Therapeutic elastic bandage

Abstract

An elastic bandage having spaced transverse pockets into which bags of latex or similar material are insertable. The bags are elastic and flexible. They are filled, air free, with an anti-freeze solution such as propylene glycol in distilled water. The preferred ratio is a 10 percent solution. This provides an unfrozen slush when the bandage is refrigerated to -10.degree.C.. The spaced pockets provide a regular articulation which gives the bandage flexibility when it is wrapped around a limb. The pockets are adjacent one end of the bandage and the remainder of the bandage can then be wrapped around the pockets to provide insulation and pressure on the affected site. The bandage is thus suitable for humans and animals such as horses. The pockets and bags can also be incorporated into elastic elbow, knee, ankle or other specialized bandages. If it is desired to apply heat instead of cold, the same construction can be used except that the bags can now be filled with a heat retaining agent such as sand.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The therapeutic effect of ice packs or hot water bottles on certain types of strains and injuries is well known to physicians and athletic trainers of humans and animals. Also, elastic bandages are used to apply a therapeutic pressure and support to strained ligaments, muscles, etc., and as an aid in reducing or preventing edema. These two aids have heretofore been used separately. Ice packs or heat is applied as an emergency measure in many instances, the affected limb is then bandaged with an elastic bandage, such as an "Ace" bandage, to allow for mobility and support. The patient then can move about with the bandage in place only after the treatment with the cold or heat is finished.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION.

The present invention combines the cold or heat treatment with the elastic bandage so that the therapeutic effect of each can be applied simultaneously while permitting the patient to move about freely. The basic invention involves an elastic bandage, such as an "Ace" bandage, provided adjacent one end with spaced, transverse pockets. Elongated bags of latex or similar material are positioned in the pockets. Each bag is filled with a solution of propylene glycol, or other suitable anti-freeze, to inhibit freezing at low temperatures. It is contemplated that the bandage will be refrigerated before use to -10.degree.C., turning the solution to a slush. When the bandage is applied to a limb, the spaced pockets remain flexible and can be firmly wrapped, the rest of the bandage holding the pockets firmly and supplying insulation and support. Elastic bandages with similar pockets and bags can be provided for elbow, knee, ankle or other specialized bandages. If heat is required rather than cold, the bags can be filled with sand or other heat retaining agent, and the bandage can be heated prior to its application.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG, 1 is a plan view, partly broken away, of an elastic bandage embodying our present invention;

FIG. 2 is a section taken on line 2--2 on FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an elastic bandage for an ankle embodying our present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an elastic elbow or knee bandage embodying the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring more in deatil to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an elastic bandage 10, similar to the well-known "Ace" bandage. The bandage 10 is provided adjacent one end with a plurality of spaced, transverse pockets 12. In the illustrated form, the pockets 12 are formed by folding back a portion of the bandage 10 and stitching along the lines 14 to form the spaced pockets. We now provide an elongated bag 16 which should be flexible and elastic. While plastic materials can be used, we prefer latex to provide the necessary flexibility and elasticity. In FIG. 1 eight bags are illustrated. However, the pockets 12 may be left open at one end and the bags 16 can be inserted before use in the required number to cover a small or large area.

Each bag 16 is filled, air free, with a solution of propylene glycol in distilled water 18, in a solution of approximately 10 percent. If desired, any other suitable anti-freeze can be substituted. Clear water will freeze solid and flexibility must then be provided by the articulation of the spaced pockets. It is therefore preferred that the bags 16 be not frozen solid. With the anti-freeze, the bandage is placed in a freezer and cooled to approximately -10.degree.C. At this temperature the solution should turn to slush and still be fairly flexible. The pocketed end of the bandage 10 is wrapped about the limb and then the rest of the bandage is wrapped to provide support and insulation. The safe cooling temperature is 6.5.degree.C. or 43.degree.F. The bandage of the present invention cools from 7.degree.C. to 23.degree. C. which it reaches in approximately one hour. The upper limit of heat treatment is 44.degree.C. or 111.2.degree.F.

FIG. 3 is the application of the invention to an ankle bandage. The bandage 20 is of a conventional shape to receive a person's foot and is provided with a circular pocket 22 on each side surrounding the ankle malleolus. This provides therapy for a sprained ankle. If desired, additional pockets can be provided at 24 extending vertically in spaced relation around the top edge of the bandage. Also, additional pockets 26 can be added across the instep. Additional elastic bandage may be used to wrap the bandage 20, or the bandage 20 may be integrally provided with a length of wrapping bandage.

The form shown in FIG. 4 provides the same therapy for a joint such as a knee or elbow. Here the bandage 28 is provided with the articulated pockets 30 in short lengths for flexibility. Again, as in the form shown in FIG. 3, additional lengths of bandage may be added for support and insulation. The pocketed construction can thus be applied to other specialized bandages for any other part of the body.

All of the above forms may be used for applying heat treatments by filling the bags with a heat retaining element and warming the bandage in advance of use. Sand makes a good heat retaining element. The bags can be used with chemicals for producing cold by an endothermic reaction. Various chemicals such as ammonium nitrate in water will produce an initial cooling effect. Similarly, warmth can be provided with an exothermic reaction. This can include chemicals such as calcium chloride in water. The reactions producing these cold and hot temperatures are short lived. However, the bandage wrapping acts as insulation to prolong the effect.

The bandage of the present invention thus provides many advantages over an ice pack treatment followed by a wrap with an elastic bandage. It stays cold for a comparatively long period and stays in position even during physical movement. It is comfortable and easy to apply and remove. It stays dry, there being no condensation. It assumes the configuration of the desired anatomical area and expands and contracts to provide localized application. The elasticity of the bandage and the pockets provides pressure to prevent edema in many cases and simultaneously supports the area. And it can be used over again. Furthermore, it is applicable to humans and animals such as horses.

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

We claim:

1. A therapeutic elastic bandage for cold or heat treatments comprising an elastic bandage formed of textile covered elastic threads and having a plurality of spaced pockets, an elastic flexible latex bag positioned in each of said pockets, and a filling in said bags for providing cold or heat.

2. An elastic bandage as in claim 1, wherein said bandage is shaped to fit over an ankle and is provided with circular pockets to fit over the ankle malleolus.

3. An elastic bandage as in claim 1, wherein said bandage is shaped to fit over a knee or elbow joint.

4. An elastic bandage as in claim 1, wherein said bags are filled with a cold retaining material, said material comprising a solution of propylene glycol in distilled water.

5. An elastic bandage as in claim 4, wherein said propylene glycol is in a 10 percent solution whereby said solution will turn to slush when refrigerated to -10.degree. C.

6. An elastic bandage as in claim 1, wherein said bags are filled with a heat retaining material, said material comprising sand.