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GB2541190A - Heel protector boot - Google Patents

Heel protector boot Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2541190A
GB2541190A GB1514067.6A GB201514067A GB2541190A GB 2541190 A GB2541190 A GB 2541190A GB 201514067 A GB201514067 A GB 201514067A GB 2541190 A GB2541190 A GB 2541190A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
dimensional spacer
spacer fabric
layer
protective boot
person
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1514067.6A
Other versions
GB201514067D0 (en
Inventor
David Robert Wood Charlesworth
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BALTEX
Original Assignee
BALTEX
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BALTEX filed Critical BALTEX
Priority to GB1514067.6A priority Critical patent/GB2541190A/en
Publication of GB201514067D0 publication Critical patent/GB201514067D0/en
Publication of GB2541190A publication Critical patent/GB2541190A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1455Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
    • A43B7/147Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties for sick or disabled persons, e.g. persons having osteoarthritis or diabetes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B23/00Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
    • A43B23/02Uppers; Boot legs
    • A43B23/0205Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the material
    • A43B23/0235Different layers of different material
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices ; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/0195Shoe-like orthopaedic devices for protecting the feet against injuries after operations

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Diabetes (AREA)
  • Rheumatology (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

A protective boot 2 comprising a first section for contacting a persons leg 4, and a second section designed to contact a persons foot 6; the boot comprising an opening to expose a persons heel; the first and second sections independently comprising a layer of a first three dimensional spacer fabric and a layer of a second three dimensional spacer fabric 8,10, the first layer contacting the persons body and having a thickness of between 5 and 25 mm, a specified compression resistance of 2 30 kPa, and a water vapour transfer rate greater than 1000g/m2/24 hours according to ASTM E96, the second layer having a thickness of between 12 and 25 mm and a water vapour transfer rate greater than 1000g/m2/24 hours according to ASTM E96. There may be a layer of a third three dimensional spacer fabric 12. The boot preferably is closed and secured using an elastomeric material on its outer surface.

Description

Heel Protector Boot
The present invention relates to a protective boot designed for the offloading of pressure from a heel of a person, and for minimising or preventing the formation of pressure sores in this area.
Any person who sits or lies still without moving their position is susceptible to develop damage to the skin and underlying tissue, i.e. pressure sores or pressure ulcers. People such as the elderly or less mobile, such as those recovering from surgery or who are very overweight or obese, who are less able to move their position regularly, are particularly at risk of developing pressure sores.
Pressure sores can be treated with dressings and creams, but in some instances they can lead to more severe and even life-threatening complications, especially if they become infected. In the UK, about 500,000 people will develop at least one pressure ulcer each year, and about 1 in 20 people admitted to hospital because of a sudden illness will develop a pressure ulcer. The heel is one of the most common places for pressure sores to form.
Protective boots are known in the art which are intended to minimise the occurrence of such pressure sores. However, they are not ideal for the purpose.
The majority of the current heel protector products that are currently in use are made from polyurethane (PU) films or foam materials. An example of a PU film heel protector is the Repose boot offered by Frontier Medical. These heel protectors are unsatisfactory in terms of their performance in that they are not comfortable for a wearer, provide minimum breathability to the skin, and do not provide an adequate microclimate for the heel or foot area. As the medical community now acknowledges, skin integrity through the use of a satisfactory microclimate next to the skin is of vital importance for the wellbeing of a person, and these PU products do not offer this level of microclimate.
An inadequate microclimate is caused by poor breathability of the materials used to manufacture the heel protectors. If the materials exhibit poor breathability, then the person’s skin will also not be able to breathe satisfactorily. When this is the case, perspiration forms on the person’s skin under the material. If this cannot be easily removed because the materials making up the heel protector do not possess good water vapour diffusion properties, then this leads to the formation of bacteria and poor hygiene underneath the material. This can lead to discomfort for the person, and even the formation of further unwanted ailments, such as athlete’s foot and ischaemia of the skin and eventually pressure ulcers.
Foam heel ulcer boots are the most common type of heel ulcer boot currently offered to patients. However, these are also not adequately breathable and do not offer a satisfactory microclimate next to the person’s skin.
Further, many such products are intended to be disposable, and therefore cannot be washed.
There therefore remains a need for a heel protector product that is able to provide an improved microclimate for the heel or foot area, and which is able to be fully washable.
Therefore, in accordance with the invention, there is provided a protective boot comprising a first section designed to come into contact with a person’s leg, and a second section designed to come into contact with a person’s foot; wherein the boot comprises an opening such that a person’s heel is exposed; wherein the first and second sections each independently comprise: (i) a layer of a first three-dimensional spacer fabric, and (ii) a layer of a second three-dimensional spacer fabric; the layer of the first three-dimensional spacer fabric being arranged such that it will come into contact with a person’s body, and the layer of the second three-dimensional spacer fabric being connected to a side of the layer of the first three-dimensional spacer fabric that is distal from the person’s body; wherein the first three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 5 mm and about 25 mm, a specified compression resistance in the range from about 2 to about 30 kPa, and a water vapour transfer rate greater than lOOOg/m /24 hours according to ASTM E96; and wherein the second three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 12 mm to about 25 mm and a water vapour transfer rate greater than lOOOg/m /24 hours according to ASTM E96.
The protective boot according to the invention comprises two areas containing the three-dimensional spacer fabrics. A first area is the calf region, and a second area is under the foot. In each area, it is the first three-dimensional spacer fabric that is positioned so that it is proximal to, or in contact with, a person’s skin, and the second three-dimensional spacer fabric is positioned on the side of the first three-dimensional spacer fabric that is away from the person’s body. In some embodiments, the second three-dimensional spacer fabric may provide the outer surface of the boot. There is an opening in the boot at the heel, allowing the heel to be exposed.
The protective boot according to the invention comprises more than one section, and the sections are connected together to form the completed boot. There is a first section that is in contact with the leg, and a second section that is in contact with the foot, each section independently comprising the first and second three-dimensional spacer fabrics. The first and second sections are typically connected together and are part of the same structure. Alternatively, they could be fastened together by any suitable means, such as, for example, one or more straps of an elastomeric material, a stretchable closing fabric, or a fabric hook and loop fastener (e.g. Velcro®), or a magnetic closing device, on an outer surface of the protective boot. These closing devices may be tightened, or not, according to the amount of oedema present in each patient.
Further, the three-dimensional spacer fabrics comprising each individual section are intended to be wrapped around and closed around the leg or foot. They are then secured in a closed position around the leg or foot using the same connecting or closing means described above.
Typically, a strap of a fastening material (e.g. Velcro®) may also be fitted across the top section of the heel.
The protective boot according to the invention, being made from fabric materials, is readily washable, and can therefore be reused. This of course provides a significant cost saving and positive environmental impact over a product that can only be used once before being thrown away.
Typically, the three-dimensional spacer fabrics are warp knitted spacer fabrics.
The advantages of using three-dimensional spacer fabrics over foams in heel protector products are as follows: • They show very good linear elastic compressibility in the first compression phase; • They retain their thickness over long periods of both static and dynamic loading. This is mainly due to superior resilience of the material; • They are much better at reducing peak pressure than PU foam. Furthermore, they distribute the pressure evenly over much larger areas than PU foam.
Typically, the first three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 7 mm and about 20 mm, and a specified compression resistance in the range from about 3 to about 25 kPa.
Typically, the second three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 15 mm and about 20 mm.
An aspect of the present invention is that the heel of the person should be fully offloaded. This is achieved by supporting the foot using the thicker second three-dimensional spacer fabric, which transfers the mechanical load away from the person’s heel.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective boot further comprises a layer of a third three-dimensional spacer fabric. This third three-dimensional spacer fabric is typically located between the first three-dimensional spacer fabric and the second three-dimensional spacer fabric, in a sandwich arrangement. However, the protective boot may also be constructed without this layer of third three-dimensional spacer fabric. The third three-dimensional spacer fabric may be located in the first (leg) section only, or in the second (foot) section only, or it may be located in both sections. According to one embodiment, it is only located in the first (leg) section.
Typically, the third three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, a specified compression resistance in the range from about 2 to 30 kPa, and a water vapour transfer rate greater than lOOOg/m /24 hours according to ASTM E96. More typically, the third three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 2 mm and about 4 mm, and a specified compression resistance in the range from about 3 to about 25 kPa.
Also provided in accordance with the present invention is a use of a protective boot as defined herein in minimising or preventing formation of pressure sores or pressure ulcers on a person’s heel.
Typically, the first three-dimensional spacer fabric provides a soft surface to be in contact with the skin. This fabric will typically comprise fibres of a material selected from polyester, nylon, a polynosic rayon, polyamide (PA) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Examples of fabrics that can be used in accordance with the invention include thermally conductive polymers, such as phase change materials based on polyester, polyamide, polypropylene and polyethylene, and those marketed under the trade name Coolmax®, or another spacer with a high water vapour transmission rate such as Luxicool®. It dissipates moisture, heat (which is very important for maintaining good skin condition), and also provides a degree of cushioning.
The second three-dimensional spacer fabric used for the outer surface is typically a harder material, having a higher tensile strength than the first three-dimensional spacer fabric. It provides a greater degree of mechanical support to the lower leg, supporting the lower leg so the heel is fully offloaded. Typically, it will comprise a spacer mesh fabric of between 15 and 20 mm in thickness, and also acts as a cushion.
The second three-dimensional spacer may be the same material as that which is used for the first three-dimensional spacer, or it may comprise a different material. Typically, however, the second three-dimensional spacer comprises a different material to the first three-dimensional spacer, and may comprise polyamide or polyester, typically in microfiber form.
Additionally, according to another embodiment of the invention, external to the second three-dimensional spacer, the boot may comprise a further layer of a material that can constitute an outer layer of the protective boot, which material can be readily wiped clean, such as a polyurethane-coated fabric with a water vapour transfer rate that is greater than to 600g/m2/24 hours according to ASTM E96.
The three-dimensional spacer fabric materials used in the invention will also provide hydrostatic loading.
The protective boot of the invention also enables patients to be able to walk short distances while wearing it. This advantage can prevent what is known as “foot drop”, a condition which can develop in patients after long periods of immobility.
The combination of a plurality of layers of three-dimensional spacer fabrics with water vapour transfer rates greater than lOOOg/m /24 hours according to ASTM E96 enables the formation and maintenance of a microclimate that can be maintained for the skin in which the skin retains its tensile strength and is subsequently much less prone to tears or shear forces. In a recent independent study, it was demonstrated that a 1.0°C increase or decrease in temperature has as much effect on reactive hyperemia as an 8-15 mm Hg increase or decrease in interface pressure.
The combination of three-dimensional spacer fabrics with water vapour transfer rates as defined herein has been shown to reduce temperature within by up to 3°C.
The two or more layers of the three-dimensional spacer fabrics are able to move independently from each other within the protective boot. This reduces shear forces within the boot against a person’s skin. This is important, as these shear forces can cause laceration of the outer skin.
The invention will now be described further by way of example with reference to the following figure which is intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting upon the scope of the invention.
Figure 1 depicts a protective boot according to one embodiment of the invention.
The protective boot 2 comprises a first section positioned around a patient’s leg 4, and a second section positioned around a patient’s foot 6. Layers of a first three-dimensional spacer fabric 8,10 are independently in contact with the leg 4 and bottom of the foot 6 of the patient, respectively.
In the first section of the protective boot 2, in direct contact with the layer of the first three-dimensional spacer fabric 8 is a layer of the third three-dimensional spacer fabric 12, which is sandwiched between the layer of the first three-dimensional spacer fabric 8 and a layer of the second three-dimensional spacer fabric 14.
In the second section of the protective boot 2, a layer of a second three-dimensional spacer fabric 16 is in direct contact with the layer of the first three-dimensional spacer fabric 10, on the side that is distal to the bottom of the foot 6.
Providing the outer surface of the boot in both of the first and second sections is a flexible wipe-clean outer layer 18.
It can be seen that the heel 20 of the patient is left exposed by an opening in the protective boot 2.
To ensure that the first and second sections are each closed around the leg and foot of the patient 4,6, stretchable fastening devices 22,24 containing embedded magnetic strips 26,28 are provided on the outer layer 18.
It is of course to be understood that the present invention is not intended to be restricted to the foregoing examples which are described by way of example only.

Claims (11)

Claims
1. A protective boot comprising a first section designed to come into contact with a person’s leg, and a second section designed to come into contact with a person’s foot; wherein the boot comprises an opening such that a person’s heel is exposed; and wherein the first and second sections each independently comprise: (iii) a layer of a first three-dimensional spacer fabric, and (iv) a layer of a second three-dimensional spacer fabric; the layer of the first three-dimensional spacer fabric being arranged such that it will come into contact with a person’s body, and the layer of the second three-dimensional spacer fabric being connected to a side of the layer of the first three-dimensional spacer fabric that is distal from the person’s body; wherein the first three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 5 mm and about 25 mm, a specified compression resistance in the range from about 2 to about 30 kPa, and a water vapour transfer rate greater than 1000g/m2/24 hours according to ASTM E96; and wherein the second three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 12 mm to about 25 mm and a water vapour transfer rate greater than 1000g/m2/24 hours according to ASTM E96.
2. A protective boot according to claim 1, wherein the first three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 7 mm and about 20 mm, and a specified compression resistance in the range from about 3 to about 25 kPa.
3. A protective boot according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 15 mm and about 20 mm.
4. A protective boot according to any preceding claim, further comprising a layer of a third three-dimensional spacer fabric.
5. A protective boot according to claim 4, wherein the third three-dimensional spacer fabric is located between the first three-dimensional spacer fabric and the second three-dimensional spacer fabric.
6. A protective boot according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the third three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, a specified compression resistance in the range from about 2 to 30 kPa, and a water vapour transfer rate greater than 1000g/m2/24 hours according to ASTM E 96.
7. A protective boot according to claim 6, wherein the third three-dimensional spacer fabric has a thickness of between about 2 mm and about 4 mm, and a specified compression resistance in the range from about 3 to about 25 kPa.
8. A protective boot according to any preceding claim, wherein the boot is washable.
9. A protective boot according to any preceding claim, wherein the boot is closed and secured in a closed position using an elastomeric material on its outer surface.
10. Use of a protective boot according to any of claims 1-9 in minimising or preventing formation of pressure sores on a person’s heel.
11. A protective boot, method or use substantially as described herein.
GB1514067.6A 2015-08-10 2015-08-10 Heel protector boot Withdrawn GB2541190A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1514067.6A GB2541190A (en) 2015-08-10 2015-08-10 Heel protector boot

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1514067.6A GB2541190A (en) 2015-08-10 2015-08-10 Heel protector boot

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201514067D0 GB201514067D0 (en) 2015-09-23
GB2541190A true GB2541190A (en) 2017-02-15

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1514067.6A Withdrawn GB2541190A (en) 2015-08-10 2015-08-10 Heel protector boot

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2541190A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3275415A1 (en) * 2016-07-29 2018-01-31 Baltex Products with enhanced healthcare and wellbeing properties

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005052235A1 (en) * 2003-11-25 2005-06-09 Tytex A/S A soft, cushioning ans stiffening spacer fabric
US20050165338A1 (en) * 1995-12-28 2005-07-28 Iglesias Joseph M. Molded orthopaedic devices
US20060287622A1 (en) * 2005-06-21 2006-12-21 Goodwin Edward L Protective device using a spacer fabric
US20120029404A1 (en) * 2009-03-31 2012-02-02 Weaver Ii Edward L Ankle brace

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050165338A1 (en) * 1995-12-28 2005-07-28 Iglesias Joseph M. Molded orthopaedic devices
WO2005052235A1 (en) * 2003-11-25 2005-06-09 Tytex A/S A soft, cushioning ans stiffening spacer fabric
US20060287622A1 (en) * 2005-06-21 2006-12-21 Goodwin Edward L Protective device using a spacer fabric
US20120029404A1 (en) * 2009-03-31 2012-02-02 Weaver Ii Edward L Ankle brace

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3275415A1 (en) * 2016-07-29 2018-01-31 Baltex Products with enhanced healthcare and wellbeing properties

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201514067D0 (en) 2015-09-23

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)