastening tabs are attached such that the tabs extend across the first lateral side edge. In particular the tabs generally extend at least 2 cm outwardly beyond the first lateral side edge. For those embodiments in which the fastening tabs are releasably attached, favorably the first major surface at the proximal end portion of the fastening tabs is provided with hook, stem and/or cup-shaped fasteners (second tab fasteners) and the outer surface at the first lateral edge region of the sleeve has a structure or is provided with a structure that is adapted to be engaged by said second tab fasteners. Here the first major surface at the proximal end portion of the fastening tabs can then be releasably attached to the outer surface at the first lateral edge region of sleeve. The second tab fasteners may be identical to the first tab fasteners or different. In the event that the second and first tab fasteners are different, favorably the outer surface at the first lateral edge region of the sleeve has a structure or is provided with a structure that is adapted to be engaged by both the first and second fasteners. Favorably, the second tab fasteners and the relevant complementary engagement structure are selected such that they provide a stronger fastening than the first tab fasteners and the relevant complementary engagement structure. The use of releasably attachable fastening tabs can be particularly useful in that it can allow for the provision of compression devices that can be adjusted in their width.
Compression devices described herein, in particular the sleeves thereof, can be provided in different sizes to accommodate the difference in the size of limbs (e.g. arms versus legs) as well as the general difference in sizes of a particular limb. Compression devices described herein are particularly suitable for use on the lower leg including the calf. In regard to the latter, for example considering the size of an adult human lower leg, including those persons suffering from lymphodemia, can range from around 130 to 420 mm in circumference at the ankle and around from 280 to 650 mm in circumference at their widest point, it could be possible to provide compression devices in for example seven standard (width) sizes, e.g. XS, S; M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, aimed to cover 80% of the potential relevant circumferential sizes of the potential users while the remaining 20% could be provided for by special order. In addition, considering the length of an adult human lower leg can range from around 20 cm to 40 cm, it could be possible to provide in conjunction with the standard (width) sizes mentioned above, three height sizes, e.g. short, average and, tall, again aimed to cover 80% of the potential relevant lengths of the potential users. In regard to the standard width sizes, the number of standard sizes to cover 80% the potential relevant circumferential sizes of the potential users could be reduced by for example providing compression devices configured such that the width of the sleeve could be readily adjusted by the user or the care-giver applying the compression device onto the limb of the user. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide compression devices wherein the fastening tabs is releasably attachable to the first laterial edge region of the sleeve as described herein and wherein the first lateral edge region of the sleeve is configured such that it is trimmable.
Returning to the exemplary embodiment depicted in the
Referring to
For compression devices suitable for use with the lower leg of the user, favorably the sleeve is configured and arranged such that in use the rings, or for those embodiments having eyelets, the eyelets, will generally be positioned towards the front, in particular so that they extends generally along the tibia. Accordingly for such embodiments the central region of the sleeve will typically be positioned around the back and, at least on one of the sides of the lower leg, and thus accordingly next to the calf muscles.
Sleeves, in particular at least the central region thereof, favorably comprise a material that is suitable for use in applying compression. Such materials are known in the art. Favorably such materials have low flexural rigidity and are stretchable, so that they can readily adapt to the shape of the limb shape, while at the same time not being too easily stretched under tension, so that the desired provision of compression onto the limb can be achieved. More favorably at least the central region of the sleeve (even more favorably at least the central and the first lateral edge regions of the sleeve, most favorably the central region as well as the first and second lateral regions of the sleeve) comprises a short-stretch material having elasticity in at least the transverse direction in the sleeve and a maximum stretch greater than 0% up to 60% in at least the transverse direction of the sleeve under a load of 10 N per cm width (e.g. as measured in accordance with DIN 61632:2009). For comfort in wearing, such materials are desirably breathable. As indicated above, for embodiments including short-stretch compression materials, favorably the product of the modulus of elasticity (in the transverse direction) of the material of the loop (e.g. the outer-layer-material in the two-layer expandable strap portion/gusset embodiments) times the thickness of the material of the loop is favorably at least 90% of the product of the modulus of elasticity (in the transverse direction) of the short-stretch material times the thickness of the short-stretch material, in particular the product of the modulus of elasticity of the material of the loop (e.g. the outer-layer-material in the two-layer expandable strap portion/gusset embodiments) times the thickness of the material of the loop is equal to or greater than the product of the modulus of elasticity of said short-stretch material times the thickness of the short-stretch material.
Compression devices, in particular sleeves, may be provided with one or more stiffeners to facilitate maintenance of sleeve shape, in particular to minimize any tendency towards vertical collapsing or slipping-down of the sleeve, stiffeners may be provided e.g. in the form of wires, bars, grids, or pads having limited width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in
Returning to exemplary embodiment depicted in
Comparing the compression device in use as depicted in
As it can be appreciated from the exemplary embodiment shown in
Returning to the exemplary embodiment depicted in
For compression devices including a tongue, the tongue may favorably include either a single stiffener extending substantially across its width and length or one or more elongate stiffeners extending lengthwise. As mentioned above, stiffeners may be made of e.g. metal or thermoplastic materials including thermoformable thermoplastic materials (such as polypropylene, polyamide, polyester (e.g. 3M Scotchcast Thermoplastic Material 72362)). For stiffeners having a width greater than five millimeters, it may be favorable to provide them with perforations to allow for breathability. For design and/or fixing purposes, stiffeners may be provided within a fabric pocket which is subsequently attached to the appropriate part(s) of the sleeve or alternatively stiffeners may be positioned on the surface of the appropriate part(s) of the tongue, which are then covered completely with a sheet of fabric that is sewn or laminated onto the respective part(s) of the tongue. Alternatively or in addition, the tongue may comprise foam, in particular memory foam, more particular high density memory foam. High density memory foams are memory foams that have a density of at least 65 kg/m3, in particular at least 70 kg/m3, more particularly at least 85 kg/m3, most particularly at least 105 kg/m3. Examples of suitable memory foams, include high density memory foams available from Filtrona Porous Technologies marketed under the trade designations SRF EP2, Argus, Argus Soft, and Argus Supersoft. Favorably the tongue comprises a layer of foam, in particular a layer of foam having a thickness from 0.5 mm to 10 mm, inclusive, more particular a layer of foam having a thickness from 2 mm to 6 mm, inclusive.
Returning to the exemplary embodiment depicted in
Although not specifically shown in the exemplary embodiments depicted herein, compression devices described herein may be configured to include other structural elements, for example a foot portion extending from the sleeve, in particular extending from an appropriate portion of the lower edge of the sleeve. Such a foot portion may be configured and arranged in the form of a stir-up or alternatively such as foot portion may be configured to provide a more extensive covering of the foot. Moreover the sleeve and such a foot portion may be configured and arranged so as to provide a boot-like compression device, either closed or opened toed and/or either closed or opened heeled. Such a foot part may be provided integrally with the sleeve or alternatively as a separate component that can be attached to the sleeve by an appropriate fastening means, such as buttons, mechanical fasteners and the like. Compression devices may also include bladders or gel inserts to facilitate modification of circumferential size. In this regard, sleeves, for example, could be provided with double walls or interior pockets for such inserts so that such insert(s) may be inserted and/or removed as needed or desired.
As indicated above, compression devices including an expandable strap portion with a loop-indicating configuration, it is favorable to configure the device such that when said portions of the straps are their non-expanded state, the rings are positioned along the second lateral edge of the sleeve either adjacent to or spaced apart from said edge and away from the second lateral edge portion, in particular wherein each ring has a lateral edge near the second lateral edge of the sleeve, said lateral edge of the ring is either positioned adjacent to second lateral edge of the sleeve or spaced apart from the second lateral edge at a distance of at most 4 cm, in particular at most 3 cm. Such embodiments favorably include a tongue as described above.
Alternatively, for compression devices including an expandable strap portion with a loop-indicating configuration, it may be desirable to configure the device such that when said portions of the straps are their non-expanded state, the rings are spaced apart from the second lateral edge towards the central region, in particular wherein each ring has a lateral edge distant to the central portion of the sleeve, said lateral edge of the ring is spaced apart from the second lateral edge at a distance between 3 and 25 cm (inclusive the end points).
The exemplary embodiment depicted in
Generally, for compression devices including rings and straps having an expandable portion with a loop-indicating configuration as described above, desirably said expandable portion of the strap has in its non-expanded state a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at least 0.1 cm, in particular at least 0.5 cm. Desirably the expandable portion of the strap has in its non-expanded state a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at most 4 cm, more desirably at most 3 cm. Favorably the expandable portion of the strap has in its expanded state at the point where the loop just fully flattens out a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at least 1 cm. Favorably the expandable portion of the strap has in its expanded state at the point where the loop just fully flattens out a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at most 8 cm, more favorably at most 6 cm.
Generally, for compression devices including rings and straps having an expandable portion with a loop-indicating configuration as described above, favorably each strap has a height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at least 1 cm, more favorably at least 2 cm, and most favorably at least 3 cm. Favorably each strap has a height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at most 10 cm, more favorably at most 8 cm, and most favorably at most 6 cm. In addition or alternatively, desirably the plurality of rings or straps including the interstices between rings or straps, respectively, extends over a height corresponding to at least 70% of the height of the sleeve from the upper to lower edge. The plurality of rings or straps including the interstices between rings or straps, respectively, may extend over a height corresponding from 70% up to 100% and, possibly greater than 100% of the height of the sleeve from the upper to lower edge. Favorably the height of the interstices between rings or straps ranges from 0.1 mm to 7 cm, inclusive, more favorably from 0.3 mm to 3 cm, inclusive, and most favorably from 0.5 mm to 2 cm.
Gussets may be at least in part integral with adjacent lying sleeve material or alternatively gussets may be provided as inset into the sleeve (the exemplary embodiment depicted in
The exemplary compression device in
Although not shown in an illustration, it will be recognized that when the exemplary compression device depicted in
Gussets desirably have in their non-expanded state a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at least 0.1 cm, more desirably at least 0.5 cm. Gussets desirably have in their non-expanded state a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at most 4 cm, more desirably at most 3 cm. Favorably gussets have in their expanded state at the point where the loop just fully flattens out a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at least 1 cm. Favorably gussets have in their expanded state at the point where the loop just fully flattens out a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve is at most 8 cm, in particular at most 6 cm.
Gussets may be provided anywhere in the sleeve between the fastening tabs and eyelets (or rings, for those embodiments including rings instead of eyelets). For ease in viewing loop-indicating configuration of the gusset while the device is being applied, suitably gussets may be provided in the central portion of the sleeve or in the second lateral side portion, more suitably in the central portion of the sleeve near the eyelets (or rings, if applicable) or in the second lateral side portion near or adjacent to the eyelets (or rings, if applicable) towards the central portion.
Returning to the exemplary embodiment depicted in
The exemplary compression device shown in
Referring to the illustration of
As can be appreciated from
Generally for compression devices comprising expandable gussets as described herein, favorably the plurality of eyelets or rings, as applicable, including the interstices between eyelets or rings, respectively extends over a height corresponding to at least 70% of the height of the sleeve from the upper to lower edge. Desirably the height of the interstices between eyelets and rings, as applicable, ranges from 0.1 mm to 7 cm, inclusive, in particular from 0.3 mm to 3 cm, inclusive, and more particular from 0.5 mm to 2 cm. For those embodiments including rings and straps favorably each strap has a height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at least 1 cm, more favorably at least 2 cm, most favorably at least 3 cm. Desirably each strap has a height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at most 10 cm, more desirably at most 8 cm, most desirably at most 6 cm. It is favorable that the height of the interstices between straps ranges from 0.1 mm to 7 cm, inclusive, in particular from 0.3 mm to 3 cm, inclusive, and more particular from 0.5 mm to 2 cm.
The exemplary compression device shown in
As will be appreciated from the exemplary embodiments described herein, to facilitate application and an overall smooth fit of the device, eyelets and rings, as applicable, are favorably configured and/or selected, such that the opening of the eyelet or ring has a height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve which is greater than the height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of the fastening tab. And for those embodiments including rings and straps, favorably the rings are configured and/or selected, such that the opening of the eyelet or ring has a height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve which is greater than the height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of the strap. In addition or alternatively, eyelets and rings, as applicable, are desirably rectangular or substantially rectangular in form; or oval or substantially oval in form (e.g. narrow or elongate oval, canoe-form, elongate teardrop); or a elongate or narrow D-shape in form.
Fastening tabs desirably have a height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at least 1 cm, more favorably as least 2 cm. more desirably at least 3 cm. Fastening tabs desirably have a height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at most 10 cm, more desirably at most 8 cm, most desirably at most 6 cm. Fastening tabs desirably have a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at least 6 cm. Fastening tabs desirable have a width relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve is at most 25 cm.
Straps desirably have a height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at least 1 cm, more desirably at least 2 cm, most desirably at least 3 cm. Desirably straps have a height relative to the transverse direction of the sleeve of at most 10 cm, more favorably at most 8 cm, most favorably at most 6 cm.
As previously indicated methods of applying a compression device described herein onto the limb on a user, generally comprises the steps of:
And for those embodiments including a slit-region, one would favorably fastening the fastening tabs in step e) once the fastening tabs have been pulled and the expandable strap-portion or gusset, as applicable, have expanded to an extent, such that the lateral edges of the slit have moved apart exposing the underlying inner layer and the loop material is fully flattened out. For embodiments including a slit-region, it will be appreciated that after proper application of the device and in the event the tension decreases (due to decreasing volume of the leg (e.g. as a result of edema shrinkage) or for some other reason, such as material fatigue) the lateral edges of the slit will move towards one another, and as soon as the underlying inner layer and/or, if applicable, indicia provided on the underlying inner layer are no longer visible or, if applicable, only partially visible, this will provide the user and/or care-giver an indication that the device needs to be refastened and re-tightened. This indication will be reinforced by an observation of the loop material starting to re-form its loop, again due the tension decreasing. But even if the user and/or care-giver is unsure whether the loop material is starting to bump up or not, as soon as the underlying inner layer and/or indicia thereon (if applicable) in the slit-region are no longer visible or, only partially visible (if applicable), one has an indication that it is time to re-tighten the compression device.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1303431.9 | Feb 2013 | GB | national |
1305081.0 | Mar 2013 | GB | national |
1317061.8 | Sep 2013 | GB | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/IB2014/000613 | 4/25/2014 | WO | 00 |