Pneumatic Compression Stocking Donner

Abstract

An apparatus for donning a compression garment includes a base having a platform extending along a longitudinal axis. A bladder has a wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines an interior volume. The wall is folded upon itself along a rolled end so that a first portion of the wall is surrounded by a second portion of the wall. An inlet port is in fluid communication with the interior volume of the bladder. The outer surface of the first portion of the wall defines a receiving space positioned within and surrounded by the outer surface of the first portion. At least a portion of the bladder is movable relative to the platform to permit the rolled end to change position along the wall of the bladder.

Claims

1. An apparatus for donning a compression garment, the apparatus comprising: a base comprising a platform extending along a longitudinal axis; a bladder having a wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface defines an interior volume, and wherein the wall is folded upon itself along a rolled end so that a first portion of the wall is surrounded by a second portion of the wall; and an inlet port in fluid communication with the interior volume of the bladder, wherein the outer surface of the first portion of the wall defines a receiving space positioned within and surrounded by the outer surface of the first portion, wherein the receiving space is configured to receive a portion of the compression garment, and wherein at least a portion of the bladder is movable relative to the platform to permit the rolled end to change position along the wall of the bladder.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a stand that is configured to rest on a surface, wherein the stand is coupled to the platform so that the stand supports the platform above the surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the wall of the bladder is configured to elongate.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the wall comprises a first material that is configured for elastic elongation and a second material that is resistant to elongation.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bladder is coupled to the platform.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises an upper surface and a pair of spaced longitudinally extending side walls that extend upwardly from the upper surface, wherein the upper surface and the pair of spaced longitudinally extending side walls cooperate to define a channel.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bladder is fixed to the platform at an anchor location.

8. A system comprising: an apparatus as in claim 1; and a compressed air source in fluid communication with the inlet port.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the compressed air source is a pump.

10. A method of using the apparatus of claim 1, the method comprising: inserting a first portion of a compression garment into the receiving space defined by the outer surface of the first portion of the wall; folding the compression garment outwardly around the rolled end of the bladder so that a second portion of the compression garment is positioned over the outer surface of the second portion of the wall; inserting an appendage into the first portion of the compression garment; and inflating the bladder.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein inflating the bladder causes the rolled end of the bladder to change position along the wall of the bladder.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the compression garment is a compression sock, and wherein the appendage is a foot.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, system, and method and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed apparatus, system, and method.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system comprising an apparatus for donning a compression garment (stocking) as disclosed herein.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in which a user has placed a foot within the compression garment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus, as a bladder of the apparatus is initially inflated.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus as the bladder expands and rolls from a platform of the apparatus.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus as the bladder has sufficiently expiated to fully don the

[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded diagram of the splayed open bladder showing examples of the internal components and the stretch/non-stretch potential proportions and shapes.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus with the bladder partially inflated and the compression garment omitted.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the bladder that is configured to receive a user's foot therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The disclosed system and method may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of particular embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

[0022] It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0023] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the can include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a material amounts to a disclosure of embodiments in which only a single material is provided, as well as embodiments in which a plurality of such materials are provided.

[0024] Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event, circumstance, or material may or may not occur or be present, and that the description includes instances where the event, circumstance, or material occurs or is present and instances where it does not occur or is not present.

[0025] Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, also specifically contemplated and considered disclosed is the range from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about, it will be understood that the particular value forms another, specifically contemplated embodiment that should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Finally, it should be understood that all of the individual values and sub-ranges of values contained within an explicitly disclosed range are also specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. The foregoing applies regardless of whether in particular cases some or all of these embodiments are explicitly disclosed.

[0026] Optionally, in some aspects, when values or characteristics are approximated by use of the antecedents about, substantially, or generally, it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value or characteristic can be included within the scope of those aspects.

[0027] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which the disclosed apparatus, system, and method belong. Although any apparatus, systems, and methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present apparatus, system, and method, the particularly useful methods, devices, systems, and materials are as described.

[0028] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word comprise and variations of the word, such as comprising and comprises, means including but not limited to, and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. In particular, in methods stated as comprising one or more steps or operations it is specifically contemplated that each step comprises what is listed (unless that step includes a limiting term such as consisting of), meaning that each step is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps that are not listed in the step.

[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5 and 8, an apparatus 10 for donning a compression garment 90 is shown. The apparatus 10 can comprise a base 12 having a platform 14 extending along a longitudinal axis 16. The apparatus 10 can further comprise a bladder 30 having a wall 32 defining an inner surface 34 and an outer surface 36. The inner surface 34 can define an interior volume 38. The wall 32 can be folded upon itself along a rolled end 40 so that a first portion 42 of the wall (the portion of the wall that is folded inwardly into the interior volume 38) is surrounded by a second portion 44 of the wall. An inlet port 50 can be in fluid communication with the interior volume 38 of the bladder 30. The outer surface 36 of the first portion 42 of the wall 40 can define a receiving space 46 that is configured to receive a portion 92 of the garment 90. At least a portion of the bladder is movable relative to the platform to permit the rolled end 40 to change position along the wall 32 of the bladder 30.

[0030] In some aspects, the base 12 can further comprise a stand 18 that is configured to rest on a surface (e.g., a ground surface). The stand 18 can be coupled to the platform 14 so that the stand supports the platform 14 above the surface. In some aspects, the base 12 can be weighted to inhibit movement relative to the surface. In some aspects, the platform 14 can comprise an upper surface 20 and a pair of spaced longitudinally extending side walls 22 that define a channel 24 therebetween. The bladder 30 can surround the channel 24, and the platform 14 can support the bladder to hold the receiving space 46 sufficiently open to receive the portion of the garment 90 and a foot 2 of a user 1 therein.

[0031] In some aspects, and with reference to FIG. 8, at least a portion of the wall 32 of the bladder 30 can be configured to elongate. For example, a first section 32a of the wall 32 of the bladder 30 that forms the second portion 44 of the bladder can be configured to elongate, whereas a second section 32b of the wall of the bladder that forms the first portion 42 of the bladder 30 can be resistant to elongation. In this way, as the bladder 30 is inflated, the second section 32b can expand, while the first section 32a does not. In some optional aspects, because the first section 32a is not expanding, the rolled end can change position along the wall 32 of the bladder 30. This can push the garment 90 along the appendage of the user, rolling the garment along the appendage as the bladder expands.

[0032] In some aspects, the first section 32a of the wall 32 can comprise a first material that is configured for elastic elongation, and the second section 32b of the wall 32 can comprise a second material that is resistant to elongation. Optionally, said first material can be configured for elongation along only one axis. For example, the first material can comprise one-way stretch material. In some optional aspects, the second material that is resistant to elongation can be configured to stretch no more than 5%, or 4%, or 3%, or 2%, or 1% when a pressure of 35 mmHg is within the interior volume of the bladder. In exemplary aspects, the bladder 30 can comprise parachute cloth, rubber, nylon, or any other combination of elastic and/or rigid fabrics.

[0033] In additional aspects, a support structure can be attached to the bladder to selectively inhibit portions (e.g., some or all portions of the second section 32b of the wall 32) of the bladder from expanding. For example, a non-stretch material can be attached (e.g., optionally, sewn, adhered, or thermally bonded) to portion(s) of the bladder to inhibit elongation. For example, inelastic stitches can be provided in certain portions of the bladder. Optionally, the inelastic stitching can be provided in a pattern that promotes elongation of the bladder in a predetermined fashion. For example, optionally, the non-stretch material can be provided in a pattern of scalene triangles. An acute scalene triangle pattern sewn into the bladder can cause the bladder to increase in diameter by inflation to at different rate around the area applied, as compared to areas without the acute scalene triangle. Accordingly, such a pattern can be used to translate the horizontal inflation force to a vertical inflation force. In additional aspects, non-stretch bands can be coupled to one or more portions of the bladder to inhibit elongation of said one or more portions. The non-stretch bands can comprise, for example, metal or polymer. Optionally, said non-stretch bands can be rigid. In other aspects, the non-stretch bands can be flexible. In some aspects, a non-inflatable band can span across the bladder to inhibit inflation of the bladder beyond a specific diameter in the area applied. This can prevent the stocking from rolling on the bladder instead of rolling onto the foot. An all encapsulating non stretch cylinder over the hollow cylinder bladder can direct all or substantially all the inflation force forward until the bladder inflates past the end of the encapsulating non stretch portion of the bladder, thereby exposing the more elastic hollow cylinder bladder.

[0034] In some aspects, the bladder 30 can be coupled (optionally, fixedly coupled) to the platform 14. For example, the bladder 30 can be coupled to the platform at a distal location from the stand 18. In this way, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the bladder 30 can be moved along the platform 14 so that a second rolled end 52 of the bladder 30 can move toward a distal end of the platform 14 to move the garment along the appendage of the user. That is, under pressure within the bladder 30 and/or pulling of the user, the bladder can move (e.g., via rolling) relative to the platform. It is contemplated that the bladder 30 can be coupled to the platform 14 using any suitable arrangement. For example, in some optional aspects, the bladder 30 can be coupled to the platform through mechanical (e.g., surface-to-surface or frictional) engagement. In other optional aspects, the bladder 30 can be coupled to the platform through adhesive, one or more fasteners, thermal bonding, combinations thereof, or other suitable arrangement or connection.

[0035] A system 10 can comprise the apparatus 10 and a compressed air source 110 in fluid communication with the inlet port 50. For example, tubing 112 can extend between the inlet port 50 and the compressed air source 110. In some aspects, the compressed air source 110 can be a pump. In other aspects, the compressed air source 110 can be a compressed air canister or a compressed air port, such as those in hospitals and medical facilities.

[0036] The apparatus can further comprise a structured foam 78 (e.g., semi-rigid foam) that can provide shape to the bladder as the bladder moves over the appendage (e.g., the foot). For example, the structured foam can provide structure to the bladder at the ankle to urge the bladder around the ankle and upwardly along the calf.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, as air is injected into the bladder 30, the bladder can inflate, expanding against the compression stocking 90. The compression stocking can extend along only a portion 70 of a length of the bladder. The portion 70 of the length of the bladder that the compression stocking extends over can be more compressed than a portion 72 of the bladder that is outside of the stocking because of the pressure applied by the compression stocking (e.g., between 7 mmHG to 35 mmHG depending on the type of compression stocking). Accordingly, the hollow cylinder bladder can rotate forwardly due to the pressure on portion 72 that has less compression than the portion 70. The portion 70 of the hollow cylinder bladder that has the compression stocking 90 over it can rotate onto a foot 2, placing the compression onto the foot. The bladder 30 can further inflate and rotate forward past the toes 4 and dorsum 6 of the foot to the ankle joint and come into contact with the talus/tibia and the shin. The structured foam on the inside of the bladder 30 can maintain the integrity of the structure as the force on the bladder is a horizontal pushing force powered by pneumatic pressure. The portion 72 of the bladder 30 that does not have the compression stocking 90 over it can expand due to the unequal pressure. As the bladder expands, the bladder can rotate over the foot to push the compression stocking 90. Non-stretch patterns sewn into the bladder can help control the way the bladder inflates. Acute scalene triangle patterned and vertical bands are examples of these controls. Once the bladder is fully rotated forward, the compression stocking can be fully applied to the user. The pneumatic pressure can be released, and the user can remove the appendage from the bladder. The user can then rotate the hollow cylinder bladder back over the platform, setting up the apparatus back to the beginning of the cycle.

Exemplary Operation

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the toe of the stocking can be inserted into the receiving space of the bladder, and the rest of the stocking can be pulled around the exterior of the bladder. The user's foot 2 can be positioned in front of the platform, with her toes 4 engaging the inverted toe of the stocking. The foot can be angled with the heel slightly elevated higher than the toes, matching the angle of the platform. To begin the operation, the bladder carrier can be fully retracted around the rigid bladder arm so that the toe portion of the stocking and the user's toes align at the start of operations.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, at the start of operation, the user's toes can be inserted into the toe of the stocking. The user can further slide the foot into the stocking until the stocking is rolled over the toes, the sole, and foot.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, the bladder can then be inflated, with the elastic distal end expanding, causing it to advance towards the smaller proximal end to force the bladder and stocking forwards as detailed in the hollow cylinder bladder section.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, as the bladder expands, both the stocking and bladder can move around the ankle 5.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, the bladder can rotate forwardly up the user's calf 7, fully donning the sock, with an upper end 94 of the stocking 90 against the leg. The bladder can then be deflated, allowing the user to remove their foot.

[0043] The disclosed apparatus can be particularly advantageous for a lymphedema patient. Those with lymphedema or edema in general have taut skin that is more prone to wounds. Skin that is edemas is taut and more easily damaged because of the tension on the skin. Areas on the body that are edemas heal more slowly. This is often a cycle of injury for patients with edema/lymphedema because compression is a regular part of the wound care. The automatic inflatable donner can to reduce hard components around any contact with the skin to reduce shearing or pressure wounds. This is another way the disclosed apparatus differs from the conventional donner devices. Such devices have hard rigid parts that are pulled across the body, adding the shearing/pressure force to already fragile skin. The low pressure required to inflate the device does not damage the skin or create wounds. The disclosed apparatus reduces the strength, coordination and reach required with more traditional donners.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the method and compositions described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.