COMPRESSION WRAP WITH A STARTING PORTION FORMED AS A TONGUE

Abstract

The invention relates to a compression bandage adapted to be wrapped around a body part in a helicoidal manner. The compression bandage has a length (L) and a width (W) and the length (L) is several times greater than the width (W). The compression bandage comprises a starting portion (1) and a central portion (2), wherein the central portion (2) is adjacent to the starting portion (1). The starting portion (1) and the central portion (2) comprise a first part (4) and a second part (5), both extending over the entire length of the central portion (2), the first part (4) extending across a part of the width (W) of the compression bandage and the second part (5) extending across a part of the remaining width of the compression bandage. The first part (4) has a first thickness (T1) and a first width (W1) and the second part (5) has a second thickness (T2) and a second width (W2), wherein at any point along its length, in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the second width (W2) is at least half the first width (W1) and the first thickness (T1) is greater than the second thickness (T2). The starting portion (1) comprises an extension (6) of the first part (4) protruding past the end of the second part (5).

Claims

1. A compression bandage adapted to be wrapped around a body part in a helicoidal manner, wherein the compression bandage has a length (L) and a width (W) and the length (L) is several times greater than the width (W), wherein the compression bandage comprises a starting portion (1) and a central portion (2), wherein the central portion (2) is adjacent to the starting portion (1), the starting portion (1) and the central portion (2) comprise a first part (4) and a second part (5), both extending over the entire length of the central portion (2), the first part (4) extending across a part of the width (W) of the compression bandage and the second part (5) extending across a part of the remaining width of the compression bandage, wherein the first part (4) has a first thickness (T.sub.1) and a first width (W.sub.1) and the second part (5) has a second thickness (T.sub.2) and a second width (W.sub.2), wherein at any point along its length, in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the second width (W.sub.2) is at least half the first width (W.sub.1) and the first thickness (T.sub.1) is greater than the second thickness (T.sub.2), characterized in that the starting portion (1) comprises an extension (6) of the first part (4) protruding past the end of the second part (5).

2. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein the length of the central portion (2) is at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of the length (L) of the whole compression bandage.

3. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein the central portion (2) is longer than 50 cm, preferably longer than 70 cm, preferably longer than 90 cm.

4. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the first part (4) comprises a cushioning material.

5. The compression bandage according to claim 4, wherein in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the first part (4) consists of the cushioning material, or comprises at least a layer of the cushioning material extending over the whole length of the first part (4), in particular wherein the layer extends over at least half of the thickness (T.sub.1) of the first part (4).

6. The compression bandage according to claim 4, wherein the cushioning material extends over the width (W.sub.1) of the first part (4).

7. The compression bandage according to claim 4, wherein the cushioning material is open or closed cell foam, laminated open or closed cell foam, non-woven cushioning or woven cushioning, preferably open cell foam or laminated open cell foam, preferably laminated open cell foam.

8. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein the extension (6) is at least 4%, preferably at least 6%, preferably at least 10% of the length (L) of the compression bandage.

9. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein the extension (6) of the first part (4) is longer than 9 cm, preferably longer than 12 cm, preferably longer than 15 cm.

10. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein the length (L) of the compression bandage is at least six times, preferably at least eight times, preferably at least ten times, greater than the width (W) of the compression bandage.

11. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein the length (L) of the compression bandage is greater than 60 cm, preferably greater than 80 cm, preferably greater than 100 cm.

12. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein at any point along its length, in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the second width (W.sub.2) is at least 60% of the first width (W.sub.1), preferably at least equal to the first width (W.sub.1).

13. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the first width (W.sub.1) is between 2 to 8 cm, in particular between 3 to 6 cm, the second width (W.sub.2) is between 2 to 9 cm, in particular between 3 to 7 cm.

14. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein at any point along its length, in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the first thickness (T.sub.1) is at least 25% greater, preferably at least 50% greater, preferably at least 100% greater than the second thickness (T.sub.2).

15. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the first thickness (T.sub.1) is between 3 to 10 mm, in particular between 5 to 7 mm, and/or the second thickness (T.sub.2) is between 1 to 5 mm, in particular between 2 mm to 3 mm.

16. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the first width (W.sub.1) is essentially constant, and/or the second width (W.sub.2) is essentially constant.

17. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the first thickness (T.sub.1) is essentially constant and/or the second thickness (T.sub.2) is essentially constant.

18. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the first part (4) extends across a part of the width (W) of the compression bandage and the second part (5) extends across the remaining part of the width (W) of the compression bandage.

19. The compression bandage according to claim 1, wherein in the starting portion (1) and in the central portion (2), the first part (4) and the second part (5) consist of a first single continuous piece (P.sub.1) and a second single continuous piece (P.sub.2), wherein the first single continuous piece (P.sub.1) and the second single continuous piece (P.sub.2) are distinct.

20. The compression bandage according to claim 19, wherein the first part (4) consists of the first single continuous piece (P.sub.1) and the second part (5) consists of the second single continuous piece (P.sub.2).

21. The compression bandage according to claim 20, wherein the first single continuous piece (P.sub.1) and the second single continuous piece (P.sub.2) are attached side by side by sewing, in particular by zig-zag stitches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof. Such de-scription makes reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

[0040] FIG. 1a shows a compression bandage with an arched shape according to the invention;

[0041] FIG. 1b shows a compression bandage with a straight shape according to the invention;

[0042] FIG. 2a shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of the compression bandage;

[0043] FIG. 2b shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of the compression bandage;

[0044] FIG. 2c shows a sectional view of a third embodiment of the compression bandage;

[0045] FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d show the wrapping of the compression bandage around the calf;

[0046] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a compression bandage around the calf;

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0047] FIG. 1a shows a compression bandage with an arched shape according to the invention. The compression bandage is adapted to be wrapped around a body part, in particular a calf, a foot, a thigh or an arm. The compression bandage has a length L and a width W.

[0048] The compression bandage consists of a starting portion 1, a central portion 2 and a terminal portion 3. For illustration purposes, these three portions are separated by dashed lines, drawn perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The central portion 2 is arranged between the starting portion 1 and the terminal portion 3. I.e., the central portion 2 is adjacent to the starting portion 1 and the central portion 2 is adjacent to the terminal portion 3.

[0049] The compression bandage consists of two parts. The first part 4 is depicted with a striped pattern. The second part 5 is depicted without any pattern. The starting portion 1, the central portion 2 and the terminal portion 3 comprise a first part 4 and a second part 5. The first part 4 comprises an extension 6 protruding past the end of the second part 5. I.e., the first part 4 extends over the whole length L of the compression bandage while the second part 5 is shorter. The extension 6 is arranged in the starting portion 1.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment, the length of the extension 6 is 35 cm. The extension 6 is longer than the circumference of the body part to be wrapped such that it can be trimmed to the right size.

[0051] The first part 4 has the same width as the second part 5.

[0052] Both, the first part 4 and the second part 5 of the compression bandage, as sold, have square ends. It is recommended for the therapist to trim the ends of the first part 4 and of the second part 5 with scissors as illustrated by the dashed lines. The cutting lines are referenced with numbers, 7a, 7b, 7c. Advantageously, the strips of the first part 4 and of the second part 5 consist of materials that do not fray after being cut.

[0053] FIG. 1b shows a similar compression bandage. In comparison to FIG. 1b, the compression bandage does not have an arched shape. It has a straight shape.

[0054] FIG. 2a shows a sectional view of the compression bandage at the position 8 in FIG. 1a, according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2b and FIG. 2c show the same sectional view as FIG. 2a, but illustrating alternative embodiments. In all three embodiments, shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c, the first part 4 has a thickness T1, a width W1, and the second part 5 has a thickness T2 and a width W2. The width W1 of the first part 4 and the width W2 of the second part 5 are identical, i.e., both, the first part 4 and the second part 5 each extend over 50% of the width W of the com-pression bandage, collectively encompassing the whole width W. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness T1 is 5 mm, the thickness T2 is 2.5 mm, both the widths W1 and W2 are each 4 cm, i.e., the total width W is 8 cm. The length L of the compression bandage can be 5 meters.

[0055] The compression bandage has a lower surface 10 facing the skin when wrapped around the body part and an opposite upper surface 9, not facing the body part. The up-per surface 9 is flat. The lower surface 10 is not flat since the thickness of the compression bandage decreases from T1 to T2 in the middle of the width W of the compression bandage.

[0056] The embodiment according to FIG. 2a consists of only one single continuous piece P1. The first part 4 and the second part 5 are made from the same single continuous piece P1.

[0057] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2b. the com-pression bandage consists of two single continuous pieces that have been layered. The second single continuous piece P2 extends over the width W of the compression bandage and has a constant thickness corresponding to the second thick-ness T2. The first single continuous piece P1 extends over half of the width W of the compression bandage and is placed on the lower surface of the second single continuous piece P2 in such a way that a side of the first single continuous piece P1 aligns with a side of the second single continuous piece P2. The first single continuous piece P1 has a thickness corresponding to the difference between the first thickness T1 and the second thickness T2. As such, the first part 4 consists of a layer of the first single continuous piece P1 and of a layer of the second continuous piece P2 whilst the second part 5 consists only of the second continuous piece P2.

[0058] Regarding the third embodiment shown in FIG. 2c, the first single continuous piece P1 extends over half of the width W of the compression bandage and has a constant thickness corresponding to the first thickness T1. The second single continuous piece P2 extends over the other half of the width W of the compression bandage and has a constant thickness corresponding to the second thickness T2. As such, the first part 4 consists only of the first single continuous piece P1 and the second part 5 consists only of the second single continuous piece P2. Preferentially, the first single continuous piece P1 and the second single continuous piece P2 are attached side by side by sewing.

[0059] In all three embodiments, the first single continuous piece P1 can be made of open cell foam or laminated open cell foam. The second single continuous piece P2 can be made of compressed open cell foam or laminated com-pressed open cell foam.

[0060] FIGS. 3a to 3d show how the compression bandage is wrapped around a calf. The ends of the compression bandage have already been trimmed with scissors to the desired length and shape. In a first step, as shown in FIG. 3a, the starting portion 1 is wrapped around the ankle. The length of the extension 6 after trimming matches the circumference of the ankle.

[0061] After having wrapped the extension 6 of the first part 4 around the calf, the second part 5 starts and the width of the compression bandage doubles. In the following wraps, the second part 5 of the compression bandage covers the first part 4.

[0062] The wraps are continued until the calf is covered to the knee. The tab of hook-material 11 is arranged on the end of the terminal portion 3 for securing the end of the compression bandage. The upper layer of the first part 4 and the upper layer of the second part 5 are both loop-material. Half of the tab of hook-material 11 can be attached on the upper surface of the terminal portion 3, whilst the other half is attached to the upper surface of the first part 4 of the previous wrap.

[0063] Furthermore, other tabs of hook-material 12 are arranged on the lower surface 10 of the second part 5. When wrapping the compression bandage around the body part, the loop-material of the upper surface of the first part 4 connects with the tabs of hook-material 11 of the lower sur-face of the second part 5. The tabs of hook-material 12 are shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c and in FIG. 4. The tabs of hook-material 12 are not visible in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 3a to 3c (as they are present on the non-visible surface of the com-pression bandage) but symbolized by dashed circles.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the compression bandage wrapped around the calf. The position of the sectional view is shown by reference number 14 in FIG. 3d. The surface of the calf is referenced by number 13. The starting portion 1 is arranged at the ankle. Five more wraps of the central portion 2 follow and at the end of the compression bandage. Tabs of hook-material 12 are arranged at the lower surface of the compression bandage for progressively securing the compression bandage as it is being wrapped around the calf.

[0065] The different bandages can be designed for different body parts and for people of different sizes. The dimensions could be as follows: [0066] for a calf, the width of the bandage can vary from 6 to 12 cm; preferably the bandage has a width of 8 to 10 cm; preferably 8 cm; the length of the bandage can vary from 1.20 to 7.00 m depending on width; For a narrow band-age width of 8 cm, its length can be 1.80 to 5.30 m; for a wide bandage width of 10 cm, its length can be 1.40 to 4.30 m. [0067] for a foot, the width of the bandage can vary from 4 to 10 cm; preferably the bandage has a width of 6 to 8 cm; preferably 6 cm, the length of the bandage can vary from 0.70 to 5.20 m depending on width; For a narrow band-age width of 6 cm, its length can be 1.20 to 3.50 m; for a wide bandage width of 8 cm, its length can be 0.90 to 2.70 m. [0068] for a thigh, the width of the bandage can vary from 8 to 14 cm; preferably the bandage has a width of 10 to 12 cm; preferably 12 cm, the length of the bandage can vary from 1.20 to 7.50 m depending on width; For a narrow bandage width of 10 cm its length can be 1.70 to 6.30 m; For a wide bandage width of 12 cm, its length can be 1.50 to 5.30 m. [0069] for an arm, the width of the bandage can vary from 4 to 10 cm; preferably, the bandage has a width of 6 to 8 cm; preferably 6 cm, the length of the bandage can vary from 1.50 to 10.00 m depending on width; For a narrow band-age width of 6 cm, its length can be 2.40 to 6.70 m; For a wide bandage width of 8 cm, its length can be 1.80 to 5.10 m. [0070] the bandage may be trimmed at multiple locations to best match the circumference and the length of the limb being wrapped.

[0071] The punctual increase in thickness from the second thickness T2 to the first thickness T1 creates a ridge that enables to guide and support each subsequent wrap of the compression bandage. In the embodiment of FIG. 2c, in which the first single continuous piece P1 and the second single continuous piece P2 are attached side by side by sewing, the sewn line further provides visual guidance. In this way, it is easy to apply the helicoidal wraps with consistent overlap for both a trained therapist and the patient or home care provider.

[0072] The ridge allows each succeeding helicoidal wrap to be mechanically supported by the preceding layer, supporting the compression bandage in place as the body part reduces in size in response to the therapeutic com-pression applied. Periodically located tabs of hook-material provided on the lower surface of the second part attach to the upper surface of the first part of the pre-ceding layer. In this way, the hook and loop fasteners pro-vide a second means to hold the compression bandage in place even if the body part reduces in circumference.

[0073] The tabs of hook-material 12 provide periodic anchoring points to maintain the compression bandage in place whilst, increasing the ease of application for the therapist, the home care provider, or the patient himself.

[0074] Due to the ease of application and guidance provided by the ridge of the first part and sewn line to properly locate each compression bandage spiral layer, the compression bandage can easily and reliably be reapplied by the patient or home care provider as the body part circumference reduces in response to the therapeutic compression applied. In this way, proper therapeutic compression can be maintained between clinical sessions.

[0075] Thus, the present solution provides a one-piece solution that provides an alternative to the multi-layer bandaging that can be quickly and easily applied by trained professionals, home care providers, and patients.