Splint kit set

Abstract

The splint kit provides a sealed splint, bandaging, and a water source for setting the splint. Different kits may be needed depending upon the size of the user to which the splint will be applied. The kits may also vary according to the body part to be set. The size of each splint is based upon the size of the user and the size of the body part(s) to be splinted to eliminate the need for the user to size the splint. The splint is self-contained in its own packaging to maintain the integrity of the splint. The fiberglass/hardening material is encased by a foam material and/or felt to further simplify the process of applying and setting the splint.

Claims

1. A kit for splinting at least one body part of a user, the kit comprising: a first splint constructed from a hardening material that hardens when wetted, the first splint sized for a specific body part and size of the user wherein the hardening material of the first splint is fully encased; a splint housing providing a moisture proof seal around the first splint wherein the first splint is stored within the splint housing; a first opening notch of the splint housing formed on a first side of the splint housing near a first end of the splint housing, wherein the first opening notch enables removal of at least a portion of the splint housing to create a first opening in the splint housing wherein the splint housing limits removal of the first splint through the first opening; a second opening notch of the splint housing formed on the first side of the splint housing, the first opening notch located between the second opening notch and the first end of the housing along the first side of the splint housing wherein the second opening notch remains on the splint housing after removal of the portion of the splint housing, the second opening notch enabling removal of an additional portion of the splint housing to enlarge the first opening to enable passage of the first splint through the first opening; wherein the first opening notch extends inward at an angle towards a second side of the housing located adjacent the first side of the splint housing; wherein the second opening notch extends inward towards a third side of the housing located opposite the first side of the housing; a third opening notch located on the second side of the splint housing wherein the first opening notch and third opening notch are configured to create a first opening by removing a portion of the splint housing between the first opening notch and the third opening notch wherein the first opening notch is angled towards the third opening notch to align the first opening notch with the third opening notch; and a fourth opening notch located on the third side of the splint housing wherein the second opening notch and fourth opening notch are configured to enlarge the first opening, wherein the second opening notch extends inward toward the fourth opening notch to align the second opening notch with the fourth opening notch.

2. The kit of claim 1 wherein the first opening notch and the third opening notch are angled and directed towards each other.

3. The kit of claim 1 wherein the second opening notch and the fourth opening notch are aligned on the splint housing and extend inwards towards each other.

4. A kit for splinting at least one body part of a user, the kit comprising: a first splint that hardens when contacted with moisture, wherein the splint is sized for a single use application; a splint housing providing a moisture proof seal around the splint wherein the splint is stored within the splint housing; a first opening notch formed on a first side of the splint housing wherein the first opening notch enables removal of at least a portion of the splint housing to create a first opening in the splint housing; a second opening notch formed on the first side of the splint housing located exterior of the first opening notch, wherein the second opening notch remains on the splint housing after removal of the portion of the splint housing, the second opening notch enabling removal of at least a portion of the splint housing to enlarge the first opening; a main housing storing the bandage, the splint housing, and the splint; wherein the first opening notch is angled towards a second side of the splint housing wherein the second side of the splint housing abuts against the first side of the splint housing, the first opening notch angling towards the second side from an outer edge of the first side of the splint housing towards the second side of the splint housing; the second opening notch is directed laterally inwards towards a third side of the splint housing located opposite of the first side of the splint housing; a third opening notch located on a side opposite of the first side of the splint housing; and a fourth opening notch located on the second side of the splint housing that abuts against the first side of the splint housing.

5. The kit of claim 4 further comprising: a second splint constructed from fiberglass that hardens when contacted with moisture, wherein the second splint is sized for a single use application, the second splint being sized based upon the body part to be splinted and the size of the user; and wherein the splint housing stores both the first splint and the second splint.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a rear view thereof;

(4) FIG. 3 is a top view thereof;

(5) FIG. 4 is a bottom view thereof;

(6) FIG. 5 is an environmental top view of a water source housing of one embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is an environmental view of a splint housing of one embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is an environmental view thereof;

(9) FIG. 8 is an environmental view thereof;

(10) FIG. 9 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 10 is an environmental view thereof;

(12) FIG. 11 is an environmental view thereof;

(13) FIG. 12 is an environmental view thereof;

(14) FIG. 13 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(15) FIG. 14 is a partial view of a splint of one embodiment of the present invention;

(16) FIG. 15 is a partial view of a splint of one embodiment of the present invention;

(17) FIG. 16 is a front view of a carrying case of one embodiment of the present invention;

(18) FIG. 17 is an environmental view thereof;

(19) FIG. 18 is a right side view thereof;

(20) FIG. 19 is a sectional side view thereof;

(21) FIG. 20 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(22) FIG. 21 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(23) FIG. 22 is an environmental view thereof;

(24) FIG. 23 is an environmental view thereof;

(25) FIG. 24 is an environmental view thereof;

(26) FIG. 25 is an environmental view thereof;

(27) FIG. 26 is an environmental view thereof;

(28) FIG. 27 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(29) FIG. 28 is an environmental view thereof;

(30) FIG. 29 is an environmental view thereof;

(31) FIG. 30 is an environmental view thereof;

(32) FIG. 31 is an environmental view thereof;

(33) FIG. 32 is an environmental view thereof;

(34) FIG. 33 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(35) FIG. 34 is an environmental view thereof;

(36) FIG. 35 is an environmental view thereof;

(37) FIG. 36 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(38) FIG. 37 is an environmental view thereof;

(39) FIG. 38 is an environmental view thereof;

(40) FIG. 39 is an environmental view thereof;

(41) FIG. 40 is an environmental view thereof;

(42) FIG. 41 is an environmental view thereof;

(43) FIG. 42 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the present invention;

(44) FIG. 43 is an environmental view thereof;

(45) FIG. 44 is an environmental view thereof;

(46) FIG. 45 is an environmental view thereof;

(47) FIG. 46 is an environmental view thereof;

(48) FIG. 47 is an environmental view thereof;

(49) FIG. 48 is an environmental view thereof;

(50) FIG. 49 is an environmental view thereof;

(51) FIG. 50 is an environmental view thereof;

(52) FIG. 51 is an environmental view thereof;

(53) FIG. 52 is an environmental view thereof;

(54) FIG. 53 is an environmental view thereof;

(55) FIG. 54 is a front view of instructions of one embodiment of the present invention;

(56) FIG. 55 is a front view of instructions of one embodiment of the present invention;

(57) FIG. 56 is a front view of instructions of one embodiment of the present invention;

(58) FIG. 56A is a front view of a splint of one embodiment of the present invention;

(59) FIG. 57 is a front view of instructions of one embodiment of the present invention;

(60) FIG. 58 is a front view of instructions of one embodiment of the present invention;

(61) FIG. 59 is a front view of instructions of one embodiment of the present invention;

(62) FIG. 60 is a front view of instructions of one embodiment of the present invention; and

(63) FIG. 61 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(64) The present invention relates generally to a splint kit 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 that provides the user with all of the materials and equipment required to apply and set a splint, including but not limited to a fiberglass splint. The splint kit 100 of the present invention provides the user with a mobile splint kit that may be applied in many different environments. The materials needed to apply and set the splint are packaged in a first housing 101, such as a packaging. More specifically, the splint kit 100 provides a sealed splint 102 that is sealed within a splint housing 102, bandaging 106, and a water source 104 for setting the splint. Different kits may be needed depending upon the size of the user and the body part to which the splint will be applied. The sized splints eliminate the need for the user to size the splint. Therefore, the sized splint allows the user to apply and set the splint without cutting or otherwise adjusting the size of the splint.

(65) The number of splints packaged within splint kit may vary according to the body part to be set. For example, the boxer kit, forearm kit, and the wrist/thumb splint kit may be packaged with one splint. The ankle splint kit, elbow splint kit, and knee kit, on the other hand, may be packaged with two splints, wherein each splint may vary in width and/or length. Each kit provides the appropriate number of splints required to stabilize the injured body part.

(66) In one embodiment, all splints of each kit are stored within a single splint housing 102. In another embodiment, each splint may be stored in individual splint housing 102. Storing the splints within one splint housing 102 simplifies the application of water to the splints. Providing one splint housing 102 storing multiple splints removes the need to ration the water to each splint if the splints were stored in multiple splint housings. Each splint housing 102 stores the splint(s) within an airtight seal on the splints to maintain the integrity of the splints.

(67) FIG. 2 shows the rear of the splint kit 100. The kit 100 provides a set of instructions 108 informing the user the method to apply and set the splint. The instructions 108 may also provide drawings such as those shown in the figures showing the proper method in to apply and set the splint. The instructions 108 may be inserted into housing 101 or may be attached to the housing 101.

(68) FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the water source 104. Water source 104 provides a flexible housing for storage of the water. In one embodiment, a seal is placed over an aperture in the water source 104 to store the water. The flexible housing allows the user to squeeze the housing to apply the water to the splint. In one embodiment, the splints are removed from the splint housing 102 and the water is applied to the splints as shown in FIG. 13 as discussed below.

(69) In another embodiment, the user may simply apply water into splint housing 102 as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows the use of a faucet. Water from water source 104 may be substituted for the faucet.

(70) The water source may be a container with a hinged top that can open and close to allow the contents of container to flow from the container. The lid can close for storage of the contents of container. The lid of one embodiment may be removed entirely, such as a screw-top lid, for accessing the contents of container.

(71) FIG. 5 shows a water source 104 of one embodiment of the present invention. The water source 104 stores water to be used in applying the splint. The housing of the water source 104 includes a release finger 112 located on top 110, such as seal 105, that enables the user to open top 110 of the water source 104 to apply the water. Removal of the top 110 creates an opening from which the water may flow. Once open, the user may apply the water to the splint to activate the splint. In one embodiment, the splint is stored within a second housing. The water from the water source may be placed into the second housing for application to the splint as will be described below.

(72) FIGS. 6-10 show one embodiment of the splint housing 102. FIG. 6 shows the splint housing 102 that seals the splint. The splint is stored in a moisture-tight housing 102 that limits the splint's contact with moisture. The splint is self-contained in its own packaging to maintain the integrity of the splint. As the splint is exposed to moisture, including moisture in the air, the splint is activated and begins to harden. The packaged splint stored within housing 102 eliminates contact of the splint with moisture. The splint sealed within the housing 102 is sized to be used in a single use. The user will use the entire splint such that little to no excess splint will remain. Therefore, the unused portions of the splint will not be required to be sealed and stored.

(73) Referring to FIGS. 6-10, the splint housing 102 provides a first notch set, notches 168, 170, and a second notch set, notches 164, 166. Notches 168, 170 are located at a corner of housing 102 to assist the user in removing a corner portion of the housing 102. The second notch set, notches 164, 166 are located exterior of the corner and the first notch set, notches 168, 170. The user tears the corner of the housing 102 to remove the corner section at notches 168, 170 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Removal of corner section forms a first opening 114 as shown in FIG. 8.

(74) By removing the corner section, water may be introduced by an external source such as a faucet. The user may then pinch the corner as shown in FIG. 10 and invert and/or agitate the pouch to distribute the water while reducing leakage of the water from the pouch. The splint housing 102 provides a second set of notches, opening notches 164, 166. Notches 164, 166 remain present on housing 102 after the removal of the corner section at notches 168, 170. Notches 164, 166 provide the user with an opportunity to enlarge opening 114 in housing 102 as shown in FIG. 12. However, the user should first add water into the splint housing 102 prior to enlarging the opening 114.

(75) The user opens the splint housing 102 at the first opening notch sets, notches 168, 170 to create opening 114 as shown in FIG. 8. The user then applies water 116 from a water source such as the faucet shown in FIG. 9 or water source 104 into opening 114. The water 116 contacts and activates the splint(s) 118 stored within splint housing 102.

(76) As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the user then folds the splint housing 102 onto itself to at least partially close the opening 114 of splint housing 102. Providing smaller opening 114 enables the user to more easily reclose the housing 102 to prevent water from leaking from the housing 102.

(77) The user may then agitate the housing 102 to disburse the water through the housing 102 and the splint or splints 118 inside of housing 102. The agitation of the housing 102 enables sufficient water to be applied throughout the splint(s) 118 to activate the splint(s) 118. After the water has been applied throughout the splint(s) 118, the user may fully open the housing 102 at notches 164, 166 to enlarge opening 114 as shown in FIG. 12. The user can then remove the splint(s) 118 from enlarged opening 114 as shown in FIG. 12.

(78) FIG. 13 shows another method of applying water to the splint 118. Instead of opening the splint housing 102 at notches 168, 170, the user opens the housing 102 at notches 164, 166 to expose splint 118. The user removes the splint 118 from housing 102. The user then applies water 116 from water source 104 to the splint 118. The user applies the water 116 along splint 118 to activate the splint 118 for use. The user may then place the splint 118 in the appropriate location for stabilizing the injury.

(79) The splints of the present invention are available in two different configurations. Each splint may be constructed from fiberglass or other hardening material. The fiberglass is encased in foam material/felt. The splint may have closed ends 124 as shown on splint 122 in FIG. 11. The closed ends 124 of splint 122 eliminate exposed fiberglass. The fiberglass may be a rough and scratchy surface that could irritate a user's skin. The felt encloses the fiberglass thus limiting exposure of the fiberglass. The closed ends 124 limit contact with the fiberglass such that the user will not be irritated by the fiberglass. In one embodiment, the splint 122 has closed ends 124 due to the end being sewn. The ends may be closed by other known methods. The closed ends 124 of splint 122 may also reduce the equipment needed to apply and set splint 122. The caregiver may avoid using gloves when applying splint 122 due to the closed ends 124 encasing the fiberglass.

(80) FIG. 15 shows a partial view of the splint 126 in which a portion of the foam material/felt 128 has been removed to show the fiberglass 127 within the foam material/felt 128. To eliminate contact of the rough edge of the fiberglass 127 of the splint 126 with the user, the foam material/felt 128 fully encases the fiberglass 127.

(81) FIGS. 16-20 show a carrying case 300 of one embodiment of the present invention. The carrying case 300 provides multiple compartments for storing the splint kits. The case 300 provides top straps 302, 306 that attach to lower straps 304, 308 to close the case 300. In one embodiment, the straps 302, 304, 306, 308 fasten together via hook and loop fasteners. In another embodiment, the straps may buckle together, tie together, or otherwise secure to one another. The case also provides handles 310, 312 for carrying case 300.

(82) FIG. 17 shows the inside of case 300. The case 300 provides six compartments 314, 318, 322, 326, 330, 334. Each compartment 314, 318, 322, 326, 330, 334 stores at least one kit 316, 320, 324, 328, 332, 336. The kits may include each of the kits described below, including but not limited to an ankle splint kit, an elbow splint kit, a forearm splint kit, a knee splint kit, a wrist/thumb splint kit, and a boxer splint kit. These cases 300 may provide one of each of the splint kits needed for an adult, a teen, or a child. In one embodiment, each case 300 stores an ankle splint kit, an elbow splint kit, a forearm splint kit, a knee splint kit, a wrist/thumb splint kit, and a boxer splint kit in adult sizes. In another embodiment, each case 300 stores an ankle splint kit, an elbow splint kit, a forearm splint kit, a knee splint kit, a wrist/thumb splint kit, and a boxer splint kit in child sizes.

(83) FIGS. 18 and 19 show the side view with the mesh compartments that store the kits within case 300. Handles 310, 312 simplify the task of carrying the kits.

(84) FIG. 20 shows the bandage 106 that is applied to the splint to secure the splint to the user. In one embodiment, the bandage is packaged within a wrapper. The user removes the wrapper from the bandage by twisting the wrapper. The bandage 106 of one embodiment has elastic qualities that enable the bandage 106 to secure the splint to the user. The bandage 106 is wrapped around the user and the splint to secure the splint and stabilize the body part. The bandage 106 is supplied in an appropriate length and width per application to secure the splint to the user. Therefore, the user is not required to size the bandage 106 for each application. The caregiver applies bandage 106 to secure the splint to the user. The applied splint then stabilizes the rigid splint to the injured body part providing stability, circumferential compression, reducing edema, and limiting pain and further injury.

(85) FIGS. 21-26 show the splints 130, 132 and bandages 133, 134 available in an ankle splint kit. The ankle splint kit provides a first splint 130 and a second splint 132. The ankle splint kit also provides a first bandage 133 and a second bandage 134. The ankle splint kit is available in both a child size and an adult size.

(86) The splints 130, 132 of the child size ankle kit ranges from two (2) inches wide to five (5) inches wide, preferably three (3) inches wide. The length of the first splint 130 may range from ten (10) inches to thirty (30) inches, preferably twenty (20) inches. The length of the second splint 132 may range from ten (10) inches to forty (40) inches, preferably twenty six (26) inches. The width of bandages 133, 134 of the child size ankle kit range from two (2) to ten (10) inches in width, preferably four (4) inches.

(87) The splints 130, 132 of the adult size ankle kit range from two (2) inches wide to six (6) inches wide, preferably four (4) inches wide. The length of the first splint 130 may range from ten (10) inches to forty five (45) inches, preferably twenty eight (28) inches. The length of the second splint 132 may range from ten (10) inches to fifty (50) inches, preferably thirty two (32) inches. The width of bandages 133, 134 of the adult size ankle kit range from two (2) to twelve (12) inches in width, preferably six (6) inches.

(88) FIGS. 21-26 also show the instructions for applying the ankle splint kit. These instructions may be provided within the housing 101 at instructions 108. FIGS. 21-26 show the placement of the splints 130, 132 on the leg and ankle of the user for setting the splint.

(89) FIGS. 27-32 show the splints 136, 138 and bandages 140, 142 of elbow splint kit. The elbow splint kit provides a first splint 136 and a second splint 138. The elbow splint kit also provides a first bandage 140 and a second bandage 142. The elbow splint kit is available in both a child size and an adult size.

(90) The splints 136, 138 of the child size elbow kit range from two (2) inches wide to five (5) inches wide, preferably three (3) inches wide for splint 136 and two (2) inches wide for splint 138. The length of the first splint 136 may range from ten (10) inches to thirty (30) inches, preferably eighteen (18) inches. The length of the second splint 138 may range from five (5) inches to twenty (20) inches, preferably eight (8) inches. The bandages 140, 142 of the child size elbow kit range from one (1) to eight (8) inches in width, preferably three (3) inches.

(91) The splints 136, 138 of the adult size elbow kit range from two (2) inches wide to six (6) inches wide, preferably three (3) inches wide. The length of the first splint 136 may range from five (5) inches to thirty (30) inches, preferably twenty two (22) inches. The length of the second splint 138 may range from five (5) inches to twenty (20) inches, preferably ten (10) inches. The bandages 140, 142 of the adult size elbow kit range from two (2) to ten (10) inches in width, preferably four (4) inches.

(92) FIGS. 27-32 also show the instructions for applying the elbow splint kit. These instructions may be provided on the housing 101 at instructions 108. FIGS. 27-32 show the placement of the splints 136, 138 on the arm and elbow of the user for setting the splint.

(93) FIGS. 33-35 show the splint 144 and bandage 146 of forearm splint kit, also called a sugar tong. The forearm splint kit is available in a child size, teen size, and an adult size.

(94) The splint 144 of the child size forearm splint kit ranges from one (1) inch wide to four (4) inches wide, preferably two (2) inches wide. The length of the splint 144 may range from fifteen (15) inches to fifty (50) inches, preferably twenty-six (26) inches. The bandages 146 of the child size forearm splint kit ranges from one (1) to six (6) inches in width, preferably three (3) inches.

(95) The splint 144 of the teen size forearm splint kit ranges from one and a half (1.5) inches wide to five (5) inches wide, preferably three (3) inches wide. The length of the splint 144 may range from fifteen (15) inches to fifty (50) inches, preferably thirty (30) inches. The bandages 146 of the teen size forearm splint kit ranges from one (1) to eight (8) inches in width, preferably four (4) inches.

(96) The splint 144 of the adult size forearm kit ranges from two (2) inches wide to six (6) inches wide, preferably three (3) inches wide. The length of the splint 144 may range from ten (10) inches to fifty (50) inches, preferably thirty five (35) inches. The bandages 146 of the adult size forearm kit ranges from two (2) to ten (10) inches in width, preferably four (4) inches.

(97) FIGS. 33-35 also show the instructions for applying the forearm splint kit. These instructions may be provided on the housing 101 at instructions 108. FIGS. 33-35 show the placement of the splint 144 on the arm and elbow of the user for setting the splint.

(98) FIGS. 36-41 show the splints 186, 187 and bandages 192, 194 of knee splint kit. The knee splint kit provides a first splint 186 and a second splint 187 in a single splint housing such as housing 102. The knee splint kit also provides a first bandage 192 and a second bandage 194. The knee splint kit is available in both a child size and an adult size.

(99) The knee splint kit also provides two fasteners 188, 190. These fasteners attach to each splint 186, 187 to secure the splints together for properly positioning the splints 186, 187 in relation to the user. The fasteners 188, 190 may be an adhesive substance such as tape or a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro. The fasteners 188, 190 secure the two splints 186, 187 to one another to assist the user in setting the splints. The fasteners enable the user to rest the fasteners over the user's leg to properly position the splints 186, 187. The user may then apply the bandages as shown in FIGS. 36-41.

(100) In one embodiment, the fasteners 188, 190 may be located at or near the top and the bottom of the splints 186, 187. The fasteners 188, 190 may be adjusted on the splint for positioning the splints 186, 187. In one embodiment, the fasteners 188, 190 may be completely removed from each splint 186, 187. Such an embodiment enables the hook and loop fasteners to directly attach to the felt material that encases the fiberglass. The splints 186, 187 of one embodiment are packaged within one splint housing with the fasteners 188, 190 attached as shown in FIGS. 36-41.

(101) The splints 186, 187 of the child size knee kit range from two (2) inches wide to eight (8) inches wide, preferably four (4) inches wide. The length of the splints 186, 187 may range from ten (10) inches to thirty (30) inches, preferably fourteen (14) inches. The bandages 192, 194 of the child size knee kit range from two (2) to ten (10) inches in width, preferably four (4) inches.

(102) The splints 186, 187 of the adult size knee kit ranges from two (2) inches wide to ten (10) inches wide, preferably five (5) inches wide. The length of the splints 186, 187 may range from ten (10) inches to forty (40) inches, preferably eighteen (18) inches. The bandages 192, 194 of the adult size knee kit range from two (2) to twelve (12) inches in width, preferably six (6) inches.

(103) FIGS. 36-41 also show the instructions for applying the knee splint kit. These instructions may be provided on the housing 101 at instructions 108. FIGS. 36-41 show the placement of the splints 186, 187 on the leg of the user for setting the splint.

(104) FIGS. 42-53 show the splint 158 and bandage 160 of wrist/thumb splint kit. The wrist/thumb splint kit is available in both a child size and an adult size.

(105) The splint 158 of the child size wrist splint kit ranges from one half () inch wide to six (6) inches wide, preferably two (2) inches wide. The length of the splint 158 may range from five (5) inches to fifteen (15) inches, preferably eight (8) inches. The bandage 160 of the child size wrist splint kit range from one (1) to eight (8) inches in width, preferably two (2) inches.

(106) The splint 158 of the adult size wrist splint kit ranges from one half () inch wide to six (6) inches wide, preferably three (3) inches wide. The length of the splint 158 may range from five (5) inches to twenty (20) inches, preferably ten (10) inches. The bandage 160 of the adult size wrist splint kit range from one (1) to eight (8) inches in width, preferably three (3) inches.

(107) FIGS. 42-47 show the instructions for applying the wrist/thumb splint kit to the wrist. These instructions may be provided on the housing 101 at instructions 108. FIGS. 42-47 show the placement of the splint 158 on the arm and wrist of the user for setting the splint. FIGS. 42-47 also show the application of bandage 160 around splint 158. FIG. 42 shows the adjustment of splint 158 for the user's wrist wherein a portion of the splint 158 is folded outward towards the user's palm.

(108) FIGS. 48-53 show the instructions for applying the wrist/thumb splint kit to the thumb. These instructions may be provided on the housing 101 at instructions 108. FIGS. 48-53 show the placement of the splint 158 on the arm and around the thumb of the user for setting the splint. FIGS. 48-53 also show the application of bandage 160 around splint 158. FIG. 48 shows the placement of splint 158 around the user's thumb for stabilizing the thumb.

(109) In one embodiment, such as a kit for use in the doctor's office or other locations, such as the home, where a clean water source is available, the present invention may be packaged without a water source. The kits designed for field use may include the water source. The amount of water provided with each kit may vary depending on the size and type of kit. For example, the kits for field use may provide water containers storing water in the amount equal to or greater than three (3) ounces for both the child and adult wrist and the child forearm. The kits for adult forearm, child elbow, child knee, adult knee, child ankle, and adult ankle may provide water containers storing equal to or greater than six (6) ounces of water. In one embodiment, each kit provides a water container storing 3.4 ounces. The kit may also provide a set of scissors for any sizing that the user or caregiver may choose to make.

(110) In one embodiment, the size of the splints and bandages may vary depending on the type of splint and the use of the splint. The splint kits may provide kits directed towards home use, field use, and professional use. These kits may be directed towards adults, teens, and children. The adult kits, with or without water, may provide splints and bandages of the following

(111) TABLE-US-00001 Boxer: Splint 4 12 Elastic Bandage 3 wide roll Forearm: Splint 3 35 Elastic Bandage 4 wide roll Ankle: Splints 4 28, 2 Elastic Bandage 6 wide roll 4 32 Elbow: Splints 3 22, 2 Elastic Bandage 4 wide roll 3 10 Knee: 2 Splints 5 18 2 Elastic Bandage 6 wide roll Wrist/Thumb: Splint 3 10 Elastic Bandage 3 wide roll

(112) The child kits, with or without water, may provide splints and bandages of the following dimensions:

(113) TABLE-US-00002 Boxer: Splint 3 10 Elastic Bandage 2 wide roll Forearm: Splint 2 26 Elastic Bandage 3 wide roll Ankle: Splints 3 20, 2 Elastic Bandage 4 wide roll 3 26 Elbow: Splints 3 18, 2 Elastic Bandage 3 wide roll 2 8 Knee: 2 Splints 4 14 2 Elastic Bandage 4 wide roll Wrist/Thumb: Splint 2 8 Elastic Bandage 2 wide roll

(114) The teen sized splints will be available between the sizes for the adults and the children. FIGS. 54-60 show the instructions of different embodiments of the present invention. The instructions demonstrate the method of applying water to the splint to activate the splint. The instructions demonstrate activating the splint with a water source packaged with the splint kit as shown in FIG. 54 and activating the splint with a faucet as shown in FIG. 55.

(115) FIGS. 54 and 55 show the wrist/thumb splint instructions with water source 162 and the wrist/splint instructions without water source 168. Instructions 162 show a method 164 of activating the splint with a water source stored within the kit. Instructions 168 show a method 170 of activating the split with water from the faucet.

(116) FIGS. 54 and 55 also show method 166 of applying the splint to the user. Method 166 shows the application of the splint and bandage to the user's wrist or thumb according to the injury to be stabilized.

(117) FIG. 56 shows the boxer instructions 174 with the method 164 of activating the splint. Instructions 174 also show method 176 of applying the splint 173 and bandage 177 for stabilizing a boxer injury. These boxer instructions 174 demonstrate the method for applying the boxer splint kit. These instructions 174 may be provided on the housing 101 at instructions 108. These instruction 174 show the placement of the splint 173 on the wrist and hand of the user for setting the splint.

(118) FIG. 56A shows the splint 173 of a boxer splint kit. The boxer splint kit is available in both a child size and an adult size.

(119) The splint 173 of the child size boxer splint kit ranges from one (1) inch wide to five (5) inches wide, preferably three (3) inches wide. The length of the splint 173 may range from five (5) inches to fifteen (15) inches, preferably ten (10) inches. Boxer splint 173 provides a notch 177 for manipulating splint 173. The notch 177 of one embodiment fully encases the fiberglass/hardening material to avoid exposed fiberglass. The notch 177 is located two inches from one side of the splint 173. The notch 177 and extends 1 and inches (1.5 inches) with a width of a quarter inch ( inch). The bandage 175 of the child size boxer splint kit ranges from one (1) to six (6) inches in width, preferably three (3) inches.

(120) The splint 713 of the adult size boxer kit ranges from two (2) inches wide to six (6) inches wide, preferably four (4) inches wide. The length of the splint 144 may range from six (6) inches to eighteen (18) inches, preferably twelve (12) inches. Boxer splint 173 provides a notch 177 for manipulating splint 173. The notch 177 of one embodiment fully encases the fiberglass/hardening material to avoid exposed fiberglass. The notch 177 is located two and three quarters inches (2.75 inches) from one side of the splint 173. The notch 177 extends two inches (2 inches) with a width of a quarter inch ( inch). The bandage 175 of the adult size boxer kit ranges from one (1) to six (6) inches in width, preferably three (3) inches.

(121) FIG. 57 shows the forearm instructions 178 with the method 164 of activating the splint. Instructions 178 also show method 180 of applying the splint and bandage to stabilize the forearm.

(122) FIG. 58 shows the ankle instructions 182 with the method 164 of activating the splint. Instructions 182 also show method 184 of applying the splint and bandage to stabilize the ankle.

(123) FIG. 59 shows the elbow instructions 196 with the method 164 of activating the splint. Instructions 196 also show method 198 of applying the splint and bandage to stabilize the elbow.

(124) FIG. 60 shows the knee instructions 200 with the method 164 of activating the splint. Instructions 190 also show method 202 of applying the splint and bandage to stabilize the knee.

(125) FIGS. 56-60 show instructions for activating the different splints with a water source packaged within the kit. The instructions shown in FIG. 56-60 may be modified to show the method 170 of activating the different splints without a water source packaged within the kit as shown in FIG. 55.

(126) FIG. 61 shows container 204 for storing multiple splint kits 214. In one embodiment, container 204 stores splint kits designed for a specific body part of a specific size. The caregiver removes the splint kits 214 from the container 204 through aperture 216. In one embodiment, container 204 is perforated at aperture 216 to simplify the process of opening the container 204. The user presses opening finger 218 inwards and pull the flap outward to gain access into container 204.

(127) The user may also reload container 204 with splints. The user opens tab 212 and lifts open top 210. Tab 212 secures the top 210 in the closed positioning by placing the tab 212 into an aperture of top 210. The user inserts his/her fingers into apertures 206, 208 located on top 210 and pulls upwards to open top 210. The user can then access the contents of container 204 through top 210. The user can remove kits 214 from container 204. The user can also refill container 204 with additional kits 214.

(128) The splint kit of the present invention has been described as being applied to a human being. Splints kits may also be developed for pets and other animals. The number and size of splints and bandages will vary according to the size of the animal and the injury to be treated.

(129) An antimicrobial and/or antibacterial coating may also be applied to the splint to reduce bacteria growth within the splint. The antimicrobial and/or antibacterial coating also reduces odors from forming in the splint.

(130) A hydrophilic coating may also be applied to the splint. The hydrophilic coating attracts water for wetting the splint to activate the splint.

(131) From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure.

(132) It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

(133) As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.