Foot Ulcer Healing Cushion Pad Device

Abstract

A foot ulcer cushion pad device designed for alleviating pressure on ulcers or wounds located on the foot for promoting efficient healing is disclosed here. The cushion pad includes a circular, gel-filled body with a central aperture tailored to encircle and provide relief to an ulcer. The circular body includes detachable first and second horseshoe-shaped portions. Each portion is individually sealed to prevent gel leakage, ensuring durability and effectiveness. The device can be used as a circular device or as an individual horseshoe-shaped device. The device features a substantially planar bottom surface equipped with a skin-friendly, repositionable adhesive layer for secure attachment without residue, and is infused with ulcer healing agents. The device can be used during walking and while wearing any type of the footwear.

Claims

1. A foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer comprising: a gel-filled circular body circumscribing a circular aperture; a first horseshoe shaped portion; and a second horseshoe shaped portion; wherein said first horseshoe shaped portion extending from a first end to an opposing second end; wherein said second horseshoe shaped portion extending from a first end to an opposing second end; wherein said first end of said first horseshoe shaped portion selectively attached to said first end of said second horseshoe shaped portion to form a continuous first depression connection extending across a first top surface and a first bottom surface of said gel-filled circular body; wherein said second end of said first horseshoe shaped portion selectively attached to said second end of said second horseshoe shaped portion to form a continuous second depression connection across a second top surface and a second bottom surface of said gel-filled circular body; wherein said first horseshoe shaped portion is a first sealed gel-filled body; wherein said second horseshoe shaped portion is a second sealed gel-filled body; and further wherein said first bottom surface and said second bottom surface are planar.

2. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 1, wherein said first top surface and said second top surface are convex.

3. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 1, wherein said first top surface and said second top surface are flat.

4. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 2, wherein said gel-filled circular body is frozen before application to the ulcer of a foot of a user.

5. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 4, wherein said gel-filled circular body having a material selected from the group consisting of a transparent material and a translucent material.

6. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 5, wherein said first bottom surface and said second bottom surface having a pressure adhesive layer disposed thereon for adhering said gel-filled circular body to skin of the foot of the user, and further wherein said gel-filled circular body circumscribes the ulcer when adhered to the foot of the user.

7. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 6, wherein said first horseshoe shaped portion and said second horseshoe shaped portion detachable along said continuous first depression connection and said continuous second depression connection.

8. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 7, wherein said gel-filled circular body having a thickness up to 0.5 inches.

9. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 8, wherein said gel-filled circular body having silver nanoparticles for improving antimicrobial resistance of said gel-filled circular body to heal ulcers.

10. A foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer comprising: a gel-filled circular body circumscribing a circular aperture; a first horseshoe shaped portion of a first size; and a second horseshoe shaped portion of a second size; wherein said first horseshoe shaped portion extending from a first end to an opposing second end; wherein said second horseshoe shaped portion extending from a first end to an opposing second end; wherein said first end of said first horseshoe shaped portion selectively attached to said first end of said second horseshoe shaped portion to form a continuous first depression connection extending across a first top surface and a first bottom surface of said gel-filled circular body; wherein said second end of said first horseshoe shaped portion selectively attached to said second end of said second horseshoe shaped portion to form a continuous second depression connection across a second top surface and a second bottom surface of said gel-filled circular body; wherein said first horseshoe shaped portion is a first sealed gel-filled body; wherein said second horseshoe shaped portion is a second sealed gel-filled body; and further wherein said first size is different from said second size.

11. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 10, wherein said first bottom surface and said second bottom surface are planar.

12. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 10, wherein said first top surface and said second top surface are convex.

13. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 10, wherein said first bottom surface and said second bottom surface having a pressure adhesive layer disposed thereon for adhering said gel-filled circular body to skin of the foot of the user, and further wherein said gel-filled circular body circumscribes the ulcer when adhered to the foot of the user.

14. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 10, wherein said gel-filled circular body is frozen before application to the ulcer of a foot of a user.

15. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 10, wherein said gel-filled circular body having silver nanoparticles for improving antimicrobial resistance of said gel-filled circular body to heal ulcers.

16. The foot ulcer cushion device for placing around an ulcer of claim 10, wherein said first horseshoe shaped portion and said second horseshoe shaped portion detachable along said continuous first depression connection and said continuous second depression connection.

17. A method of treating a foot ulcer, the method comprising the steps of: providing a gel-filled circular body circumscribing a circular aperture, a first horseshoe shaped portion of a first size, a second horseshoe shaped portion of a second size, wherein said first horseshoe shaped portion extending from a first end to an opposing second end, wherein said second horseshoe shaped portion extending from a first end to an opposing second end, wherein said first horseshoe shaped portion is a first sealed gel-filled body, further wherein said second horseshoe shaped portion is a second sealed gel-filled body; freezing said gel-filled circular body before application to an ulcer of a foot of a user; selectively attaching said first end of said first horseshoe shaped portion to said first end of said second horseshoe shaped portion to form a continuous first depression connection extending across a first top surface and a first bottom surface of said gel-filled circular body; and selectively attaching said second end of said first horseshoe shaped portion to said second end of said second horseshoe shaped portion to form a continuous second depression connection across a second top surface and a second bottom surface of said gel-filled circular body.

18. The method of treating the foot ulcer of claim 17, wherein said first bottom surface and said second bottom surface are planar, and further wherein said first top surface and said second top surface are convex.

19. The method of treating the foot ulcer of claim 18, wherein said first bottom surface and said second bottom surface having a pressure adhesive layer disposed thereon for adhering said gel-filled circular body to skin of the foot of the user, and further wherein said gel-filled circular body circumscribes the ulcer when adhered to the foot of the user.

20. The method of treating the foot ulcer of claim 19, wherein said gel-filled circular body having silver nanoparticles for improving antimicrobial resistance of said gel-filled circular body to heal ulcers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the foot ulcer cushion device of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the two horseshoe shaped cushion pads in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the foot of a user with application of cushion pads of the present invention for healing ulcers and wounds in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the foot ulcer cushion device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective of a user using the foot ulcer cushion pad of FIG. 4 in accordance with the disclosed structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that can be applied to a foot area to alleviate pressure from an ulcer to heal the ulcer. There is also a long felt need in the art for a cushion pad device that can be applied around an ulcer on the foot area of a user. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel cushion device that is configured to place around a wound on bottom of the foot of a user to reduce friction on the wound. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel circular cushion pad device that has a central aperture for accommodating an ulcer and a peripheral gel-filled body for reducing pressure on the ulcer. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a specially designed gel-filled cushion device that is placed around an ulcer to help the ulcer heal quickly. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel cushion device that eliminates use of expensive ointments and foot area ulcer treatments for healing foot area ulcers quickly. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a cushion pad that can be configured to place around a foot ulcer to increase blood circulation and to prevent friction to heal ulcers quickly and easily.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a foot ulcer cushion device. The cushion device is designed to place around a foot ulcer to alleviate pressure and friction on the ulcer to facilitate faster healing of the ulcer. The cushion device further comprises a circular body formed as a ring with a central aperture disposed therein, the circular body is placed around an ulcer with the central aperture accommodating the ulcer, the circular body includes a gel-filled construction to provide cushioning, wherein the circular body is divisible into a first horseshoe-shaped portion and a second horseshoe-shaped portion, each portion detachably attached at their respective ends to enable for the device to adapt to various sizes and locations of ulcers or wounds.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the foot ulcer cushion device of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The foot ulcer cushion device 100 of the present invention is designed to be placed around an ulcer or wound on the bottom of the foot of a user. The cushion device 100 reduces pressure directly on the ulcer, which is essential for preventing the wound from worsening and aiding in the healing process of the ulcer. Preferably, the cushion device 100 is a circular device having a gel-filled circular body 102 with a central aperture 104. The circular body 102 is in the form of a ring forming the aperture 104.

[0028] The central aperture 104 is adapted to accommodate an ulcer or wound and the circular body 102 circumscribes the accommodated ulcer to alleviate the pressure therefrom. The circular body 102 has a first horseshoe shaped portion 106 extending from a first end 108 to an opposing second end 110. The circular body 102 also has a second horseshoe shaped portion 112 extending from a corresponding first end 114 to an opposing second end 116. The first end 108 of the first horseshoe shaped portion 106 is detachably attached (i.e., selectively attached) to the corresponding first end 114 of the second horseshoe shaped portion 112. The opposite end 110 of the first horseshoe shaped portion 106 is detachably attached to the corresponding second end 116 of the second horseshoe shaped portion 112. The first ends 108, 114 form a continuous first depression line or connection 118 that extends across the top surface 122 and the bottom surface 124 of the circular body 102 and the second ends 110, 116 for a second depression line or connection 120 across the surfaces 122, 124, wherein the first horseshoe shaped portion 106 and the second horseshoe shaped portion 112 are detached along the depression lines 118, 120 when pulled away from each other by a user.

[0029] The circular body 102 is sealed thereby eliminating any leakage of gel filled therein. The circular body 102 can have a thickness of up to 0.5 inches to prevent any discomfort during use of the device 100 while alleviating pressure from the accommodated ulcer. The device 100 can be used as a circular device or as a horseshoe shape device according to the location and size of an ulcer. The horseshoe shaped portions 106, 112 are individually sealed and can be used individually and independently for healing ulcers.

[0030] The bottom surface 124 of the circular body 102 is substantially planar for a secure and stable placement on the foot of a user and the top surface 122 can be convex or substantially flat depending on the preference of a user. In the present embodiment, the bottom surface 124 creates a vacuum suction to adhere the cushion pad 100 to the foot of a user when the cushion pad 100 is pressed against the foot around an ulcer. The gel material 126 included in the horseshoe shaped portions 106, 112 can be similar or different and the device 100 can be kept in a freezing device for freezing the gel 126 before application on the foot around an ulcer or a wound. The circular body 102 can be transparent or translucent and the gel circular body 102 prevents contact of the ulcer to a surface such as when a user using the device 100 walks on the ground surface.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the two horseshoe shaped cushion pads in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the cushion device 100 is divided into two horseshoe shaped cushion pads 106, 112 when detached from the cushion device 100. The horseshoe shaped cushion pads 106, 112 can be of similar size or different sizes depending on preferences of user and manufacturing requirements.

[0032] In some embodiments, the horseshoe shaped cushion pads 106, 112 can be attached to form the circular cushion pad 100 and alternatively, the horseshoe shaped cushion pads 106, 112 may not attach once detached.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the foot of a user with application of cushion pads of the present invention for healing ulcers and wounds in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, a horseshoe shaped pad 106 is positioned around a first ulcer 302 on foot 300 for providing pressure relief and the foot ulcer circular cushion pad 100 is positioned around a second ulcer/wound 304 for providing pressure relief and improving blood circulation. The cushion pads 100, 106 can be used when walking barefoot and during wearing shoes or any footwear as well. The circular cushion body 102 contacts the skin to adjust pressure on the ulcer for promoting healing of the ulcer. Further, the contraction of skin by the circular body 102 helps in improving the circulation in the ulcer to promote healing.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the foot ulcer cushion device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the present embodiment, the bottom surface 402 includes a pressure adhesive layer 404 disposed thereon for adhering the cushion device 400 to the skin of the foot of an individual. Preferably, the adhesive layer 404 is in the form of a silicon gel or liquid silicon. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 404 can be in the form of a transparent acrylic tape. All other specifications of the cushion pad 400 remains same as of the cushion pad 100 of FIG. 1.

[0035] The adhesive layer 404 on the bottom surface 402 of the cushion pad 400 can employ a skin-friendly and repositionable adhesive that does not lose the grip or leave residue on the skin. The adhesive layer 404 can be infused with a mild, skin-regenerating agent to promote healing of the ulcer accommodated by the cushion device 400.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective of a user using the foot ulcer cushion pad of FIG. 4 in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, the cushion device 400 is adhered to the side 502 of the foot 504 of a user using the adhesive layer 404 for providing a stable position of the cushion device 400 around the ulcer 506. The cushion pad 400 can be easily removed by peeling off the cushion pad 400 from the foot of the user. The pad 100, 400 in different embodiments prevent direct contact of an accommodated ulcer with a surface, thereby reducing friction on the ulcer.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, the central aperture 104 of the cushion device 100, 400 can be adjusted by removing the gel from the circular body thereof to accommodate ulcers/wounds of different sizes. The circular body 102 preferably includes silver nanoparticles for improving antimicrobial resistance of the cushion pad device to heal ulcers quickly.

[0038] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein foot ulcer cushion pad device, foot ulcer cushion pad, cushion device, cushion pad, and device are interchangeable and refer to the foot ulcer healing cushion pad device 100, 400 of the present invention.

[0039] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the foot ulcer healing cushion pad device 100, 400 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foot ulcer healing cushion pad device 100, 400 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the foot ulcer healing cushion pad device 100, 400 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the foot ulcer healing cushion pad device 100, 400 are important design parameters for user convenience, the foot ulcer healing cushion pad device 100, 400 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0040] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0041] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.